Empowering Southwest Virginia together

UVA Wise is helping shape the future of Southwest Virginia and beyond. By serving as a neutral convener and trusted partner, the College brings together leaders, organizations, and communities to strengthen regional collaboration, diversify the economy, and support community development.

The Division of Strategic Engagement & Government Relations connects partners and opportunities—supporting business growth, building strategic partnerships, expanding professional development, and advancing economic and community prosperity throughout the region.

Our mission

Connected

We connect resources from the University of Virginia to opportunities in Southwest Virginia.

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Committed

We’re devoted to supporting community and economic development throughout our region.

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Credible

We’ve been recognized as an Innovation and Economic Prosperity institution by the APLU.

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Far-reaching economic impacts

UVA Wise is a major economic engine in our region, as shown by a 2025 impact report from the University of Virginia.

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Nationally recognized for our commitment to the region

In 2023, UVA Wise was named an Innovation and Economic Prosperity institution, honored for our substantial, sustainable, and campus-wide commitment to regional economic and community development.

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Stories

LEAD SWVA
Featured

UVA Wise is Now Accepting Applications for the 2026 Cohort of LEAD SWVA

LEAD SWVA is a seven-month experiential program that runs from May through November that brings together professionals from the public, private and nonprofit sectors.
February 20, 2026
Sydney Boggs
Featured

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

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.
February 13, 2026
Hatch participants
Featured

UVA Wise and Dickenson County Partner on Startup Bootcamp Cohort at Dickenson County Business Incubator

The new startup bootcamp cohort reflects a shared commitment to strengthening entrepreneurship, small business growth and local economic opportunity across Southwest Virginia.
February 10, 2026
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