News

CO.STARTERS participants
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CO.STARTERS by Hatch Accelerator Cultivates Local Innovation and Entrepreneurial Spirit

The entrepreneurial momentum in Southwest Virginia continues to build as the fifth CO.STARTERS cohort wraps up a successful program marked by innovation, collaboration and community.
July 31, 2025
2025 awardees with checks
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UVA Wise and The Nature Conservancy Announce Cumberland Forest Community Fund Award Recipients

Selected through a competitive review process, these projects enhance environmental quality, strengthen community capacity, and promote regional economic resilience.
June 11, 2025
Michelle Rozen
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Michelle Rozen to Deliver Keynote Address at Tenth Annual Southwest Virginia Economic Forum

The University of Virginia's College at Wise is pleased to announce that Michelle Rozen, Ph.D., a renowned researcher and expert in the psychology of change, will deliver the keynote address at the Tenth Annual Southwest Virginia Economic Forum on May 22.
May 1, 2025
Anne & Gene Worrell Foundation
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Anne & Gene Worrell Foundation Makes Investment in UVA Wise Student Scholarships and Regional Leadership Initiatives

The gift will be matched with a $500,000 investment from the University of Virginia’s Bicentennial Funds, bringing its total impact to $1.5 million. The gift also provides a leadership endowment to support the College’s LEAD Southwest Virginia program.
March 31, 2025
Attendees at the SWVA Economic Forum
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10th Annual Southwest Virginia Economic Forum Meeting the Moment, Shaping the Future

This year’s theme, “Meeting the Moment, Shaping the Future,” will celebrate the region’s achievements while focusing on efforts that will create future opportunities.
March 27, 2025
Mountains and clouds
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UVA Wise Receives Funding to Promote Resiliency Planning and Lower Energy Costs in Southwest Virginia

UVA Wise will support and coordinate the project work. The funding will impact 10 communities throughout Southwest Virginia.
January 16, 2025
Clouds over mountains
Featured

Cumberland Forest Community Fund Announces Fourth Round of Funding in Southwest Virginia

Applications are welcome from projects located in seven counties in Southwest Virginia—Buchanan, Dickenson, Lee, Russell, Scott, Tazewell and Wise—as well as the City of Norton.
January 15, 2025
E-cup competitors
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UVA Wise Hosts Successful Entrepreneurship Concept Cup Competition

Twelve students from the largest group of competitors to date showcased their innovative business concepts, vying for a share of $5,000 in prizes.
January 13, 2025
Man speaking at podium
Featured

UVA Wise Announces Regional Leadership Development Program

UVA Wise recently announced a new regional leadership development program set to launch in 2025 at the Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center in Abingdon, Virginia.
December 16, 2024
2024 award recipients of the Cumberland Forest Community Fund with their checks
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UVA Wise and The Nature Conservancy Announce 2024 Cumberland Forest Community Fund Award Recipients

The Towns of Cleveland, Dungannon, Honaker, and Richlands, along with Appalachian Sustainable Development, Breaks Interstate Park, Friends of the Buchanan County Library, and Mountain Kids Inc., have been awarded a total of $100,000 for projects.
June 4, 2024
Dan Schawbel and Dwayne Yancey
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New York Times Bestselling Author and Thought Leadership Expert to Speak at Ninth Annual SWVA Economic Forum; Cardinal News Executive Editor to Provide Closing Remarks

“A Region on the Move” is the 2024 theme for the conference, which will be a hybrid event that participants can attend online or in person. The event is on Thursday, May 23, at the College’s David J. Prior Convocation Center from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
April 30, 2024
Christine Chmura
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Ninth Annual SWVA Economic Forum to Feature Chmura Economics & Analytics CEO’s State of the Region; PBS Appalachia General Manager Julie Newman to Emcee

“A Region on the Move” is the 2024 theme for the conference, which will be a hybrid event that participants can attend online or in person. The event begins at 8 a.m. and ends at 3 p.m.
April 15, 2024