For generations, Southwest Virginia Community College has served as a gateway to opportunity in our region. As the fourth president in the College’s history, I am honored to support SWCC and the communities we serve.
Our primary focus is always on students. Success is not just about enrollment numbers; it is defined by students’ progress—whether that means completing a program or credential, successfully transferring, or acquiring skills that lead to meaningful employment. Achieving these outcomes requires intentional pathways, strong support, and systems designed to help students navigate college with clarity and confidence.
SWCC is essential to the vitality of Southwest Virginia. We work closely with employers, educators, and community partners to ensure our programs align with workforce needs and are responsive to regional priorities. When circumstances change, we listen carefully and adapt thoughtfully to meet the needs of both students and the communities where they will live and work.
Access has always been at the heart of our mission. Education should be affordable and accessible, whether someone is entering college for the first time, balancing school with work, or returning after time away. Our role is to reduce unnecessary barriers and ensure that pathways into education are clear and achievable.
We are committed to using our resources efficiently and responsibly. Clear priorities and careful stewardship guide our decisions and keep our focus where it belongs: on students, learning, and the long-term health of the region. I believe SWCC does its best work when it is aligned with its mission and closely connected to the people and communities we serve.
Ultimately, the measure of Southwest Virginia Community College lies in its relevance. SWCC serves as a first step, a trusted partner, and a long-term investment in regional strength. My goal is to ensure that the College continues to fulfill this role through clarity, collaboration, and a consistent focus on meaningful outcomes.
My wife, Amanda, and I are proud to call Southwest Virginia home. We value the opportunity to live and work in this region and to be part of communities that care deeply about their people, their work, and their future.
I invite you to explore all that Southwest Virginia Community College has to offer and to join us as we continue to move forward together.
Dr. Clint HayesPresidentSouthwest Virginia Community College