The Southern Virginia Higher Education Center (the Center) is established as an educational institution in the Commonwealth. The Center shall:
1. Encourage the expansion of higher education, including adult and continuing education and associate, undergraduate, and graduate degree programs in the region and foster partnerships between the public and private sectors to enhance higher education in the Southside region;
2. Encourage the development and delivery of continuing education programs and workforce training in collaboration with the educational institutions serving the region, with a focus on critical shortage areas and the needs of industry;
3. Facilitate the delivery of teacher training programs leading to licensure and graduate degrees;
4. Serve as a resource and referral center by maintaining and disseminating information on existing educational programs and resources; and
5. Develop, in coordination with the Council, specific goals for higher education in Southside Virginia.