Office of the President

We are an exceptional college and pride ourselves on our commitment to our students. We are committed to providing you with an affordable high quality educational opportunity. We believe that your education is vital, not just for your future, but for the future of our communities. If you are a returning or continuing student at Southern, you already know about the quality education that is found here and that we provide it at the most affordable price in the region.

In addition to being a great value, community and technical colleges are being recognized across West Virginia and the nation for their significant impact on workforce development and good paying jobs. Recent studies show that in many cases students graduating with a 2-year degree are obtaining a higher first year salary than students who are completing 4-year degrees. Southern really is a smart choice.

Founded as an open-door, comprehensive community college in 1971, today Southern is part of the Community and Technical College System of West Virginia and accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. We are dedicated to serving both traditional and non-traditional students. Whether your goal is to begin your pursuit of a 4-year degree, go directly into the workforce, or improve on the interests and skills you already possess, we look forward to creating a pathway to success for you.

The faculty and staff at Southern are focused on student success. Classes and support services are designed to help students meet their academic, professional, and personal objectives. This focus on students means that Southern West Virginia Community and Technical College is an ideal place for all types of people. Our student body comes from a wide variety of backgrounds, whether traditional students, single mothers, veterans, disabled students, unemployed adults, or folks simply wanting a change after years on the job. The range of student experiences brings a richness to the campus culture and classroom dynamic. Whatever your needs, we want to work with you on an individual basis to be successful.

We are extremely grateful for strong support from our communities, including donors to the Vision 2020 Major Gift Campaign, which provides scholarships for students struggling to pay for school and financial support for college programs, services, and capital improvements.

Southern remains committed to providing students with the highest quality education possible at an affordable price and serving as a vital resource to the region. We invite you to explore our website and stop by the campus location nearest you to learn more about our great college. If I may be of help to you, please do not hesitate to contact me with any questions or concerns.

Robert E. Gunter, Ed.D.
President