The Southwest 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 degrees, adult and continuing education, workforce training, and professional development through partnerships with public institutions of higher education and private institutions of higher education;

2. Facilitate the delivery of teacher training programs leading to licensure and undergraduate and graduate degrees;

3. Serve as a resource and referral center by maintaining and disseminating information on existing educational programs and resources; and

4. Develop, in coordination with the Council, specific goals for higher education in Southwest Virginia.