Vibrant Virginia Nominated for UEDA Award

Vibrant Virginia was one of 15 finalists for the UEDA’s Awards of Excellence.

August 24, 2020

Higher education institutions from across North America submit nominations annually to the University Economic Development Association’s Awards of Excellence for innovative programs that focus on developing economic prosperity in their communities and beyond. and International Affairs. “This is one of the key ways our faculty and staff are connecting with urban and rural communities and developing meaningful partnerships to help these communities address challenges and find opportunities.”

Started in 2018, Vibrant Virginia has funded seven grantee projects dealing with such topics as substance abuse disorder and tribal preservation, held 15 community conversations in four regions, and hosted three campus conversations widely attended by members of the Virginia Tech community. The program also developed a virtual conference series with the goal of gaining a deeper understanding of the economic challenges and opportunities in Virginia and the partnership role of higher education. “It is an honor for our program’s practices to be viewed across the country and gain acknowledgment and recognition from our peers,” said John Provo, director of the Center for Economic and Community Engagement. “Vibrant Virginia has examined important issues affecting the commonwealth and seeks to elevate the voices of community leaders, local governments, small businesses, nonprofits, and K-12 and university educators.” Vibrant Virginia helps focus Virginia Tech’s approach to regional engagement by listening and responding to the needs of citizens across the commonwealth, said Susan E. Short, associate vice president for engagement in Outreach

Vibrant Virginia hosted a virtual forum in October 2020 and three book webinars in Summer 2021 that were focused on chapters from the upcoming Vibrant Virginia book. The Vibrant Virginia book is set to be published in September 2021. “Vibrant Virginia has examined The University Economic important issues affecting the Development Association commonwealth and seeks to awards are designed to elevate the voices of community encourage the adoption leaders, local governments, small of innovative programs by other businesses, nonprofits, and K-12 institutions and communities. and university educators.” Finalists are chosen through a nationally peerreviewed process. “In today’s uncertain economic environment, it is more important than ever for higher education institutions to engage with local economies and build infrastructures that can not only withstand but also thrive in an uncharted economic environment,” said Tim Hindes, UEDA executive directowwwr. “This year’s finalists represent some of the best university-led programs across North America and contribute to much of their local and state economic success.” Written by Julia Kell