CEDAR BLUFF, Va. — The Appalachian Arts & Events Center is expanding with the addition of Hagerman’s Pavilion, and students from Southwest Virginia Community College are at the forefront of this development. Current students and instructors from the Heavy Equipment Operator program are providing the project’s foundational work.
These students gain invaluable hands-on experience digging footers and preparing the site, merging instruction with real-world applications. Their hands-on involvement demonstrates the college’s emphasis on experiential learning and community collaboration.
As construction on Hagerman’s Pavilion continues, it will offer further opportunities for students in various Workforce programs, particularly those in masonry and associated trades, to learn and apply their skills on-site.
Upon completion, Hagerman’s Pavilion, named in honor of the acclaimed brick sculptor Johnny Hagerman, will augment The Mill’s capacity as Cedar Bluff’s cultural hub. The pavilion will feature an outdoor stage and fireplace, embodying Hagerman’s signature brickwork artistry and serving as a venue for various community events.
The college’s Workforce and Continuing Education department provides an array of accelerated programs. This includes heavy equipment operation, commercial driver license (CDL) training, diesel repair, and skilled trades like carpentry, plumbing, and masonry. Other programs are also offered including a certified nurse aid, phlebotomy, commercial drone training, and more. Most of these programs are structured for short durations, ranging from a few months to half a year, catering to individuals eager to enhance their skills or venture into a new profession promptly.
