JMU Partners with Southern Virginia Higher Education Center

From: Public Affairs

September 26, 2007

HARRISONBURG — Southern Virginia residents can now enroll in professional development courses at James Madison University.

JMU Outreach Programs has formed a partnership with the Southern Virginia Higher Education Center (SVHEC) in South Boston.

"We're excited to expand to this region of the state," said Carol Fleming, director of outreach programs. "Thanks to distance-learning technologies, students can access coursework that is otherwise unavailable in their area. JMU is proud to deliver needed programs to these students, when and where they want them."

SVHEC Director Ted Bennett said this is a "special moment for students in Southern Virginia because it signals a partnership with one of the premier universities in the country. JMU will not only bring to Southern Virginia another set of coursework not previously available, but this lays the foundation for future provision by JMU of additional coursework and programs," Bennett said.

The first JMU program available at SVHEC is Music and Special Learners, designed for kindergarten-12th grade music teachers. Participants learn ways to teach music theory to students with special needs in the areas of language, motor, visual and social development.

Located in Halifax County, the SVHEC offers students a high-quality education through partnerships with eight Virginia colleges and universities.

Learn more at www.svhed.org.

For more information about JMU's involvement, contact Jamie Marsh in JMU's Office of Public Affairs at 540-568-4908 or by e-mail marshjs@jmu.edu.

For more information about SVHEC, contact Amy H. Lammerts, director of program development, marketing and communications at 434-572-5441 or by e-mail at amylammerts@svhed.org.

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