UVA Wise announces regional leadership development program to boost economic growth

The Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center's December 2024 Board Meeting highlighted significant advancements in local educational programs aimed at boosting the region's workforce and leadership capabilities. A key focus was the rural IT apprenticeship program, which aims to connect young IT professionals with businesses in rural Virginia. Despite some eligibility hurdles for participating companies, including size and location restrictions, the program has seen promising engagement. Digital marketing efforts launched in October have already attracted 2,000 clicks, with 400 individuals interacting with the program's landing page, resulting in seven solid leads and five completed apprentice applications.

Randy Rose, the Associate Vice Chancellor for Community and Economic Development at UVA Wise, presented updates on leadership development initiatives. He emphasized the importance of cultivating local leaders through programs like LEED SWBA, a regional leadership development program designed to equip participants with essential skills for community and economic growth. The program, which spans seven months, aims to foster connections among leaders across various sectors in Southwest Virginia.

Additionally, Rose noted the growth of UVA Wise, which is expanding its academic offerings, including a new online Master's in Business Technology expected to launch in the fall. This program aims to provide students with both business acumen and data analytics skills, catering to a diverse range of industries.

Virginia Tech's Southwest Center also reported on its initiatives, including the successful Virginia Small Towns Conference held at the Higher Education Center, which brought together leaders from across the Commonwealth to share resources and network. The center is also conducting research to support educator retention in local counties and is piloting an AgSTEM Academy to engage students in agriculture through hands-on experiences.

The meeting underscored a collaborative effort among educational institutions to address workforce needs and enhance leadership in Southwest Virginia, with ongoing marketing and program development expected to yield further positive outcomes in the coming months.