President's Message

From the President

Welcome to SVCC! I am truly honored to serve as the sixth president of Southside Virginia Community College (SVCC). This is an excellent College community that is committed to serving students! SVCC’s Motto is “Success Starts Here”! I am very happy that you have chosen SVCC as your College of choice! We will work hard to ensure that you have a very rewarding experience, and look forward to not only meeting you soon but seeing you at commencement!  

Whether you are pursuing an associate degree, taking courses to transfer to a four-year institution, or choose to upgrade your job skills to enter the workforce immediately, our exceptional dedicated faculty and staff are committed to helping you reach and achieve success. We understand the many obstacles and challenges that you may face. And, we understand that “Life Happens”. Therefore, we are laser-focused on your success and are here to help. We want every student to know that it is important to finish what you’ve started.

Our faculty and staff look forward to partnering with you, to discuss and find ways to ensure that you not only attend college but will earn credentials leading to better-paying jobs, and that you will graduate as well. It is expected that all students will work hard to achieve their academic and career goals, and it is important that you know that we will work just as hard - by your side – throughout your experience at SVCC.

We always strive for excellence in all we do here. SVCC is a friendly open-door institution which means that everyone is welcome here, and we take that seriously. We are ready, willing, and able to help you achieve your educational dreams. Our affordable tuition, small class sizes and excellent faculty and staff, all contribute to the best value in higher education today.

We are one of the most diverse institutions in the Commonwealth of Virginia, and believe that our diversity enriches the student experience, both in and out-of-class. We are inclusive and excellent, we realize students’ potential, and we are striving to help every student succeed! I am proud of SVCC and honored to be president here.

For those students who may have previously tried college and maybe thinking about returning for a second try, I hope that you will give us a closer look. I am sure you will like what you see. Thanks for considering what SVCC has to offer! At SVCC, we are committed to “Building Dreams, Transforming Lives, and Sustaining Communities.” We proudly serve Southside Virginia, which includes a 10-county service area, and the City of Emporia covering approximately 4,200 square miles.

Best regards,

Quentin R. Johnson, Ph.D.

President