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HJ 678

Commending the Roanoke Higher Education Center.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Terry Austin and 4 co-sponsors

Ceremonial resolution commends Roanoke Higher Education Center for 25 years of education and workforce development, recognizing its economic impact; non-binding.

Bill text as passed House and Senate (HJ678ER)
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Bill Summary · HJ 678

Summary: House Joint Resolution No. 678 (HJ678ER) – Commensuring the Roanoke Higher Education Center

Purpose and overall intent

  • HJ678ER is a ceremonial House Joint Resolution that commends the Roanoke Higher Education Center (RHEC) for its 25 years of service providing access to higher education and workforce development opportunities in the Roanoke region.
  • The resolution expresses admiration from the General Assembly and directs the Clerk of the House to prepare a copy for presentation to the Roanoke Higher Education Center.

Key provisions and content

  • Recognition scope:
    • Commends the Roanoke Higher Education Center for its 25-year contributions to education and the regional economy.
  • Background statements (factual “WHEREAS” recitals):
    • The Roanoke Higher Education Authority, established in 1997, governs the Roanoke Higher Education Center.
    • The Center operates under the Authority to provide degrees, certificates, endorsements, and workforce skill development.
    • Since opening in August 2000, the Center has contributed significant economic impact to the Roanoke region (more than $10 million annually in economic growth, plus about $8 million in student spending).
    • The main building and Claude Moore Education Complex are located in downtown Roanoke and are regarded as historic assets.
    • The Center hosts a range of institutions and organizations, including James Madison University, Radford University, VCU, Virginia Tech, VWCC, Region 5 Adult Education, Sovah School of Health Professions, Total Action for Progress, Project Discovery, and others.
    • It has awarded over 16,000 degrees, certificates, and endorsements over 25 years.
    • It administers roughly 3,000 tests annually via its Educational Testing Center to support workforce credentials.
    • It provides computer labs, video conferencing, and a modern meeting space to more than 18,000 people from community organizations each year.
    • It offers clinical simulation experiences to more than 3,500 students annually preparing for health care careers.
  • Procedural outcome:
    • The resolution is non-binding and ceremonial; it does not create new law or funding, but formally recognizes the Center’s contributions.

Who is affected

  • The Roanoke Higher Education Center and its partner institutions/organizations in the Roanoke region are the primary beneficiaries of the recognition.
  • The broader Roanoke community benefits from the acknowledged impact on education access, workforce development, and local economic activity.

Procedural and timeline notes

  • Introduced: February 14, 2025.
  • Enrolled version: HJ678ER (House and Senate, passed in February 2025; “Agreed to by the House” on Feb 18, 2025; “Agreed to by the Senate” on Feb 22, 2025).
  • Enrolled status: March 24, 2025 (final enrolled text).
  • Patrons/Sponsors: House patrons Austin, McNamara, Rasoul; Senate sponsors Head and Suetterlein.

Potential impact and interpretation

  • While purely ceremonial, the resolution publicly underscores the Center’s 25-year contributions to education access, workforce development, and economic activity in the Roanoke region.
  • Public recognition can enhance the Center’s profile, potentially supporting ongoing partnerships, community support, and visibility for its programs and facilities.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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