UVA Wise Appoints Alumna Sydney Boggs as GO Virginia Region 1 Program Director

The University of Virginia’s College at Wise has appointed Sydney Boggs, a 2016 alumna of the College, as the new GO Virginia Region 1 program director. 

Boggs joined UVA Wise in 2023 as an administrative specialist and later served as GO Virginia Region 1 program manager. In those positions, she played a key role in supporting regional initiatives, coordinating with local and state partners and advancing collaborative efforts toward long-term economic growth across Southwest Virginia.

Prior to her work with GO Virginia, Boggs spent seven years as an educator, teaching students in grades two through eight. Her background in education shaped her collaborative approach and informed her ability to bring together partners from business, government and education to work toward shared goals.

"Sydney brings a strong combination of regional knowledge, professional experience and a deep personal commitment to Southwest Virginia,” said Shannon Blevins, vice chancellor for strategic engagement and government relations at UVA Wise. “Her leadership and understanding of the region’s needs position her well to advance the goals of GO Virginia Region 1.”

GO Virginia is a bipartisan, business-led economic development initiative that supports programs aimed at creating higher-paying jobs through incentivized collaboration among business, education and government partners. The initiative seeks to diversify and strengthen the economy in every region of the commonwealth by aligning workforce development, innovation and industry needs.

UVA Wise serves as the support organization for Region 1, which includes the cities of Bristol, Galax and Norton, and the counties of Bland, Buchanan, Carroll, Dickenson, Grayson, Lee, Russell, Scott, Smyth, Tazewell, Washington, Wise and Wythe.

As Region 1 program director, Boggs will represent UVA Wise as the support organization lead, providing coordination for the state program and working closely with members of the GO Virginia Region 1 Council.

“Sydney has already proven herself as a trusted partner and effective leader during her time working with the program,” said Pam Collie-Price, chair of the GO Virginia Region 1 Council. “She will be a tremendous asset as we continue to strengthen economic opportunities throughout the region.”

Boggs earned a bachelor’s degree in liberal arts and sciences from UVA Wise. A native of Norton, Virginia, she brings firsthand knowledge of the region’s strengths, challenges and potential for growth.

“We are very optimistic about the future of GO Virginia Region 1 under Sydney’s leadership,” Blevins said. “She brings energy, vision and a genuine passion for this region, and we are confident she will continue to build strong partnerships and drive meaningful economic progress in Southwest Virginia.”