From such funds as may be appropriated, the Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center is hereby established as an educational institution in the Commonwealth and shall be referred to in this chapter as the “Center”. The Center shall:
1. Encourage the expansion of higher education, including adult and continuing education, associate degrees to be offered by Virginia Highlands Community College, undergraduate degrees to be offered by the University of Virginia’s College at Wise, and graduate degree programs, in the Southwest region of the Commonwealth and foster partnerships between the public and private sectors to enhance higher education in the region;
2. Coordinate the development and delivery of continuing education programs offered by those educational institutions serving the region;
3. Facilitate the delivery of teacher training programs leading to licensure and graduate degrees;
4. Serve as a resource and referral center by maintaining and disseminating information on existing educational programs and resources; and
5. Develop, in coordination with the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia, specific goals for higher education in Southwest Virginia.
History
1991, c. 627; 1992, c. 132; 1999, cc. 424, 437; 2004, c. 1000.
