12102 SVCC_Looking Back Moving Forward Booklet FINAL

SOUTHSIDE VIRGINIA COMMUNITY COLLEGE
LOOKING BACK
MOVING FORWARD
THE PRESIDENCY OF

Reflecting
Reflecting on my five years at the helm of Southside Virginia
Community College, I am proud that the college family, collectively,
strived towards building magnificent opportunities for our constituents
as opposed to just coming to work. It reminds me of the ancient story
of the bricklayers who were asked what they were doing; one said, laying brick, one said doing my work so I can
earn my pay and go home; and one said building a cathedral. One was doing his job, one was advancing himself
and his family, and one was building a superior work to benefit others.
By pulling our college together through the development of a Strategic Plan, “One College, One Mission”, I
endeavored to engage our staff so that they were not just going through the motions but embracing the creation of
something strong and solid and lasting.
America’s community colleges, and especially Southside Virginia Community College, champion so many of
the values that I treasure, both professionally and personally. Community colleges are guided by a commitment to
opportunity, serving a diverse population through institutions that are inclusive, accessible, and affordable.
Particularly, community colleges remain committed to bridging the gap between the ‘haves’ and the ‘have nots.’
And community colleges have become the primary pathway for minorities and other underrepresented
populations to enter and succeed in the higher education arena.
The college’s successful re-accreditation by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools
Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) is an accomplishment that carries such pride and significance. This
accreditation affirms the institution’s continuing commitment to integrity and its capacity to provide effective
programs and services based on specific standards. Accreditation is necessary for SVCC to participate in
Federal Financial Aid programs and for transfer credit acceptance by other universities and colleges.
Other “cathedrals” have been built to provide additional opportunities, such as creating the
Center for Information Technology and Excellence (CITE) Lab at the Lake Country Advanced Knowledge
Center in South Hill, and building a new, state-of-the-art welding lab at the Southside Virginia Education
Center in Greensville County.
One of the largest accomplishments during my tenure was when the college partnered with the state’s
electric cooperatives and others to establish the Commonwealth’s first Power Line Worker Training Program
to meet the growing demand for power line workers. Because of these efforts, SVCC now stands as a
leader in Virginia’s FastForward program, an initiative through which students in short-term training
courses earn industry-recognized credentials in high-demand fields.
Earning a GED, a degree, becoming a nurse, finding passion, making friends, belonging, playing
a sport, attending a cultural event, traveling, learning, exploring, accomplishing a goal, finding oneself,
becoming a teacher, transferring to a four-year school, driving a truck, all these are bricks in the
successful SVCC cathedral; of which I am so proud.
And speaking of cathedrals, as I ride off into the sunset of my retirement, I am extremely proud of the
new construction being completed on the Christanna Campus. The $12 million dollar Learning Resources
and Student Services Center is a progressive step towards the future of our beloved Southside Virginia and
a very large ‘cathedral’ for the community and the people we so significantly serve.

• The fifth president of Southside Virginia
Community College (SVCC) is Dr. Alfred Allison Roberts,
of Emporia, Virginia. Glenn DuBois, chancellor of Virginia’s
Community Colleges, said Roberts assumes his new post
on August 1, 2014, replacing retiring president, Dr. John
J. Cavan.
• Grand opening event for the Learning Resources
and Student Services Building recently completed
on the John H. Daniel Campus is held at start of 2014
fall semester.
• SVCC sponsors a meet and greet event with new
SVCC president, Dr. Roberts on September 9, 2014 at the
Estes Community Center in Chase City.
• Health Career Fair for more than 200 high school
students held at Estes Community Center features medivac
helicopter, emergency medical techs, nursing programs
and more.
• Governor Terry McAuliffe announces more
than 50,000 residents in southern Virginia will be
positively impacted by a new workforce collaboration
among three area community colleges. Called “Southern
Virginia Works,” the colleges - Danville Community College
(DCC), Patrick Henry Community College (PHCC) and
Southside Virginia Community College (SVCC) - plan to
boost the number of workforce credentials earned by
Southern Virginians through community college programs
by 1,500 in the next year.
• Dr. Tara Carter named vice president for Academic
and Student Services and Keith Harkins named vice
president for Workforce Development and Continuing
Education as the college reorganizes.
• An inspirational message of loyalty and values,
tributes to inspirational leaders and inspirational acts of
generosity were the order of the evening at Virginia State
University’s 2015 Founder’s Day Convocation. Dr. Alfred A.
Roberts keynoted the celebration of the 133rd anniversary
of the institution’s founding in 1882.
• SVCC basketball team captures the 2015 USA National
Prep Championship title led by coaches Dennis Smith and
Vincent Brown.
• Precision Machining classes, also known as Integrated
Machining, available in Greensville County through SVCC.
The program offers a two-year Career Studies Certificate at
the Southside Virginia Education
Center located at the Government
Complex of Greensville County.
• A total of 1,200 students
graduate with degrees,
diplomas and certificates in
May 2015. The commencement
speaker, Dr. Dietra Trent, in her
role as Virginia Secretary of
Education, works collaboratively
with Virginia’s colleges and
universities, libraries, museums and the State Council for
Higher Education.
• SVCC awards the 20,000th Career Readiness
Certificate becoming the first college in the VCCS to
reach the benchmark.
• SVCC named to The Chronicle of Higher
Education’s 2015 Great Colleges to Work For and
receives this distinction for 2016 and 2017.
• SVCC Foundation holds a room-naming ceremony
for multiple rooms in the New Learning Resources and
Student Services Building at the John H. Daniel Campus.
• Chancellor Glenn DuBois inaugurates the new
president on October 30, 2015. “To our students, as I
continue this journey of service and leadership, I pledge
to you a commitment to the best education, training, and
service we can provide to meet your needs,” Dr. Roberts said.
• SVCC begins offering free career training to
qualified recipients through Virginia’s EleVAte SNAP
Employment & Training Pilot project. The United States
Department of Agriculture (USDA) provides funding for
this project.
• The Information Technology Department at SVCC
acknowledged as one of the “Top 10” of technology
savvy community colleges in the nation by the Center for
Digital Education (CDE). Now in its eleventh year, the
survey analyzes how community colleges use a range of
technologies to improve services to students, faculty, staff
and community at large.
• SVCC students attend and participate in the
Hampton University Minority Men’s Health Initiative,
a program to promote and deliver the highest quality
of research, education, training, and outreach to combat
and eliminate health disparities affecting minority men.
• The first and only Power Line Worker Training
Program in Virginia starts classes at SVCC’s Occupational/
Technical Center at Pickett Park on March 1, 2016.
• The members of “Make It Happen” meet with
Dr. Roberts discussing the importance of education. Dr.
Roberts established the “Make It Happen” program in
1997, to increase the enrollment of African American males
in post-secondary education and enhance their academic
success for SVCC. This program continues today under
the leadership of Dr. John Hicks.
• SVCC celebrates its 46th commencement on May
14, 2016 on the Christanna Campus in Alberta. The 1,268
eligible candidates for graduation enjoy the commencement
address by Martha Reed, assistant professor of Biology.
• SVCC hosts the Great Book Giveaway at the
Southern Virginia Higher Education Center in South Boston.
Thanks to a generous donation from Dollar General
Distribution Center, 17,000 books are free to the public.

• SVCC recognizes the Virginia Tobacco Region
Revitalization Commission in August 2016 as a partner that
has been, and continues to be, instrumental in providing resources
to students in the form of scholarships and in the development and
expansion of programs.
• SVCC offers a diversion program, in collaboration with the
Commonwealth Attorneys of Brunswick, Mecklenburg, Lunenburg
and Greensville counties. The program is for offenders between
the ages of 18 through 25 and is designed as an alternative
sentencing option for approved criminal offenses.
• Ribbon cut to officially open the Welding Lab located
at Southside Virginia Education Center in Greensville on March
14, 2017. Partners providing funding for this state-of-the-art
facility include Fluor, Virginia Tobacco Commission, Dominion
Virginia Power, Greensville County and American Equipment
Company (Ameco).
SVCC, delivers the commencement address at the SVCC
graduation ceremony on May 13, 2017, at the John H. Daniel Campus.
• The new training laboratory enhancing workforce readiness in Information
Technology officially opens with a ribbon cutting ceremony on August 30, 2017.
Located at the Lake Country Advanced Knowledge Center in South Hill, the
new Center for Information Technology Excellence (CITE) lab simulates the work
environment of large data centers.
• Through Dr. Roberts’ leadership, the college maintains financial
stability during enrollment and budget declines.
• Dr. Roberts distributes annual reports to the community
during each full year of his tenure.
• The college’s Quality Enhancement Plan (QEP), a part of the
reaccreditation process, is unveiled in mid-summer 2018.
The primary goal is to enhance student competencies in literacy
through awareness and application of the reading process.
• Under the guidance of Bernadette Battle, coordinator
of counseling, WISE (Women In Search of Opportunities) begins
at SVCC for professional and academic enhancement, engaging
in the cultivation of self-esteem and self-advocacy, utilization of
professional mentoring, guidance and role-modeling and
access to networking opportunities for females.
• Stephen E. Parker, Director, Education and Workforce,
National Governor’s Association (NGA), a proud graduate of
the Road to Now
2014-2019

• The Go-TEC (Great Opportunities in Technology and
Engineering Careers) collaborative was one of nine
regional projects announced by Governor Ralph Northam
to receive funding through GO Virginia (Growth and
Opportunity for Virginia). It was the only project chosen for
funding in Region 3, which includes the cities of Danville
and Martinsville; and the counties of Pittsylvania, Halifax,
Henry, Patrick, Amelia, Brunswick, Buckingham, Charlotte,
Cumberland, Lunenburg, Mecklenburg, Nottoway, and
Prince Edward.
• “You made it. Give yourselves a round of
applause,” said Virginia First Lady Pamela Northam
as a greeting to the class of 2018 of Southside Virginia
Community College at Commencement on May 12 at the
John H. Daniel Campus in Keysville. Under blue skies and
what Mrs. Northam called ‘Texas Heat’, SVCC celebrated
946 credit graduates along with 238 students receiving
workforce credentials.
• College students benefit from Microsoft
Scholarships as local company embraces colleges’ IT
program training workers for data center employment.
• Dr. Roberts recognized by Administration of
Justice program for his support that allows SVCC to
annually recognize area law enforcement professionals as
well as corrections officers and employees for outstanding
service to the community.
• Governor Terry McAuliffe attends Power Line
Worker graduation becoming the honorary 100th
graduate of the program on November 21, 2017.
• A partnership between the Virginia, Maryland
& Delaware Association of Electric Cooperatives
(VMDAEC) and Southside Virginia Community College
(SVCC) is making it possible for those training as
apprentice linemen to climb to the top of their careers
through advanced education. The VMDAEC represents
15 co-ops in the Mid-Atlantic region and trains over 100
apprentices per year.
• Governor Ralph Northam tours the Power Line
Worker Training Program at the Occupational/
Technical Center at Pickett Park and meets with members
of the Power Industry and SVCC president.
SOUTHSIDE VIRGINIA
COMMUNITY COLLEGE
• The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools
Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) reaffirmed
accreditation for Southside Virginia Community College
on June 14, 2018. The SACSCOC is the regional body
for the accreditation of degree-granting higher education
institutions in the Southern states.
• A Signing Ceremony of the Articulation
Agreement between Averett University’s Department of
Sociology and Criminal Justice and SVCC Administration
of Justice Program held on November 30, 2018 in Alberta.
• Ground Breaking Ceremony starts the process for
construction of the $12 million Learning Resources and
Student Center on Christanna Campus.
• SVCC is one of 75 not-for-profit organizations
receiving a grant to host an NEA Big Read project, featuring
the book A Lesson Before Dying, by Ernest J. Gaines.
• Construction of the new building on Christanna
Campus continues with plans for a January 2020 opening.

Our students will be well-prepared for transfer to four-year colle
directly to work, and to become better citizens. Additionally, we
story through more effective messaging, branding, and market
We will strive to assure that our students conclude their time w
that is meaningful for their future. We will help our students vie
credential as a stepping-stone to acquiring another one.
While maintaining our focus on high quality standards, we will
in which we help students achieve those high standards. We wi
that create barriers to student success.
We will continue to invest in our human resources by providing
activities. We will practice inclusive and transparent communic
and encourage innovation and risk-taking.
We will make efficient and effective use of resources; expand de
our donor base. We will provide the resources needed to deli
assist each of our students in creating his or her life vision
Southside Virginia Communit
Meet and Greet the new SVCC President Al
Roberts and his wife, Janet at Estes Community
Center Event soon after taking office
Farewell AL ROBERTS…
1. Serve the Southside region as the leading provider
of quality academic and workforce services.
2. Assure regional economic vitality and individual pro
by tripling the number of credentials awarded.
3. Provide student-centered support services to promo
4. Develop its status as a premier place to work in the S
5. Provide resources to sustain and advance the Colleg
Southside Virginia Community College will . . .
One College, One
strategic plan 201
One College, One Mission
strategic plan 2015–2021
Southside Virginia Community College will . . .
1. Serve the Southside region as the leading provider
of quality academic and workforce services.
Our students will be well-prepared for transfer to four-year colleges and universities, to go
directly to work, and to become better citizens. Additionally, we will do a better job of telling our
story through more effective messaging, branding, and marketing.
2. Assure regional economic vitality and individual prosperity
by tripling the number of credentials awarded.
We will strive to assure that our students conclude their time with us having acquired a credential
that is meaningful for their future. We will help our students view the attainment of each
credential as a stepping-stone to acquiring another one.
3. Provide student-centered support services to promote success.
While maintaining our focus on high quality standards, we will examine and reinvent the ways
in which we help students achieve those high standards. We will identify and eliminate practices
that create barriers to student success.
4. Develop its status as a premier place to work in the Southside region.
We will continue to invest in our human resources by providing quality professional development
activities. We will practice inclusive and transparent communication; promote and value diversity;
and encourage innovation and risk-taking.
5. Provide resources to sustain and advance the College mission.
We will make efficient and effective use of resources; expand development activities; and grow
our donor base. We will provide the resources needed to deliver learning experiences that
assist each of our students in creating his or her life vision.
Southside Virginia Community College
"Al Roberts’ deep commitment to both education and
his community set him apart. Through his leadership and
service, he made the entire Southside region a better place
to live and work."
Peter Blake, Director
State Council of Higher Education for Virginia
“We salute Al's many years of dedication and
commitment to providing southern Virginians with access
to education and wish him all the best in his retirement.
Without question, Al's openness, honesty and candor have
helped establish a stronger SVCC/SVHEC partnership. For
that we are most grateful.”
Betty H. Adams, MBA, Ed.D.
Executive Director, Southern Virginia Higher Education Center
"Al has been a very good person to work with during
his tenure. He understood the needs of the community and
how best to achieve those needs. Al worked hard to put more
focus on those programs that helped families thrive while staying
part of the communities that Southside serves."
Frank M Ruff Jr.
15th Senate District
“Throughout his career, Dr. Roberts has proven to be
an outstanding advocate for Southside Virginia Community
College as well as one for the entire geographical region.
Robert F. Pecht, III
SVCC Foundation President
“For his entire career, Al’s leadership has inspired
confidence. Just like the faculty, Al considered our students
the College’s most important asset. He values his faculty both
in word and deed which makes SVCC a great place to teach.
We wish him the best but know he has ensured that the College
is on the path for continued success for years to come.”
Brent Richey
Associate Professor of Math, President of Faculty Senate
“Dr. Roberts leaves an indelible legacy at SVCC.
We shall miss him, but his dedication and commitment to our
mission and those we serve have been steadfast and their
impact will continue for years to come.”
Betsy B. Sharrett
Board Chair
Official photo of the outgoing President
and his wife, Janet
“Dr. Roberts’ ability to communicate, his sense of humor,
and his commitment to SVCC inspires students, and this gives
us a positive atmosphere to accomplish our goals.”
Keonte’ T. Wilson
SVCC Student

LOCAL
BOARD
FOR SOUTHSIDE VIRGINIA
COMMUNITY COLLEGE
FOUNDATION
BOARD
OF DIRECTORS
SVCC
SOUTHSIDE VIRGINIA
COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Betsy B. Sharrett, Chairperson, City of Emporia
J. Wesley Shepherd, Vice-Chair, Nottoway County
Al Roberts, President and Secretary
Marc L. Finney, Brunswick County
Raymond A. Thomas, Brunswick County
Ronald Thornhill, Brunswick County
Donna Matthews, Buckingham County
Thomas E. Locke, Charlotte County
Gerald W. Watts, Charlotte County
Brenda N. Parson, Greensville County
Brenda Tune-Fuller, Halifax County
Lawrence T. Wilkerson, Sr., Halifax County
Sid M. Smyth, Lunenburg County
Amanda L. Bowen, Mecklenburg County
La-Freda F. Ogburn, Mecklenburg County
Jeffrey C. Scales, Cumberland County
Lisa Frazier-Tharpe, Prince Edward County
Chris Bailey, Buffalo Junction
Hazel B. Baker, Powhatan
C. Butler Barrett, Emporia
R.B. Clark, Keysville
Carthan F. Currin, Ill, Richmond
Shannon Feinman, Charlotte Court House
Peter G. Hunt, South Hill
Robert I. Ledbetter, Kenbridge
Joseph F. Morrissette, Burkeville
Stephen E. Parker, Washington, D.C.
Robert F. Pecht, Ill, Lawrenceville
Mary G. Reed, Rice
Jerry D. Reynolds, South Hill
Alfred A. Roberts, Emporia
Jeremy Satterfield, Halifax
Sid Smyth, Victoria
J. Robert Snoddy, Dillwyn
Sheryl D. Swinson, Farmville
Robert C. Wrenn, Emporia
Florence D. Kalbacker, Director Emeritus
Russell 0. Slayton, Director Emeritus