During the December 2024 Board Meeting of the Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center, significant updates were shared regarding ongoing projects and initiatives aimed at enhancing educational opportunities in the region.

One of the key highlights was the announcement of a new initiative, the Yale School Energy Academy, which emerged from a grant written by Joy last spring. This project aims to explore energy education and sustainability practices, reflecting a growing commitment to environmental issues within the educational framework. The initiative has already gained traction, having entered a live meeting in ProVirginia, indicating strong support and potential funding for its development.

Additionally, the construction of the SimLab is progressing, albeit at a slower pace than desired. The team expressed optimism about showcasing advancements in the upcoming June meeting, which suggests that the facility will soon play a crucial role in hands-on learning experiences for students.

The board also discussed the status of the window project, which is nearing completion. While it appears finished to the casual observer, the project is reported to be 95% complete, with some final details being addressed. The involvement of legal counsel from the University of Virginia has been necessary to ensure that all aspects of the project are finalized correctly. The board noted that despite challenges, including a water test named after Hurricane Helene Jones, the project has weathered these issues successfully.

In conclusion, the meeting underscored the Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center's ongoing commitment to enhancing educational infrastructure and sustainability initiatives. As projects like the Yale School Energy Academy and the SimLab continue to develop, they promise to provide valuable resources and learning opportunities for the community. The board looks forward to further updates and the completion of these projects in the coming months.