The Roanoke Higher Education Center offers nearly 200 programs of study through the Center’s partner organizations. Our current partners include Averett University, Bluefield College, Hampton University, Hollins University, James Madison University, Jefferson College of Health Sciences, Mary Baldwin College, Nova Southeastern University, Old Dominion University, Radford University, Roanoke College, TAP - This Valley Works job training programs, the University of Virginia, Virginia Tech, and Virginia Western Community College.  These partners offer undergraduate and graduate level courses.

In August 2000, the Roanoke Center welcomed its first class of 2,500 students to newly renovated classrooms located in the former headquarters of the Norfolk and Western Railroad in downtown Roanoke. Guided by community needs and interests, input from business and civic leaders, and the experience of member institutions, programs are developed that bring a rich variety of educational resources.  Distance learning technology plays a key role in the collaborative efforts that characterize many of the educational offerings, and the Center allows for an exceptionally broad set of educational opportunities:

• Adults in need of job training and re-training receive the very best in instruction and career guidance.

• Individuals are able to pursue undergraduate degrees in a variety of disciplines and fields related to regional job opportunities.

• Graduate instruction is available in support of further career development and preparation for social and technological change.

• All participants study in an environment that encourages lifelong education and training for career development, enhancement, and change as well as for personal enrichment.

From workforce development to advanced graduate study, opportunities to apply computer and distance learning technology in the liberal arts and sciences, health sciences, business, and in fact, the broadest range of learning programs ever assembled under one roof are generating new and ever more innovative ways to enhance the learning process. The Center is a model for educational cooperation, innovation, and access all of which is supported by the inclusion of advanced instructional technology.

The Center also accommodates the growing corporate training and meeting needs of companies across the region. With more than 57 available classrooms, a 2,100 square-foot meeting room and advanced computer technology and video conferencing facilities, the Center is able to accommodate all types of business gatherings.