In Southwest Virginia, partnerships often begin with a simple question: What does the region need, and how can Virginia Tech help?

That question was at the center of the Virginia Tech Southwest Center Advisory Council’s April 21 meeting, where members discussed ongoing projects, regional partnerships, and future initiatives designed to connect university expertise with community priorities.

The conversation reflected the breadth of the center’s work across the region. Members heard updates on agriculture STEM programs for students and educators, economic impact studies on the Virginia Creeper Trail and Virginia Highlands Festival, public training opportunities in agriculture and entrepreneurship, and other projects shaped by local needs and regional collaboration.

Amy Azano speaking in front of a classroom and looking at a project screen. On the screen is "Why Rural Matters."
Amy Azano, a professor of adolescent literacy and rural education in the School of Education and the founding director of the Center for Rural Education at Virginia Tech, speaks with the Virginia Tech Southwest Center Advisory Council.

Amy Azano, director of the Center for Rural Education at Virginia Tech and a member of the advisory council, spoke with the group about projects taking place in the region and shared findings from the national “Why Rural Matters” report, which focuses on rural education and the challenges and opportunities facing rural schools and communities.

Looking ahead, council members previewed several upcoming initiatives, including a new veterinary learning lab, professional development for teachers, an EPA Brownfields Job Training program, a drone workshop, and continued regional collaboration through the We Impact Virginia Summit.

Together, the updates reinforced the Southwest Center’s role as a connector and convener, helping bring Virginia Tech’s land-grant mission to life in partnership with communities across Southwest Virginia.

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