Here’s a round-up of business news around Southwest and Southside. For possible inclusion, send items to news@cardinalnews.org.
Emory & Henry’s nursing program wins accreditation
Emory & Henry’s new Bachelor of Science in Nursing program has earned accreditation from the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
“We are pleased to learn that we received accreditation from the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education,” said Dr. Laurie Anne Ferguson, founding dean of the School of Nursing. “Accreditation means that we have demonstrated compliance with nursing educational standards. Our recent graduates and current students can be assured that they are graduating from an accredited program. It is an ongoing process and we will diligently continue to improve to deliver educational excellence.”
The first group of nursing students entered this fall.
X.J. Meng named interim executive director of the Fralin Life Sciences Institute
X.J. Meng, University Distinguished Professor at the Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine and professor of internal medicine at Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine, has been named interim executive director for Fralin Life Sciences Institute at Virginia Tech, effective Dec. 6, 2021.
Meng’s appointment follows the announcement that Matt Hulver, the current executive director and professor of human nutrition, foods, and exercise, has accepted the position as vice president for research at Arizona State University.
“It is an honor and privilege to be asked to lead the Fralin Life Sciences Institute during this important transition. I have been an affiliated faculty member of the institute since its inception,” said Meng. “My own research program and professional development as a faculty member have benefited tremendously through the support provided by the institute. I know firsthand how essential and important the work at the Fralin Life Sciences Institute is to Virginia Tech and the broader scientific community.”
“For over two decades, Dr. X.J. Meng has been an icon of research excellence at Virginia Tech,” said Virginia Tech Vice President for Research and Innovation Dan Sui. “The combination of X.J.’s broad scientific vision, leadership experiences in team science and convergence research, and deep institutional knowledge, have uniquely positioned him to lead the Fralin Life Sciences Institute at this critical time.”
His work focuses on emerging and reemerging viral diseases that impact veterinary and human public health. Virginia Tech says Meng is widely considered one of the world’s leading scientists in hepatitis E virus, porcine circovirus type 2, porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus, and porcine epidemic diarrhea virus.
Since joining Virginia Tech, Meng has been awarded more than 55 research grants as the principal investigator totaling more than $21 million. Additionally, Meng also served as co-principal investigator or co-investigator on 65 other funded grants totaling more than $33 million.
Lumos completes 100% gig speed fiber internet project in the Alleghany Highlands
Lumos worked on the Alleghany Highlands initiative with the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Rural Utilities Service initiative. The completion of the $21 million fiber expansion adds 650 miles of fiber in the Alleghany Highlands, with more than 12,000 fiber-capable addresses.
VCEDA awards grant for Bluefield boutique
The Virginia Coalfields Economic Development Authority has awarded a $6,500 seed capital grant to Nancy’s Downtown Boutique in Bluefield.
“Working with area small business start-ups to help them grow and create additional jobs is a key focus of our seed capital matching grant program,” said VCEDA Executive Director/General Counsel Jonathan Belcher. “Nancy’s Downtown Boutique projects two full time and two part-time employees within two years.”
VCEDA said the grant was primarily used to purchase inventory.
Nancy’s Downtown Boutique is operated by Nancy Grant. She has used fashion shows on Facebook Live as a way to draw more business.
About the Virginia Coalfield Economic Development Authority Seed Capital Matching Grant Fund: VCEDA region for-profit businesses one year and under with less than 10 full-time employees are eligible to apply for dollar-for-dollar matching grants up to $10,000 from the VCEDA Seed Capital Matching Fund. Applicants work with the Small Business Development Centers at Mountain Empire and Southwest Virginia community colleges to prepare the applications to VCEDA that include detailed business and financial plans. Businesses must be located in or plan to operate in the VCEDA region in southwestern Virginia that includes Buchanan, Dickenson, Lee, Russell, Scott, Tazewell, and Wise counties and the City of Norton.
Outdoor art on display at University of Lynchburg on Thursday
The University of Lynchburg is planning an art walk on the Dell from 6-9 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 18. The free event features inflatable sculptures; a pottery wheel throwing demonstration; an activity involving long-exposure photography and sparklers; and holiday ornaments and ceramic items for sale. The Daura Museum of Art will also be open for several exhibits and an art-making activity.