The Institute for Advanced Learning and Research, which is scheduled to open in the late spring, is expected to bring economic opportunity to the Southside Virginia region, Institute spokesperson Curtis Callaway said.
With an economy largely dependent on tobacco and textiles, the Institute is designed to bring an increase in technology and advanced education, Callaway said, adding that the Institute aims to bolster the region's economy after an increasing loss of jobs in the area.
Callaway expressed optimism concerning the range of opportunities the Institute is planned to make possible.
"There is a need to embrace the new technical economy," Callaway said. "The Institute can help with the transition."
The Institute involves the partnership of several colleges and universities, including Virginia Tech, Danville Community College and Averett University. They are working together in coordination to provide programs for the citizens of the Southside Virginia area. Credit courses are set to begin this summer, Callaway said.
The Institute will provide a variety of programs in disciplines such as advanced research, technology and outreach programs. It will also provide six research institutions, concentrating in robotics, motorsports, advanced polymers, horticulture and forestry, biodefense and bioinformativs, according to the Institute's Web site.
Through these research institutions, proponents of the Institute aim to attract new students and stimulate economic growth in the area by making the Institute available to private industry for commercial purposes, according to the Web site.
Barbara Lockee, associate professor of instructional technology at Virginia Tech, is involved with the education of teachers and administrators.
"My department works with K-12 teachers in the Danville area to advance their technical skills and to incorporate technology into programs through workshops," she said.
Lockee said her department has been responsible for more than 30 workshops in the past two years. Her department has involved the participation of teachers and principal administrators in coordination with one another, an effort that has been very beneficial for both parties, she said.
The Institute is also in the works of establishing eDan, a high-speed Internet infrastructure that will be designated as "open access" and will allow Internet providers to use it without spending their own resources to create their own infrastructure. Groups involved in the project include the city of Danville, Pittsylvania County and Virginia Tech, according to the Web site.
The Institute is funded by a variety of sources, including the City of Danville and Pittsylvania County, which have both contributed funds from the Tobacco Master Settlement Agreement to construct the $15 million home for the institution. A number of both public and private grants have contributed an additional several million dollars in funding.
"Grants provided by the Department of Education have been very helpful," Lockee said.
Read More
U.Va. Faculty Senate overwhelmingly adopts a no confidence vote in Board of Visitors
By Xander Tilock | 19 hours ago"The Faculty Senate expresses no confidence in the Board of Visitors for not protecting the University and its president from outside interference," the resolution read.
Faculty Senate Executives hear from Rector Sheridan and Vice Rector Wilkinson
By Xander Tilock and Grace Traxler | YesterdayRectors were in attendance for part of Wednesday’s emergency meeting and were asked about the interim president selection process.
Student leaders weigh the future of self-governance after Ryan's departure
By Brendon Bordwine | 3 days agoThe University has a historical tradition of student self-governance, which allows students to take part in decision-making processes.
