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IALR at a Glance November Newsletter
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From the President
This month at IALR, we celebrate significant milestones and reflect on impactful partnerships that drive our region forward. From the graduation of our 13th ATDM cohort and the release of our 2024 Annual Report to our recognition as an Apprenticeship Ambassador by the U.S. Department of Labor, these milestones showcase the progress we're making together.
We also take a moment to honor the legacy of Senator Frank Ruff, whose tireless dedication to Southern Virginia remains an inspiration.

Telly Tucker, President, Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR)

Book Your Holiday Gathering at the IALR Conference Center
The IALR Conference Center is offering special holiday menu options perfect for business and social gatherings. Our elegant and customizable meeting spaces, combined with top-tier catering services, provide an ideal setting for intimate holiday events.

13th ATDM Cohort Graduates
The Accelerated Training in Defense Manufacturing (ATDM) program graduated its 13th cohort on Oct. 25. This ceremony celebrated the accomplishments of 93 students who completed the four-month program, which prepares adult learners for manufacturing careers that support the creation and maintenance of ships and submarines for the U.S. military.
Third Annual Housing Summit
Courtesy of the City of Danville, Office of Economic Development & Tourism
Over 275 architects, developers, home renovators, financial institution representatives, community advocates and local leaders gathered to discuss and spark new residential housing at the third annual Southern Virginia Regional Housing Summit. This event was organized by the Danville Housing and Development Office as well as the Office of Economic Development and Tourism.

"We are committed to fostering an environment where businesses can thrive, families can settle and communities can grow. Housing is a crucial piece of this puzzle. - Telly Tucker, IALR President
IALR Named Apprenticeship Ambassador by U.S. Department of Labor
The U.S. Department of Labor has named IALR an Apprenticeship Ambassador in recognition of the Expanding Talent through Registered Apprenticeship (ExTRA) program.
To date, the ExTRA program has supported the creation of 31 new apprenticeship programs and the registration of 82 new apprentices since its inception in 2022.
2024 Annual Report Shows Impact of Partnerships
IALR is proud to announce the release of its Annual Report for Fiscal Year 2024, which was defined by strategic collaboration that drove collective innovation, growth and success across Southern Virginia.

“I love that IALR moves at the speed of business. Things happen here fast.”Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin
IALR to Support Multi-State CEA Student Certificate Program
IALR is part of the Empowering Greenhouse Resiliency with an Optimized Workforce (E-GROW) project, which is designed to inspire and develop youth competency in agricultural technology and Controlled Environment Agriculture. The project, led by Cornell University's Greenhouse Lighting and Systems Engineering consortium, includes seven collaborators and 10 middle and high schools across four states.
Career Expo Events Reach Total of 4,500+ Students
Approximately 4,546 middle and high school students connected with employers and learned about their region’s career pathways and employment opportunities during the 2024 Career ChoICE Youth Expo events hosted in Chatham and Farmville. This year’s events brought the total number of student participants to 41,256 over Career ChoICE's 11-year history.
Podcast Episodes Highlight History of IALR Main Building
Two new episodes of Inside IALR focus on the history of IALR’s main building for its 20th anniversary.

Conference Center Tales
Ellen Bass and Diana Parrish – two employees who have worked with the IALR Conference Center since it opened in 2004 – share stories of major events and highlight the growth and evolution of the Conference Center.


Better Call Maintenance
Two of the maintenance professionals who have kept the building operational all these years - Jeff Forlines (retired Facilities Maintenance) and Stewart East (Senior Facilities Manager) - share stories and memories of the main IALR building over the years.
Career Opportunities at IALR
Check out the meaningful career opportunities available at IALR. Excellent benefits, a collaborative culture and a mission-driven role are just a few of the reasons you should work with us. Open positions include Program Coordinator for Naval Aviation School for Additive Manufacturing (NASAM), Vice President of Business Development, Assistant Director of Technology & Programs and a variety of ATDM program instructors and technicians.
Virginia Mourns the Loss of Senator Frank Ruff
Former Virginia State Senator Frank Ruff served in the Virginia Senate for more than 20 years, representing much of Southern Virginia. Ruff was a champion of economic transformation and growth in the region.
Connie Nyholm Reappointed to IALR Board of Trustees
Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin has appointed Connie Nyholm to the Board of Trustees for IALR for a returning three-year term. Nyholm previously served a three-year term on the Board of Trustees beginning in 2017.

“I am honored to continue my service on IALR’s Board of Trustees, especially as we build on the vital research, innovation and economic and workforce development initiatives happening,” Nyholm said.
IALR and NCI Team Up for Apprenticeship Event Nov. 19
New College Institute (NCI) and IALR are excited to host “Beyond the Traditional: Expanding Apprenticeship Opportunities in Emerging Industries” on Tuesday, Nov. 19, 2024, for National Apprenticeship Week (NAW).
 
Wonder Community Cooking Class
The Wonder Community of Lifelong Learning, IALR and Megabytes Café are partnering to offer a Thanksgiving meal cooking class Nov. 20. Attendees will learn to make turkey, brussels sprouts with bacon jam, stuffing and cream cheese pumpkin bars. The cost for this event is $20.

ExTRA Awards Breakfast

The Expanding Talent through Registered Apprenticeship (ExTRA) Awards breakfast on Nov. 25. is a great event for employers, educators, community leaders and anyone interested in Registered Apprenticeship. Attendees will hear from Virginia Works Commissioner Nicole Overley, hear success stories, learn best practices and celebrate the winners of the 2024 ExTRA Awards. Registration is required.

Computer Classes
IALR is offering several hands-on, three-hour computer workshops that equip participants with the essentials of Microsoft Excel and Canva. These in-person classes cost $35 for general registration and $25 for seniors, veterans and military personnel.

December Tour
Join us for a free campus tour on Dec. 9 to see how IALR is fueling growth and opportunity in the region. Participants will get a closer look into IALR's unique research, innovative educational initiatives and high-tech manufacturing efforts.
Taurean Russell Named IALR Vice President of Information Technology
An accomplished IT professional with a history of strengthening the resiliency and security of organizations in highly regulated industries, Russell joins IALR during a time of significant growth.

“I’m honored to be part of IALR, where I can leverage my experience in IT security and operations to support the region’s growth,” Russell said.
A Month of Successful Events at the IALR Conference Center
  • During an October Career Fair, ATDM students had the opportunity to connect with, learn from and apply for open positions with 30 different employers from around the country.

  • The Regional Innovation Summit for Entrepreneurs created a space for business leaders and aspiring entrepreneurs across Southern Virginia to connect and inspire each other.

  • Averett University and the Virginia Tech Howard Feiertag Department of Hospitality and Tourism Management offered the Future of Hospitality & Tourism Workforce Summit, highlighting challenges and opportunities facing the hospitality industry in Southern Virginia.

  • The Center for Early Success facilitated its Early Learning Symposium, its largest early childhood education event for childcare professionals for children aged 0-5.

  • Caesars Virginia hosted a major hiring event in October, conducting on-site interviews and providing information about available job opportunities.

  • Tekabyte hosted CyberCon 2024, an event that allowed business professionals and students to discover the latest trends and innovations in cybersecurity.
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