Here’s a roundup of news briefs from around Southwest and Southside. Send yours for possible inclusion to news@cardinalnews.org.
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UVA Wise to install nuclear control room simulator
The University of Virginia’s College at Wise will add a nuclear control room simulator to support workforce development and professional training.
The college plans to purchase the simulator this month, supported by a $275,000 grant from the Virginia Clean Energy Innovation Bank, according to a news release last week from Gov. Glenn Youngkin’s office.
Installation and training on the simulator, called the NuScale Energy Exploration (E2) Center, are scheduled to begin next month.
“Virginia is leading the way in pairing innovation with opportunity, and this new NuScale small modular reactor simulator at UVA Wise is a powerful example of that vision in action,” Youngkin said in the release.
Small modular reactors, or SMRs, are designed to be smaller than traditional nuclear reactors, with a generation capacity of perhaps 300 megawatts compared to 1,000 megawatts in a larger reactor. No SMRs have yet been deployed commercially in the United States.
The simulator will be in an SMR Operations and Control Simulation Lab at the school’s Oxbow Center in St. Paul. It will be similar to simulators at George Mason University and Virginia Commonwealth University, according to the release.
“The NuScale simulator will enhance our outreach programs, expand STEM outreach, and help increase understanding about energy possibilities while positioning Southwest Virginia at the forefront of clean energy workforce development,” Donna Henry, chancellor of UVA Wise, said in the release.
— Matt Busse
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Family of former Sen. Frank Ruff Jr. establishes scholarship fund
The family of former state Sen. Frank Ruff, R-Mecklenburg County, has established a scholarship in his memory at Southside Virginia Community College.
Ruff, who died in October 2024 at age 75, was one of the most senior legislators in the General Assembly and was regarded as a leader in efforts to promote economic development in rural areas.
He had served on the Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission since its inception and was chairman of the panel when he died. He also chaired the Center for Rural Virginia, a state-created nonprofit aimed at fostering economic growth in rural areas. The General Assembly last year renamed it the Frank M. Ruff Jr. Center for Rural Virginia.
“Frank Ruff’s name and southside Virginia go hand-in-hand,” said a news release announcing the scholarship fund. “Senator Ruff was an advocate for education and training for community colleges in rural Virginia for many years. Thousands of students have earned credentials leading to life changing careers.
“As a Senator, he enthusiastically worked for his constituents and encouraged creativity through partnerships which impacted economic success throughout Southside Virginia.”
The Frank Ruff Jr. Scholarship Fund will be used to help recipients with tuition, books and other program supplies needed to pursue credentials that will lead to employment in thriving careers, the release said.
Recipients of the scholarship must be enrolled at Southside Virginia Community College and live in the area Ruff represented: Charlotte, Halifax, Lunenburg, Mecklenburg, Nottoway and Prince Edward counties.
To donate to the Frank Ruff Jr. Scholarship Fund, send checks to the SVCC Foundation at 109 Campus Drive, Alberta, VA 23821, or visit southside.edu/give.