Community & Economic Development
Building a bright future together
The Office of Community and Economic Development at UVA Wise supports Southwest Virginia by:
- Connecting resources available at the University of Virginia to opportunities in Southwest Virginia.
- Linking regional communities to faculty, staff, and students through strategic partnerships.
- Serving as a source of professional and leadership development.
- Supporting community and economic development throughout the region.
“Being the only four-year public school located in Southwest Virginia, we have a unique opportunity to leverage the strengths of the College to impact our region.” — Chancellor Donna P. Henry
Far-reaching economic impacts
The College is committed to improving the quality of life and economic vitality of Southwest Virginia, and it serves as a major economic engine, as evidenced in the 2023 impact report issued by the Virginia Business Higher Education Council. The study was commissioned as part of the Council's "Growth4VA" campaign, which aims to secure additional funding to support internships and new talent pathways for students.
National recognition
In fall 2023, UVA Wise joined 91 institutions across the U.S., including two in the Commonwealth, as an Innovation and Economic Prosperity (IEP) institution. The designation, conferred by the Association of Public & Land-Grant Universities (APLU), consisted of a rigorous self-study process that ran concurrently with the College's strategic planning process. The IEP is considered the leading certification process recognizing higher education institutions that have demonstrated a substantial, sustainable, and campus-wide commitment to regional economic and community development.
SWVA Economic Forum
The Tenth Annual Southwest Virginia Economic Forum will be held May 22, 2025.
GO Virginia Region One
GO Virginia is changing the way Virginia’s diverse regions collaborate. Learn more about upcoming events and application deadlines.
Entrepreneurship
We are committed to helping students reach their full potential as they plan to start new ventures or act as drivers of innovation in their careers.
Learn More
- The Nest: Dedicated to serving aspiring entrepreneurs in Southwest Virginia.
- Opportunity SWVA: A collaborative effort to strengthen entrepreneurship in the region.
- Entrepreneurship Cup: An annual competition that encourages new ventures.
Contact Lamar Steele to learn more about entrepreneurship at UVA Wise.
Outreach and Partnerships
We are pleased to work closely with other organizations dedicated to making Southwest Virginia a great place to live and work.
- UVA Wise Abingdon Campus at the Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center
- Virginia’s e-Region
- Virginia Talent + Opportunity Partnership (VTOP) – Region 1
- Virginia: The Best State for Business
Technology Partnership Program
UVA Wise establishes strategic partnerships with businesses and industries throughout Southwest Virginia, including:
- Northrop Grumman
- Sykes
- Crutchfield
- Virginia Department of Energy
- CGI
- Russell County Industrial Development Authority
- Southwest Virginia Community College
Request a Project
If you would like to learn more about how we can support you and your organization, please get in touch!
Contact Randall Rose, Associate Vice Chancellor for Community & Economic Development, to learn more about becoming a strategic partner.