Success Stories

An agreement to serve as the interim executive director for a few months quickly evolved into a permanent position Jerry Gwaltney held for over four years at the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research. Gwaltney has lead the Institute since April 2013 and will retire July 31, 2017.

The Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR) hosted 17 summer interns for an eight-week, paid experience during the Summer of 2023. From recent high school graduates to students pursuing their master’s degrees, these interns worked in various divisions and departments across our organization.

During National Apprenticeship Week 2023 (Nov. 13-17), the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR) acknowledged some of the organizations providing quality registered apprenticeship opportunities in Southern Virginia. Staff "popped in" on several of these partners to provide them with their 2023 ExTRA Awards.

A total of 110 students participated in at least one of eight summer STEM camps hosted at the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR) during June and July 2024. These engaging, hands-on camps sparked interest in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) primarily for students in grades 3-8.

The Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR) hosted 13 summer interns for a paid, eight-week experience in summer 2024. Working across many of IALR’s divisions and departments, each of these interns made significant contributions to IALR’s mission of driving economic transformation in Southern Virginia and beyond.

Approximately 4,546 middle and high school students connected with employers and learned about their region's career pathways and employment opportunities during the 2024 Career ChoICE Youth Expo events hosted at the Olde Dominion Agricultural Complex in Chatham and Hampden-Sydney College in Farmville.

"IALR is so much more than a collection of programs or a campus; it’s where education, innovation and collaboration meet. Here, shared success happens every day." - Telly Tucker, IALR President

Now celebrating its 10th year, IMT is a collaboration between Danville Community College and IALR aimed at producing manufacturing leaders with a comprehensive understanding of manufacturing processes and operations and critical leadership skills. Graduates have influenced the region’s manufacturing scene by stepping into positions that require leadership, problem-solving and high-level production knowledge.

IALR hosted 18 summer interns for a paid, eight-week experience in summer 2025. Working across many of IALR’s divisions and departments, each of these interns contributed to IALR’s mission of driving economic transformation in Southern Virginia and beyond.

A unique venture at the forefront of biostimulant research, the Plant Endophyte Research Center at IALR leverages private and public partnerships and funding to study how endophytes can enhance agricultural production.

From national conferences and community celebrations to professional trainings and completion ceremonies, organizations from across Virginia, North Carolina and beyond trusted the IALR Conference Center to deliver outstanding events with exceptional service.