College
- Eastern Shore Community College Launches New Engineering Program for Fall 2026
Eastern Shore Community College (ESCC) is proud to announce the launch of its new Engineering Program beginning Fall 2026, expanding
- W&M professor awarded NEH grant to manage Yorktown archaeological collections
The grant supports rehabilitation of collections from 17 sites around Yorktown, including the Yorktown battlefields, the site of the last major battle of the American Revolution.
- Governor Spanberger Celebrates Virginia Ranked No. 1 in Nation for Workforce Training Program by Area Development
RICHMOND, VA — Governor Abigail Spanberger today celebrated that Virginia has been ranked No. 1 in the nation for its workforce training
- Governor Spanberger, Avio USA Break Ground on $500 Million Manufacturing Facility in Pittsylvania Creating 1,500 Jobs
HURT, VA — Governor Abigail Spanberger today joined Avio USA leadership for the formal groundbreaking of the company’s new $500 million manufacturing facility in Pittsylvania County that is projected to create more than 1,500 new jobs for Virginians in the region.
- When Virginia’s congressional candidates don’t debate, voters get sound bites instead of substance
Basic civic literacy, which debates and candidate forums promote, is not even an afterthought for many political candidates in Virginia and other states, columnist Jim Spencer writes.
- Spanberger taps Daniel Young to lead government watchdog office
Daniel Young, a former federal prosecutor, has been appointed Virginia’s next state inspector general by Gov. Abigail Spanberger.
- Inside Virginia’s city halls, concerns, confusion rise with Flock surveillance protests
A Williamsburg resident in March asked the police department at the College of William & Mary how data collected by the school’s Flock Safety surveillance system is shared.
- Digging into the past: Faculty and student researchers investigate Greek site
The Naxos Quarry Project is an international archaeological project focused on the ancient marble quarries of the Greek island of Naxos, which is famous for its white marble used in architecture and sculpture.
- Virginia Western redesigns Information Systems Technology specialization to respond to AI impact and forge new pathway to Radford University bachelor’s degree
Virginia Western has revolutionized a two-year programming degree into the Associate of Applied Science in IST: Data Analytics & Programming Solutions degree.
- Mother-Daughter Duo Graduates Together
Mother-Daughter Duo Graduates Together After more than twenty years at Daikin Applied Americas, Army veteran Rachel Sicheri decided she wanted to earn a degree to help advance her career.
- Few Va. universities have studied food insecurity among students, though 80% say it’s an issue
Most of Virginia’s public universities and colleges are aware of student food insecurity at their institutions, according to a November survey conducted by the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia.
- Workforce training program earns another No.1 ranking for Virginia
The Virginia Economic Development Partnership oversees the Talent Accelerator Program, which provides customized recruitment and training services at no cost to qualifying employers.
- Seven Rural Virginia Community Colleges Share $5.93 Million to Train Nurses and Behavioral Health Workers
Germanna, Laurel Ridge, Mountain Gateway, Patrick & Henry, Paul D. Camp, Rappahannock, and Virginia Highlands win Rural Health Transformation Fund awards.
- Virginia’s Democratic Trifecta Passes 49 Election Bills as Felony Voting Rights Head to November Ballot
Ballotpedia counts a 250 percent jump in election measures; ranked-choice voting is now permanent, Virginia joined the National Popular Vote compact, and automatic rights restoration awaits voters November 3.
- Higher Standards of Learning Cut Scores Coming, but Not This Year, Virginia Board Says
Virginia Board of Education Members listening to Superintendent Emily Anne Gullickson at the board’s business meeting on Nov. 13, 2025.
- Opioid authority awards $12.3 million for prevention, treatment and recovery in Virginia
The Virginia Opioid Abatement Authority has awarded more than $12.3 million to support opioid prevention, treatment and recovery efforts across the commonwealth.
- Richard Bland College and Live Casino Hotel Virginia Launch Workforce Training Initiative in Petersburg
Richard Bland College, in partnership with Live!
- Seven Rural Virginia Community Colleges Receive $5.93 Million for Health Care Training
A new state grant will help seven rural Virginia community colleges expand nursing, allied health and other training programs tied to local workforce needs.
- Report Says Hampton Roads Needs Thousands More Health Care Workers
Claude Moore Opportunities estimates shortages of more than 3,500 registered nurses plus therapists, aides and specialists.
- Elizabeth Guzman House Bill 417 Expands In-State Tuition for Military Families
The Virginia House of Delegates has taken a decisive step to honor the sacrifices of active-duty service members and veterans by overwhelmingly passing House Bill 417.
- Reston Plaza America Unsure of Future of Noodles and Company
Noodles and Company in Reston Plaza America (staff photo taken by Angela Woolsey).
- David Reid House Bill 410 Expands Scholastic Assessment Test Access for High School Students
RICHMOND, Va. – The Virginia House of Delegates has advanced HB410, a measure requiring school boards to provide high school students with access to the SAT School Day program. The bill passed the House on February 17, 2026, by a wide margin of 88-8, sending it to the Senate where it now awaits consideration in
- David Reid House Bill 182 on High School History Substitutions Clears Assembly
RICHMOND, Va. — House Bill 182, a measure altering high school graduation requirements by permitting substitutions in history and social studies credits, has successfully navigated the Virginia General Assembly and now awaits action from Governor Abigail Spanberger. The bill, introduced by Delegate David Reid of the 28th District in Loudoun County, seeks to provide students
- As sports betting surges, Virginia weighs how to curb gambling harms
State Sen. Mike Jones, D-Richmond, left, and Dr.
- Shelly Simonds Bill Mandating Career Coaches in Every Public High School Halts in House Appropriations
RICHMOND, Va. – Legislation aimed at placing a career coach in every public high school across Virginia met its end in the House Appropriations Committee this session.
- Montgomery County court to decide if Spanberger’s removal of Virginia Tech board member was lawful
A Southwest Virginia circuit court will consider whether a sitting governor’s decision to remove a college governing board member was legal, a rare type of case in the commonwealth. In June, John Rocovich, one of the longest-serving governing board members in Virginia Tech’s history, filed a civil lawsuit in Montgomery County Circuit Court challenging Gov. […]
- Amid major federal shifts, McMahon urges Virginia universities to reform practices, restore public trust
As students prepare to return to class, U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon is asking Virginia’s college and university presidents and governing boards to review how they operate and make changes, with a specific focus on whether universities are delivering affordable, high-quality education while maintaining free speech, academic standards, and accountability to the public. McMahon […]
- Independent report calls for campus safety overhaul at Old Dominion University after fatal shooting
An independent firm recommended Old Dominion University improve campus safety, threat assessment, emergency response, communications, and institutional processes in a report released Tuesday, after a fatal campus shooting killed an employee and injured multiple students in May. The report comes as the university prepares to welcome students back to Norfolk on Aug. 24, three months […]
- Department of Justice probes William & Mary over alleged race-based scholarship policies
The U.S. Department of Justice is investigating historic Williamsburg university William & Mary over scholarships and benefits programs that the department said may discriminate against students. According to the DOJ, the agency opened a compliance review to determine whether the school’s scholarships and student benefits include racial criteria that violate Title VI of the Civil […]
- Virginia Senate Examines Nitrous Oxide Labeling Concerns in Public Health Testimony
During a session of the Virginia Senate Courts of Justice committee, a parent provided testimony regarding the health effects experienced by her son after exposure to nitrous oxide products. The presentation focused on the labeling practices that designate these items for culinary use only. Committee members reviewed Senate Bill 360, which addresses the distribution of […]
- Who Speaks for American Hindus
We did the math. Here are the receipts. In the last six years, Hindus for Human Rights has posted 4,204 posts about Indian politics. This compares to 1,261 posts on Hindu culture and only 721 posts about the Indian diaspora living in North America. Why is this important? HfHR aims to establish itself in American […]
- Cardiovascular health spending has tripled, but death rates are rising in major Hampton Roads cities
By Yiqing Wang/WHRO Cardiovascular care has become more advanced over the past two decades, giving doctors new ways to prevent deaths from heart attacks, strokes and other conditions. But a new national study found those advances have come with rapidly rising costs while improvements in cardiovascular death rates have largely stalled. The analysis, published in the Journal […]
- Taxpayers on the Hook: The $115 Million James Madison University Expansion Driving Up State Spending
Virginia taxpayers are facing another massive bill as lawmakers consider a staggering $115.3 million allocation to expand a single building at James Madison University. This proposed expenditure, slated for the FY2027 budget, targets the College of Health and Behavioral Studies for a massive footprint increase. Fiscal conservatives are raising alarms over the sheer scale of […]
- National landlord with property in Virginia accused of housing discrimination
Civil rights complaints filed in Virginia and other states allege that Greystar, a national apartment management company, has violated fair housing laws by rejecting prospective tenants that use housing vouchers to help pay their rent. An investigation by nonprofit watchdog Housing Rights Initiative found over 100 instances where properties managed by Greystar in Virginia, Maryland, […]
- Virginia Taxpayers Burdened with Sweeping State Employee Raises in New Biennium Budget
The newly finalized Virginia budget for the 2026-2028 biennium places a massive financial burden on hardworking taxpayers to fund sweeping salary increases for government workers. Governor Abigail Spanberger recently signed off on a spending plan that mandates a 3.5 percent annual salary increase for state employees and state-supported local employees across the board. Additionally, the […]
- Assessing the Massive Budget Allocations for James Madison University
As the Virginia state budget continues to expand, taxpayers are left footing the bill for massive university infrastructure projects that warrant intense financial scrutiny. James Madison University recently secured a staggering $30.5 million specifically allocated for the renovation and furnishing of Johnston Hall on the historic Quad. This massive appropriation raises serious questions about fis
- Virginia Senate Reviews Proposal to Cap Tuition Increases at 2.5 Percent
The Virginia Senate is considering Senate Bill 30 which would limit annual tuition growth at public higher education institutions to 2.5 percent. This legislative proposal comes amid ongoing conversations about the costs associated with college attendance in the state. The bill seeks to establish a fixed percentage for allowable increases in tuition rates. Senate Bill […]
- Virginia Lawmakers Consider Reparations for Land Taken via Eminent Domain for Universities
Virginia Democrats are advancing proposals for reparations aimed at families who lost property to eminent domain during expansions at Christopher Newport University and Virginia Commonwealth University. The measures focus on historical land acquisitions that occurred over several decades. These developments have prompted renewed discussion about the effects of institutional growth in the state. De
- Public college governing boards
Even after being ousted as the Virginia Military Institute’s first Black superintendent last summer, retired Major General Cedric Wins said Monday at a higher education-focused conference in Washington D.C. that by helping to examine and improve governing boards for Virginia’s public colleges and universities on a state commission, he is committing another act of service. […]
- Virginia Legislation Proposes Updates to Medicaid State Plan for Consultations
Virginia lawmakers introduced a bill that would require the Department of Medical Assistance Services to update the state plan for medical assistance to include patient-initiated consultations and provider-to-provider consultations. The legislation, prefiled on January 1, 2026, and offered on January 14, 2026, amends Section 32.1-325 of the Code of Virginia to add these consultation types […]
- Taxpayers on the Hook for Massive $115.3 Million James Madison University Expansion
Virginia taxpayers are facing a massive financial burden as the upcoming FY2027 state budget includes a staggering $115.3 million allocation for a single building expansion at James Madison University. This nine-figure appropriation from the General Fund is earmarked for the College of Health and Behavioral Studies, representing a significant capital expenditure during a time of […]
- Hindu Advocacy Day on Capitol Hill celebrates America 250. Bipartisan support from Congressional Reps against rising Hinduphobia and Hate
Draws Bipartisan support from Congressional Reps Against Rising Hinduphobia CoHNA event brings together lawmakers, community members and scholars, Hindu youth, and allies Washington DC, July 3, 2026: The Coalition of Hindus of North America’s (CoHNA) 5th Day of Advocacy, hosted by Capitol Hill, featured bipartisan concern about rising Hinduphobia as well as the voices of […]
- Testing service acquisition expands Virginia’s workforce credentialing and policy plans
Educational Testing Services, a leading test developer for colleges and universities, recently acquired ACT, the organization that administers one of the nation’s most popular standardized tests to measure students educational development for college admission. The merger will combine both entities’ expertise to create better tools to help students in Virginia and across the country succeed […]
- Virginia’s abortion amendment faces legal challenges over procedural step, language
A legal challenge to Virginia’s pending reproductive rights amendment is headed toward a hearing later this month, with potential implications for two other pending constitutional amendments. At the center of Bansley v. Nardo is an argument that the clerk of the House of Delegates, Paul Nardo, failed to send copies of the amendment to circuit […]
- State budget extends Virginia higher education displacement commission funding for two years
Funding approved by Virginia lawmakers in the new state budget paves the way for two more years of work by a commission studying Black communities’ past displacement by Virginia colleges and universities and potential forms of redress. While final figures have not been determined, the commission — the only of its kind in the state […]
- High-potency marijuana fuels state debates over psychosis and addiction risks
When her son was a teenager, Connecticut mom Amy Wadsworth said, he was the type of kid parents rarely worry about. He played sports, cared about his health and stayed away from drugs. In 2018, when he left West Hartford to start his freshman year at American University in Washington, D.C., she expected his biggest […]
- Spanberger names 32 new appointees to Virginia college boards
Governor Abigail Spanberger appointed 32 new members to governing boards at Virginia’s colleges and universities, continuing her effort to reshape higher education leadership across the commonwealth. On Friday evening, Spanberger announced 52 appointments, including 20 reappointments. The move furthers her efforts to remake university leadership amid concerns about the politicization of public col
- Virginia joins initiative to create three-year bachelor’s degree model
Higher education leaders in Virginia and Ohio announced Thursday that they will join forces to create a model for three-year bachelor’s degrees, cutting the traditional timeframe of obtaining the credential by one year. The move reflects Virginia’s strategic plan to better align higher education with student and employer needs and increase affordability. Currently, the laws […]
- Kratom product sales to be regulated in Virginia
Del. Joshua Cole, D-Fredericksburg, never expected social media posts about a recreational drug would inspire a new consumer protection law, which he sponsored and was approved by Gov. Abigail Spanberger last month. Spanberger ceremonially signed Cole’s House Bill 360 on Tuesday, which creates new safeguards for the sale of kratom, a legal substance often used […]
- Fairfax County Spotlights Historical Women Leaders in Science and Social Change
Katherine Johnson, born in 1918 in White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia, demonstrated exceptional mathematical ability from a young age. Her parents emphasized education, enabling her to complete high school by age 13 and attend West Virginia State College, where she exhausted the available mathematics curriculum. After teaching, Johnson joined the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics […]