Our mission
Our mission is simple. We have made it our life's work to open doors and create opportunities for curious minds. YOU can change lives and revive communities, one donation at a time.OUR IMPACT
2019
Scholarships Awarded: 75
Degree Programs: 28
WorkForce Training: 47
Amount Awarded: $40,072.77
2020
Scholarships Awarded: 48
Degree Programs: 24
WorkForce Training: 24
Amount Awarded: $36,825.00
Meet the Team
Welcome! Thank you for visiting the Southern Virginia Higher Education Foundation’s website. Here, you will be introduced to the Foundation’s leadership, its operational efficiency, and most importantly giving opportunities. We hope you will share our enthusiasm in supporting SVHEF so that we can provide resources for scholarships, facility upgrades, and program funding. As you browse the site, please keep in mind, your generosity ensures that our friends and neighbors excel in Southside Virginia.
Katrina Powell
Executive Director
Southern Virginia Higher Education Foundation
Helping eliminate obstacles one scholarship at a time is what feeds the passion for my job. I am grateful to be a part of a team and community that values growth. What we do, wouldn’t be possible if it weren’t for our hometown heros, the donors.
Sahrash Akram
Associate Director of Philanthropy
I have a zeal for problem solving! In my career, I have worked for organizations with million dollar budgets and ones with zero, so you can say I know how to be resourceful. I am honored to be a part of a team that has visionary leadership in philanthropy, asset management, and stewardship.
Angela Yancey
Director of Operations
Board of Directors
The Southern Virginia Higher Education Foundation Board of Directors includes community leaders in business and government. They generously volunteer their time and expertise to help advance higher education.
W.W. Ted Bennett
John Cannon
Ben Davenport
Sterling Edmunds
Jayne Elliott
Ryan Garrett
Jeremy Holt
John Lee Jr.
Linda Owen
Mayor Edward Owens
Darden Smith
Dennis Witt
Ways to Give
We need your help to reach the Southern Virginia Higher Education Center’s full potential. With your contributions, the Foundation can continue to go beyond expectations.
Bylaws and Financials
We need your help to reach the Southern Virginia Higher Education Center’s full potential. With your contributions, the Foundation can continue to go beyond expectations.