By Quentin R. Johnson, Ph.D.

During my college years, I served on the Student Activities Board, an organization that worked closely with the institution's Student Government Association (SGA) to help plan and fund student organizations and events. Learning about planning, scheduling, and hosting student activities gave me a strong sense of accomplishment. I felt like I was really making a difference, and these leadership experiences helped shape my interests in beginning a career in higher education. Because this involvement was so important to me, I was excited when we elected our first college-wide SGA at Southside Virginia Community College this past semester.

According to Dr. Daryl Minus, our Vice President of Enrollment Management and Student Success, "The SGA will be an important focal point for ensuring that the student voice is heard in ways that can inform college policy and procedures and influence the quality and availability of learning opportunities, programs, and services at SVCC. Participating students will develop leadership and advocacy skills, gain access to state-wide leadership development opportunities, and gain valuable resume-building experience that can benefit their future careers."

SVCC's Student Experience Coordinator, Vondrenna Smithers, serves as advisor to the SGA. She explains its four key initiatives: 1) fostering transparent communication on student matters; 2) actively engaging in the College's shared governance; 3) encouraging student involvement in college activities; and 4) cultivating a strong sense of school spirit, which we call Panther Pride.

Ms. Smithers reports, "Our current SGA consists of six great student leaders. Four of them hold SGA Executive Board roles. These are President, Vice President, Secretary, and Treasurer. The other two serve as senators for the online community."

Shalita Corley, SGA President, says she was honored to be elected. The accomplishment was well deserved. After an interruption in her academic journey, she resumed her studies at SVCC. "Returning to school showed my children that no matter how far you go in life, it is never too late to start or restart something that you once had a passion for. I feel like I cannot tell them how important getting an education is, if I never push for it myself."

Ms. Corley is on track to graduate in May 2024 with an AAS degree in Administrative Support Technology: Medical Office Specialization. She plans to pursue additional studies in nursing with the dream of becoming a Nurse Midwife.

Regarding her position as SGA president, she notes, "We have an awesome SGA group, and we are excited to lay down some good roots for those to follow us." She wants her fellow students to know that the SGA will make sure the students are being heard. "We are trying to create the best possible experience while being a SVCC student."

Ms. Corley advises others, "To be successful in whatever that you choose to do, you need a good foundation. At SVCC you can build that foundation with well-rounded educators, an awesome team of advisors who will help you with anything in their power to help you with, and a slew of other cheerleaders, cheering you on to do your absolute best."

SVCC's SGA provides students an opportunity to shape what happens at the college. Its members serve as leaders, mentors, and role models. They give voice to the student body, and in the process, they will discover new passions and directions for themselves.

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Dr. Quentin R. Johnson is president of Southside Virginia Community College, an institution of higher learning that provides a wide variety of education opportunities to a diverse student population within a service area that spans ten counties and the City of Emporia. He can be reached via email at quentin.johnson@southside.edu.

By Quentin R. Johnson, Ph.D.

The Governor's Summit on Rural Prosperity, sponsored by the Virginia Rural Center, convened last month at Fort Barfoot with more than 200 people in attendance. I was proud to participate as part of a panel discussion on "Unlocking Innovation in Rural Virginia." Our Southside area is indeed poised for innovation. All around us, you can feel the energy and excitement.

Kristie Helmick Proctor, Executive Director of the Virginia Rural Center, is well acquainted with the advantages of rural living. She particularly enjoys the open spaces, family ties, and hometown pride. She says, "There is no place I'd rather live, work, and play than in a rural area. As a mom of three young kids, I feel so blessed to raise my children in rural Virginia."

Beyond the personal benefits, Helmick Proctor emphasizes the importance of rural areas for the Commonwealth's wellbeing. "If you enjoy eating food, you have likely benefited from one of rural Virginia's beautiful farms. Additionally, enjoyable recreational activities and some of the greatest memories made by families happen in rural Virginia.

Education plays an important role in sustaining rural communities. Helmick Proctor explains, "If we want to retain our best and brightest in rural Virginia, education will remain a critical tool. Whether it be learning a trade, acquiring a college degree, or obtaining an advanced degree, we need to have opportunities for folks to thrive in their rural communities."

Chandler Vaughan, who serves as the Virginia Rural Center's Leadership and Policy Adviser, also notes the benefits of growing up in a rural area. "Being from a rural region often means having a get-it-done attitude."

According to Vaughan, the most under-utilized resources in rural communities are the people who live there. "There is so much talent and drive with professionals and young people from rural communities. We can harness that potential by creating jobs and economic development opportunities in rural Virginia." He explains that rural leaders can develop their skills by participating in the annual Virginia Rural Leadership Institute (cfrv.org/vrli).

The conference's keynote address was delivered by Virginia's Lt. Governor Winsome Earle-Sears. She called for increased broadband infrastructure to attract businesses and remote workers, an invigorated focus on energy availability to support military installations and data centers, and continued innovations in the digital resources required to sustain progress.

Many participants commented on the vital role that public/private partnerships play throughout the region. One of the best examples is SVCC's Power Line Worker Program, which was developed in collaboration with electric cooperatives and public agencies. The program is six years old and has produced more than 500 graduates, who currently work for more than 50 companies. Other examples include our programs that train commercial truck drivers, diesel repair technicians, welders, and HVAC/Electrical Technicians. These hands-on programs are so successful that employers often visit our classrooms to hire prospective graduates. In fact, statistics show that 88% of rural community college graduates stay in that college's service area.

Our rural, Southside region holds many advantages. The area's cultural heritage, historic sites, unique small towns, and opportunities for outdoor recreation help draw attention, but its sense of community is what forms the most lasting impression. The people are incredible. They care about one another. Not only do they want to succeed personally, but they want to see their neighbors succeed as well.

Dr. Quentin R. Johnson is president of Southside Virginia Community College, an institution of higher learning that provides a wide variety of education opportunities to a diverse student population within a service area that spans ten counties and the City of Emporia. He can be reached via email at quentin.johnson@southside.edu.

By Quentin R. Johnson, Ph.D.

Some years ago, I encountered a student whose young daughter was undergoing treatment for brain cancer. That institution's foundation provided financial help so he could stay in school while paying for his child's prescriptions. The story has a sad ending because the little girl passed away. Her father was able to move past the tragedy and continue his studies because of the generosity and support of others.

When I accepted the role of President here at Southside Virginia Community College, I was delighted to learn that the SVCC Foundation also deploys emergency funds in times of crisis. These funds have been set up by donors who understand the value of lending a helping hand.

Mr. Mike Berryman is one of those benefactors. He knows first-hand how a little assistance can make a huge difference.

Mr. Berryman studied pharmacy at the Medical College of Virginia. He married a young nursing school graduate (his high school sweetheart), Jean, in 1962. He says his wife helped put him through his senior year in college. He notes, "Throughout my life, I've been very fortunate. Many people mentored and assisted me. They helped me get on my feet before, during, and after school."

During his professional career, Mr. Berryman worked as a pharmacist and also served on the board at Benchmark Bank. He managed a hospital-based pharmacy at Community Memorial Hospital. At CMH, he learned about a single mother who was also a nursing school student. "She'd go to school during the week. She'd come to work on Friday afternoons and sleep in her car Friday and Saturday nights so that she could go to work." Many nursing students were in similarly difficult situations.

Later as he approached retirement, Benchmark Bank gave a donation to the SVCC Foundation in his honor, designating that the funds be used to assist students in distress. Mr. Berryman and his wife have personally added to that fund since then. "So many people fall through the cracks and there are a lot of ways to help them," he says. "We're happy we can give back."

At SVCC, many of the requests for funds to assist students come through faculty and staff who are closest to the students and know where help is needed. A SVCC faculty member, Lisa Back, shared the following, "I have seen students homeless, tired from working double shifts and still coming to class.  They are hungry from skipped meals, worried from sending children to school sick and distracted from concerns I can only imagine.  It is humbling to witness the determination and bravery it takes to try for higher education goals.  They are worth every effort."

I am proud of our SVCC family and of our community that goes the extra mile to assist in each student's quest for education and training. 

Dr. Quentin R. Johnson is president of Southside Virginia Community College, an institution of higher learning that provides a wide variety of education opportunities to a diverse student population within a service area that spans ten counties and the City of Emporia. He can be reached via email at quentin.johnson@southside.edu.

By Quentin R. Johnson, Ph.D.

The U.S. Department of Education reports that students who earn college credits before high school graduation reap numerous benefits. These include an increased likelihood of college graduation, a reduced average time to obtain a college degree, and significant savings on tuition and other expenses.

Southside Virginia Community College works hand-in-hand with the school districts across our service area to bring a slate of options to area high-school students. One of the most immersive and challenging opportunities is the Governor's School of Southside Virginia (GSSV), an academic-year program that enables gifted and highly motivated juniors and seniors to spend half of each school day with their peers in a college campus setting.

Virginia's Governor's School Program originated in 1973, and today it has expanded to more than 40 sites. Some focus exclusively on summer programming. GSSV is one of 19 that operate through the full academic year. Enrolled students spend part of their day at one of SVCC's main campuses and then return to their local high schools for other required programming. Upon successful completion, students receive an Associate's degree from SVCC in addition to receiving a high school diploma from their local school.

GSSV students participate in a learning community with an intensity that goes deeper than traditional education. Mrs. Wesley Swain, Director, notes that students "follow a rigorous interdisciplinary curriculum in science, math, English, and research courses. They use current technologies in laboratories where they conduct in-depth research and work with each other on special projects. They also benefit from the real-world experiences shared by local business and industry leaders who assist with research projects and serve as mentors and examples."

Mrs. Swain explains, "Admission to GSSV is based on a competitive selection process, and prospective students should know that the amount of work required is greater than that of traditional high school courses."

Each of the ten public school divisions in SVCC's service area that participate in the Governor's School of Southside Virginia hosts its own recruitment meeting for prospective students and their parents. SVCC's two main campuses also hold "GSSV Shadowing Days" for interested students. These events allow students the opportunity to travel to campus, participate in classes, and experience a GSSV day. Interested students should seek specific scheduling details from their school counselors.

In general, admission requirements include an overall cumulative 3.5 GPA (or recommendation from at least one core teacher who feels the student would qualify, except for unusual situations or conditions) and the successful completion of Algebra I and II and geometry for junior level students.

Potential students should remember that GSSV courses at SVCC's campuses are college classes, not simply high school classes held in a college setting. They include college-level content and are taught by instructors who have the degrees and credentials to teach at a community college. Upon successful completion, students receive high school credit as well as college credit, which becomes part of their permanent college transcripts.

For more information about the benefits and challenges of this program for gifted and highly motivated high school juniors and seniors, prospective students can visit the GSSV website at gssvsouthside.org or contact the GSSV Director, Mrs. Swain, at wesley.swain@southside.edu.

Dr. Quentin R. Johnson is president of Southside Virginia Community College, an institution of higher learning that provides a wide variety of education opportunities to a diverse student population within a service area that spans ten counties and the City of Emporia. He can be reached via email at quentin.johnson@southside.edu.

By Quentin R. Johnson, Ph.D.

The U.S. Supreme Court recently issued a ruling that disallowed affirmative action in the admissions policies of some of our nation's institutions of higher learning. The recent decision specifically examined practices at Harvard College in Massachusetts and at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

According to a court document, "Both Harvard and UNC employ a highly selective admissions process to make their decisions. Admissions to each school can depend on a student's grades, recommendation letters, or extracurricular involvement. It can also depend on their race."

In a pair of decisions, the Court determined, "Harvard's and UNC's admissions programs violate the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment."

The practice of affirmative action in college admissions can be traced back to the 1950s when the Court first ruled against race-based segregation in public education. Racial classifications considered in a positive manner were permitted when the intent was to help institutions overcome the effects of past segregation. In more recent years, the Court has emphasized the educational value of diversity on campuses because diversity encourages understanding across racial barriers, helps break down race-based stereotypes, promotes learning outcomes, and better prepares students to enter the professional world.

If the objective is to offer quality education to a diverse student body, Virginia's community colleges can serve as an example. A recent assessment across the Commonwealth's 23 community colleges found that white students made up approximately half of the student population and those who identified with other racial or ethnic groups represented the other half. This level of diversity seems representative of Virginia's demographic makeup.

Matthew S. Dunn, Career and Transfer Counselor at Southside Virginia Community College, explains some of the policies that have helped community colleges attain this important goal. First, he says, "There is no upfront cost to applying for anyone." After that, admission is assured. With the one small exception of people who are registered with Virginia State Police as sexual offenders, "Everyone is accepted."

Students do not need to gather recommendation letters. There is no litmus test that awards bonus points for specific extracurricular activities. No preferences are given to children of alumni or relatives of donors. There is no extra benefit or detriment given to students who belong to certain racial, ethnic, religious, or gender-based groups. There are no required admissions tests. College Navigators simply use information, such as a student's high school grades and level of math achievement, to help determine a comfortable starting point.

For students who hope to complete their education journeys at one of Virginia's selective senior institutions, community colleges can help smooth the way. Mr. Dunn explains, "We have Guaranteed Acceptance Agreements with 35 of Virginia's four-year institutions. If a student finishes the two-year Associate of Arts and Sciences degree and meets or exceeds the minimum grade point average set by the institution, and they apply on time, they are accepted. 

Furthermore, a new platform for transfer students, called Transfer VA, is in development. Its objective is to have two tracks, one in humanities and the other in STEM-H, which is Science, Technology, Engineering, Math, and Health, that would be universally accepted by all four-year partners."

At SVCC and at all of Virginia's community colleges, everyone, absolutely everyone, is welcome. Always. The doors are open and opportunity awaits. Visit southside.edu for more information.

Dr. Quentin R. Johnson is president of Southside Virginia Community College, an institution of higher learning that provides a wide variety of education opportunities to a diverse student population within a service area that spans ten counties and the City of Emporia. He can be reached via email at quentin.johnson@southside.edu.

By Quentin R. Johnson, Ph.D.

On July Fourth, we celebrated our nation's birth. On July 30, we will recognize National Support Public Education Day. Having both observances in the same month serves as an important reminder that freedom and education go hand in hand.

Education has roots in antiquity. In places where formal systems developed, such as ancient Egypt, Greece, and China, schools were often open only to specific classes of students: those of the upper and ruling classes, those in religious training, and those with the ability to pay tuition. Here in the United States, the first steps toward developing free, public education followed closely on the heels of our nation's founding.

The Center on Education Policy (CEP), an independent research and information resource, explains it this way: "The Founding Fathers maintained that the success of the fragile American democracy would depend on the competency of its citizens. They believed strongly that preserving democracy would require an educated population that could understand political and social issues and would participate in civic life, vote wisely, protect their rights and freedoms, and resist tyrants and demagogues."

Despite its importance, however, the spread of public education was uneven. Rural areas often had fewer options. Children of color were sent to segregated schools that lacked fundamental resources. Recent immigrants and people of non-Protestant religious faiths faced discrimination.

According to the CEP, "It took many decades and the force of civil rights legislation and court decisions before universal access to public education matured into the full pursuit of equal educational opportunity for all racial, ethnic, religious, and linguistic groups, as well as for girls and children with disabilities."

That work continues. Many schools still struggle in their efforts to provide a high-quality education to all students. The National Education Association, an organization with three million members dedicated to excellence in public education, notes that some of today's biggest challenges include adequate funding, school safety, fair testing policies, discipline, student absenteeism, and an ever-evolving catalog of legislative requirements.

Still, public education remains the cornerstone upon which our nation's future rests. A robust education system is necessary to ensure that tomorrow's voters understand topics impacting public policy. They must acquire financial literacy, a fundamental grounding in the basic sciences, and knowledge of existing and emerging technologies. They also need to understand the historical context and current status of social justice issues and environmental concerns. Furthermore, to move forward in peace, understanding one another across different cultural and socioeconomic perspectives is imperative.

Among post-secondary education options, public institutions often offer the best value. The National Center for Education Statistics reports that the average annual cost of attendance at a private, nonprofit four-year institution is $55,800 compared with $26,000 at public institutions. Community colleges have the lowest costs. For example, here at SVCC annual costs for tuition and fees average $4,695 for in-state students (and $10,698 for those who come from other states).

If you'd like to honor the role education plays in our country, here are some suggestions for things you can do: Read a book, or read a book to a child. Send a thank-you note to a teacher. Encourage a wavering child to maintain regular school attendance. Volunteer in a classroom or for other school-related activities. Support legislative initiatives that strengthen schools. And, finally, participate in life-long learning opportunities.

Dr. Quentin R. Johnson is president of Southside Virginia Community College, an institution of higher learning that provides a wide variety of education opportunities to a diverse student population within a service area that spans ten counties and the City of Emporia. He can be reached via email at quentin.johnson@southside.edu.

By Quentin R. Johnson, Ph.D.

A traditional education path begins with preschool learning and advances until high school graduation unlocks the door to expanded opportunities. This customary route does not fit every need, however. Life situations can sometimes cause students to abandon the system. Afterward, unfulfilled learners often discover a renewed desire to pursue basic skills, high school equivalency credentials, and training for employment. Adult education programs fill this gap.

Southside Virginia Community College has been involved in adult education since the late 1980s. We serve students at all literacy levels who are 18 years of age and older and live in the counties of Amelia, Brunswick, Buckingham, Charlotte, Cumberland, Halifax, Lunenburg, Mecklenburg, Nottoway, and Prince Edward. We offer adult basic education, adult secondary education, computer literacy, financial literacy, and various integrated education and training programs through partnerships with SVCC's Workforce Development Department.

Jennifer Bass, a former student in SVCC's GED® credential program, is one example of someone who took an alternate path to academic success. During the traditional years for schooling, she did not complete high school. She reports her pragmatic reasoning, "I was, at the time, not doing very well in school, and I made the decision to quit and get a job."

Initially, Ms. Bass achieved her immediate goals. "During the time after high school, I worked at an auto parts store, and I was the floor manager."

After she married and had two children, life became more complicated. Ultimately, Ms. Bass decided that resuming her education would help her achieve her goals. "I questioned myself and had a fear of not being able to learn the material, especially math," she recalls. She faced those concerns and enrolled in SVCC's adult education program.

The work was challenging but rewarding. "I absolutely loved going to class for my GED® credential. The support that I received from my teachers and everyone involved was phenomenal. I could not have asked for any better support throughout this process."

Ms. Bass reports, "It took me about a year to get my GED® certificate," which she received in 2019. "Receiving my GED® certificate has opened a new avenue in my life. Getting my GED®
certificate has been the best thing I could have done for myself."

She didn't stop with that achievement. Ms. Bass went on to earn an Associate Degree in Human Services from SVCC and is currently nearing completion of the requirements for a Bachelor of Science Degree from Liberty University. She also enjoys encouraging others and works with SVCC's adult education program as an instructional assistant.

Ms. Bass would like to tell today's teenagers who may be thinking of leaving high school before finishing, "Stay in school and get your diploma. The GED® program is not easy, and it takes dedication."

For adults who lack high school credentials, she offers encouragement. "Whatever you do, go back to school and get your GED® certificate. Stay focused and dedicated to achieving your goals."

SVCC has helped thousands of students like Ms. Bass earn GED® credentials. Classes, books, and online programs are free. With grant funding, we are able to offer GED® Ready (Practice) tests, and for students who achieve a score of 150 or better, we cover costs so they can take the official credentialing test for free.

For more information about the GED® program contact Buffy Allgood (434-949-1090; buffy.allgood@southside.edu) or Lois Hicks (434-736-2048; lois.hicks@southside.edu).

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Dr. Quentin R. Johnson is president of Southside Virginia Community College, an institution of higher learning that provides a wide variety of education opportunities to a diverse student population within a service area that spans ten counties and the City of Emporia. He can be reached via email at quentin.johnson@southside.edu.

By Quentin R. Johnson, Ph.D.

Christmas is in the air. The holiday season is in full swing. For many of us, our calendars are filled with plans for merry get-togethers and other activities.

These holiday traditions are vital. They help focus our attention on the deeply felt meaning of the season. Festivities also help nourish and sustain relationships by strengthening our shared values. Through them we reconnect with our heritage, reinforce our sense of belonging, and reconnect with the understanding that we are working together for a greater purpose.

In addition, it's simply fun! We all need to take a break from the routine of our daily schedules. Celebrations let us take our minds off the task at hand for a few moments and recharge so that we're better prepared to move forward with renewed energy.

Unfortunately, during the past two years of COVID-inspired limitations, many of us had to step back from some of our usual traditions. The pandemic forced us to limit personal contact in ways that made getting together a challenge. At Southside Virginia Community College, we found it necessary to rely on innovative technology and creative strategies to stay connected.

One tactic involved digital video conferencing technology. New tools enabled us to participate in Town Hall meetings where we sang Happy Birthday, admired pictures of new babies, and shared moments of silence with grieving coworkers. Social media platforms enabled us to connect through announcements, videos, and group interactions. Even regular email offered opportunities to welcome new faculty and staff members, distribute newsletter updates, and honor the achievements of our co-workers and students.

Although efforts such as these enabled us to share some meaningful moments, it wasn't enough. A computer interface lacks the face-to-face personal touch. As a result, the suspension of in-person events reinforced my belief in their importance.

For this reason, I am especially excited that SVCC will return to an in-person Holiday and Retirement Luncheon. A committee is working hard to plan a fun event for our faculty, staff and retirees. It will be hosted at our Daniel Campus in Keysville on December 20, 2022.

The luncheon provides an opportunity for people who work in different departments and on different campuses an opportunity to get together and reconnect. For some, this will mean putting faces to new names, and for others it will bring a strengthening of personal bonds that have been built over years of camaraderie. The event gives us a chance to look back at where we've been and acknowledge the growth that has occurred. It also offers an opportunity to look ahead with reinvigorated motivation as we pursue the goals outlined in our new strategic plan, Aspire 2027: Pathways to Opportunities.

One of our most important traditions is recognizing employees for their years of service. We do this for all who have reached five-year milestones. A full list of all honorees would take more space than I have here, so let me mention three who will be recognized for 25 years of service to the college and our students. They are faculty members Mike Stinson and James Wilkerson, and our Buildings and Grounds Superintendent, Eddie Bennett.

The festivities of the season remind me that there is so much to celebrate. I wish you happy holidays and an opportunity to celebrate in ways that bring you joy.

Dr. Quentin R. Johnson is president of Southside Virginia Community College, an institution of higher learning that provides a wide variety of education opportunities to a diverse student population within a service area that spans ten counties and the City of Emporia. He can be reached via email at quentin.johnson@southside.edu.