Published on October 29th, 2025
Last modified October 29th, 2025 10:09 am
CEDAR BLUFF, VA — Southwest Virginia Community College has been named as an eligible institution for the 2027 Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence, the nation’s premier recognition of high achievement and performance among two-year colleges.
Awarded by the Aspen Institute, the Aspen Prize honors colleges that demonstrate outstanding outcomes and improving levels of student success in several areas, including teaching and learning; certificate and degree completion; transfer and bachelor’s attainment; workforce success; and college and program access.
“It’s an incredible honor for Southwest to be recognized as one of the top community colleges in the nation,” said Dr. Clint Hayes, President of Southwest Virginia Community College. “This distinction reflects the shared commitment of our entire campus community to high-impact education, workforce innovation, and creating meaningful opportunities for every student who comes through our doors.”
Out of more than 1,000 community colleges nationwide, only 200 are selected based on rigorous data analysis. This eligibility marks a significant milestone in Southwest Virginia Community College’s commitment to student success and continuous improvement.
The Aspen Institute will announce finalists in April 2026, with the winner being announced in Spring 2027. For more information about the Aspen Prize, visit Aspen Institute.