Institute for Advanced Learning and Research

Driving Economic Transformation

Inside IALR Podcast: Restoring Hope, the Mission of God’s Pit Crew

Categories

Inside IALR Podcast: Restoring Hope, the Mission of God’s Pit Crew

Inside IALR Podcast: Restoring Hope, the Mission of God’s Pit Crew

Let’s hear from Randy Johnson, founder of God’s Pit Crew, a faith-based disaster relief organization headquartered in Danville, Virginia, and Tracy Fink, Vice President of the IALR Conference Center. God’s Pit Crew has transformed from a simple altar prayer 26 years ago into an extensive operation that has responded to over 200 disasters across more than 30 states and 15 countries.

Randy shares the remarkable growth of God’s Pit Crew and explains their strategic four-pronged disaster response: delivering essential supplies, providing immediate cleanup and tree removal, rebuilding homes—including an unprecedented commitment to constructing 25 new homes this year for Hurricane Helene victims—and redistributing over $5 million annually in donated goods to local nonprofits within 200 miles of Danville. Tracy highlights the longstanding partnership with IALR and details the annual benefit banquet hosted every year at the IALR Conference Center, which gathers nearly 1,000 supporters and showcases the organization’s profound impact.

Highlights include:

  • Origins and Growth of God’s Pit Crew (00:45)
  • Comprehensive Disaster Response Approach (02:15)
  • Building Homes and Restoring Lives (07:30)
  • Local Community Impact (12:20)
  • Annual Benefit Banquet at IALR Conference Center (16:50)
  • Volunteer Stories and Community Spirit (20:05)

LISTEN ON SPOTIFY

LISTEN ON APPLE PODCASTS

LISTEN ON IALR’S SITE

 

Inside IALR Podcast: Career Exploration in 73 Middle Schools

Inside IALR Podcast: Career Exploration in 73 Middle Schools

Let’s hear from Jake Taylor, Technical and Training Manager of the Great Opportunities in Technology and Engineering Careers (GO TEC®) program managed by IALR. GO TEC is an innovative career initiative providing middle school students across Virginia with engaging, hands-on experiences in technology, manufacturing and engineering careers.

Jake shares how GO TEC rapidly expanded from a pilot program in Danville and Pittsylvania County to over 50 middle schools statewide, with further growth anticipated. He explains the strategic approach to maintaining consistency while addressing regional industry differences and details the logistical complexities involved in equipping classrooms, training educators and ensuring continuous program improvement.

Highlights include:

  • What is GO TEC? (00:36)
  • Rapid statewide growth (01:42)
  • Hands-on career exploration (04:00)
  • Partnering across Virginia (05:43)
  • Supporting teachers and classrooms (14:38)
  • Bridging the high school gap (23:54)
  • STEM Innovator of the Year Award (27:00)

LISTEN ON SPOTIFY

LISTEN ON APPLE PODCASTS

LISTEN ON IALR’S SITE

IALR Communications Team Wins Four PRSA Awards

IALR Communications Team Wins Four PRSA Awards

The Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR) Public Relations and Communications team recently earned four awards – three gold and one silver – from the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) Blue Ridge Chapter’s 2024 Summit Awards. The Awards recognize outstanding communication efforts in the Blue Ridge region, including Danville, Roanoke, Blacksburg and the surrounding area.

“It is an honor to be recognized among the region’s top communications professionals. I am especially grateful for the award-winning efforts of such exceptional team members, Caleb and Daniel, and for the transformative work our IALR colleagues perform that we are fortunate to promote.” – Allison Moore, Senior Director, PR & Communications

Annual Report – Silver Award (One-time Publication, Multiple Pages)

IALR’s Fiscal Year 2023 Annual Report received a silver award in the One-time Publication, Multiple Pages category. The Communications team successfully produced a professional, engaging report by the early calendar year with updated visuals, fresh photography and straightforward, informative content.

“Growing Impact” was not only the theme of the 2023 annual report but also the visual representation of IALR’s mission to transform Southern Virginia. Our annual reports are not traditional with large amounts of text and financial information, but a comprehensive story of IALR’s focus areas, activities and achievements. – Daniel Dalton, Graphic and Multimedia Specialist II

Inside IALR Podcast – Two Gold Awards (Shared Media: Social Media Streaming and Campaigns: Community Partnerships)

The “Inside IALR” podcast earned two gold awards—one for Shared Media: Social Media Streaming and another for Campaigns: Community Partnerships. The podcast, hosted and produced by Caleb Ayers (Communications Content Manager) and Daniel Dalton (Graphic and Multimedia Specialist II), released 27 episodes and achieved 1,639 total downloads during the award period. Episodes offer a behind-the-scenes view of IALR’s impact and various community partnerships.

“The IALR podcast is our way of giving an inside, behind-the-scenes, and more in-depth view of all the unique programs, people and partnerships that drive our impact.” – Caleb Ayers, Communications Content Manager

IALR at a Glance Newsletter – Gold Award (Writing)

IALR’s monthly “IALR at a Glance” newsletter was awarded gold in the Writing category. The newsletter’s compelling stories and targeted promotional campaigns resulted in a 20% growth in subscribers within one year, surpassing its original goal. The consistent open rate of over 30% indicates strong audience engagement and content relevance.

The Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR) Public Relations and Communications team: Daniel Dalton, Allison Moore, and Caleb Ayers.

 

Inside IALR Podcast: Internship Support for Southern Virginia Employers

Inside IALR Podcast: Internship Support for Southern Virginia Employers

Internships create powerful win-win opportunities for both students and employers when structured properly. IALR’s Work-Based Learning Coordinator, Kiana Dillard, explains how these programs build talent pipelines while giving students valuable real-world experience.

  • Internships provide structured learning opportunities where students develop skills while exploring potential career paths
  • IALR offers personalized consultation to help businesses create meaningful internship experiences
  • Successful internship programs require clear goals, meaningful projects, mentorship, structure and paid compensation
  • Virginia Talent and Opportunity Partnership provides matching funds covering 50% of costs for businesses with 150 employees or fewer
  • Success stories include students being hired by their internship employers after demonstrating valuable contributions
  • Alternative work-based learning programs include teacher externships, STEM camps, career fairs and apprenticeships
  • Internships don’t have to be full-time summer experiences—part-time positions during academic terms can work well

Learn more and get connected to resources: https://www.ialr.org/supporting-internships/host-an-intern/

LISTEN ON SPOTIFY

LISTEN ON APPLE PODCASTS

LISTEN ON IALR’S SITE

Inside IALR Podcast: From Trainees to Trainers: The ATDM Additive Journey

Inside IALR Podcast: From Trainees to Trainers: The ATDM Additive Journey

This episode features Daniel Hyler and Tim Holland—two graduates turned additive manufacturing instructors with the Accelerated Training in Defense Manufacturing (ATDM) program. Hear them discuss lessons they picked up along the way, plus real-world applications of additive manufacturing in today’s job market.

Listen in as they discuss:

  • Jumping from Student to Instructor: How they found their calling in the classroom.
  • The ‘Light Bulb’ Moment: Why watching a student finally “get it” is so rewarding.
  • Industry Readiness: Helping companies embrace the possibilities of 3D printing.
  • Career Pathways: Creating your own opportunities in an evolving field.

LISTEN ON SPOTIFY

LISTEN ON APPLE PODCASTS

LISTEN ON IALR’S SITE

Inside IALR Podcast: Building Stronger Local Food Systems

Inside IALR Podcast: Building Stronger Local Food Systems

In this episode of Inside IALR, Value Chain Coordinator Mitchell Doss highlights a new initiative aimed at strengthening Southern Virginia’s local food ecosystem. Funded by a Tobacco Commission grant, Mitchell’s work focuses on helping farmers broaden their reach to new markets while ensuring communities gain greater access to fresh, local produce and products. Hear how Mitchell’s journey—from IALR intern to horticulture researcher—shapes his approach to connecting producers, institutions, and consumers for an economically vibrant and sustainable future.

In this episode:

  • What a Value Chain Coordinator does
  • The importance of robust local food networks for economic growth
  • Current gaps and opportunities in Southern Virginia’s food system
  • Strategies for driving collaboration between farmers, buyers and communities
  • Details on upcoming workshops and opportunities to get involved

For more information on Mitchell’s work and how you can connect, visit IALR.org/valuechain.

LISTEN ON SPOTIFY

LISTEN ON APPLE PODCASTS

LISTEN ON IALR’S SITE

Inside IALR Podcast: From Blueprint to Reality: Moving into the ATDM Maritime Training Center

Inside IALR Podcast: From Blueprint to Reality: Moving into the ATDM Maritime Training Center

Question: How do you move an active training program with massive, sophisticated equipment into a new facility without halting progress?
Answer: An abundance of planning—and the determination to make it happen.

In this episode, Senior Facilities Manager Stewart East and Assistant Director of Advanced Training and Operations Wesley Cifers explain:

Preparation: Months of logistical strategizing for a multi-phase relocation
Execution: Coordinating staff, resources, and external partners over the holidays
Outcome: A smoother transition to the Navy’s ATDM Maritime Training Center, where the Accelerated Training and Defense Manufacturing (ATDM) program now has a permanent home

Episode highlights include:

  • Transition to a significant new facility after years in a temporary space
  • Overview of the Accelerated Training and Defense Manufacturing Program
  • Importance of modern labs and dedicated training spaces
  • Planning and executing a complex multi-phase move
  • Coordination with internal staff and external partners
  • Growth goals of expanding student enrollment
  • Enhancements in the learning environment and student experience
  • Recognition of community and team support during the move

LISTEN ON SPOTIFY

LISTEN ON APPLE PODCASTS

LISTEN ON IALR’S SITE

Inside IALR Podcast: Training the Workforce in Industrial Fermentation Processes

Inside IALR Podcast: Training the Workforce in Industrial Fermentation Processes

Industrial fermentation—a core biotechnology process that harnesses living organisms—is a growing discipline used across multiple industries. In this episode of Inside IALR, we recap IALR’s first week-long fermentation workshop, which was offered in partnership with Virginia Tech and industry experts. Joining the conversation are Scott Lowman, Ph.D., Vice President of Applied Research at IALR; Biswarup Mukhopadhyay, Ph.D., Professor with Virginia Tech’s Department of Biochemistry; and Justin Cesmat, Product Line Manager for Bioprocessing at Distek, Inc. They share insights on:

  • Fundamentals of fermentation and its real-world applications
  • Workshop structure, participants, and hands-on training
  • Interdisciplinary skills needed for success in fermentation
  • Importance of collaboration between academia and industry
  • Plans for expanding future fermentation training programs

LISTEN ON SPOTIFY

LISTEN ON APPLE PODCASTS

LISTEN ON IALR’S SITE

Inside IALR Podcast: A Decade of Service and Impact: Dan River Year AmeriCorps

Inside IALR Podcast: A Decade of Service and Impact: Dan River Year AmeriCorps

The Dan River Year AmeriCorps program celebrates its decade of impact in the community. The episode highlights the evolution of the program and its multifaceted approach to address educational gaps in STEM and literacy.

This episode features Dana Silicki (Director of STEM, Service, and Lifelong Learning at IALR), Audia Harris (Program Coordinator at IALR), and Adam Goebel (Executive Director of the Danville Science Center), each of whom share their unique perspective on the impact of the Dan River Year AmeriCorps program.

Episode highlights include:

  • Overview of the Dan River Year AmeriCorps program
  • The evolution of focus from STEM to include literacy
  • Recruitment processes and member demographics
  • AmeriCorps members’ roles in classrooms and mentoring
  • Success stories demonstrating program impact
  • Future directions for community service and educational efforts
  • Current recruitment opportunities for interested members

LISTEN ON SPOTIFY

LISTEN ON APPLE PODCASTS

LISTEN ON IALR’S SITE

Inside IALR Podcast: Collaborative Forces in Maritime and Additive Manufacturing

Inside IALR Podcast: Collaborative Forces in Maritime and Additive Manufacturing

The U.S. Navy’s Additive Manufacturing Center of Excellence (AM CoE), a linchpin in maritime technological advancement, is located inside the Center for Manufacturing Advancement on the IALR campus. This episode highlights the AM CoE as a collaborative hub of strategic importance in meeting the U.S. Navy’s ambitious submarine production goals. This project is driving manufacturing innovation forward. 

IALR Executive Vice President of Manufacturing Advancement Jason Wells is joined by Advanced Manufacturing Director Jesse Geisbert and Additive Manufacturing Program Manager Aaron Wiest, both from the Maritime Industrial Base (MIB). They discuss the impact of the Navy’s AM CoE and the success stories where the project has prototyped and delivered mission-critical parts for ships and submarines much quicker than traditional methods, such as castings and forgings, and supply chains could have. This informative discussion includes:

  • What is the Maritime Industrial Base? (01:03)
  • Advanced manufacturing technology development (06:54)
  • Partnering with the Maritime Industrial Base (08:54)
  • Additive Manufacturing Center of Excellence (11:25) 
  • Public/private partnerships (18:41)
  • Success stories (24:44)
  • NASAM & ATDM (31:54)
  • Another success story (40:04)
  • AM CoE partners (50:27)
  • Parting thoughts (53:15)

LISTEN ON SPOTIFY

LISTEN ON APPLE PODCASTS

LISTEN ON IALR’S SITE

Inside IALR Podcast: Transforming the Region for 20 Years – Building an Anniversary Special Series

Inside IALR Podcast: Transforming the Region for 20 Years – Building an Anniversary Special Series

2024 marks the 20th anniversary of the opening of the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research main building. To celebrate, we will feature several guests who have been integral to the operation of this iconic facility over the last twenty years.

For the fourth and final anniversary episode, guest host Daniel Dalton is joined by two important guests who are vital to driving economic transformation: IALR President Telly Tucker and Linda Green, Vice President of Economic Development and Executive Director of the Southern Regional Alliance (SVRA).

There aren’t many facilities that serve such a multi-purpose function as the main IALR building, which offers a full-service conference center, on-site café, educational classrooms, research labs for different purposes and a high bay, all in one building. The building has hosted visiting international patrons and guests, governors, various ranking military officials, regional representatives and educators. As economic developers, Telly and Linda have also used the building (and now the IALR campus as a whole) as one of the primary selling points for companies interested in locating in Southern Virginia.

  • Background and early career (00:45)
  • Reactions to the construction of IALR (05:13)
  • Catalyzing economic transformation (08:39)
  • Since day one (15:30)
  • Evolution of IALR (16:30)
  • The building as a tool for economic development (27:41)
  • IALR as a host (35:32)
  • Flexing to meet demands (44:51)
  • Hopes for the next twenty years (46:33)
  • Parting thoughts (51:12)

For more history and information and to view photos of the construction of 150 Slayton, please visit https://www.ialr.org/history/.

LISTEN ON SPOTIFY

LISTEN ON APPLE PODCASTS

LISTEN ON IALR’S SITE

Inside IALR Podcast: Conference Center Tales – Building an Anniversary Special Series

Inside IALR Podcast: Conference Center Tales – Building an Anniversary Special Series

2024 marks the 20th anniversary of the opening of the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research main building. To celebrate, we will feature several guests who have been integral to the operation of this iconic facility over the last twenty years.

This third-anniversary episode features the two longest-tenured employees of both the Conference Center and all of IALR: Diana Parrish (Event Planner and Services Operations Coordinator) and Ellen Bass (Sales and Marketing Manager). From moving into the building and holding an event before it was fully completed to now hosting multi-day, international conferences, Diana and Ellen share their conference center story experiences and stories from the last twenty years. Throughout all those years, updates and technological improvements, Ellen and Diana highlight how the mission of the Conference Center remains the same: serve excellence and open IALR to the public.

  • Background and early career (00:44)
  • Nearing completion and moving in (02:51)
  • The first event/getting the word out & educating the public (07:09)
  • Catering challenges (10:24)
  • Megabytes Café (14:15)
  • Initial responsibilities and early events (18:20)
  • Trading spaces – how the building has changed (24:27)
  • Home to the Piedmont Governor’s School (29:18)
  • Conferences, baby showers, birthday parties, radio dance parties, weddings, Old McDonald’s Farm, oh my! (30:02)
  • Keeping up with the times (41:36)
  • Service Excellence (44:02)
  • Connecting the IALR Conference Center (48:01)
  • Renovating in 2020 (49:51)
  • Looking ahead twenty years (53:15)
  • Closing thoughts (56:22)

For more history and information and to view photos of the construction of 150 Slayton, please visit https://www.ialr.org/history/.

LISTEN ON SPOTIFY

LISTEN ON APPLE PODCASTS

LISTEN ON IALR’S SITE

Inside IALR Podcast: Better Call Maintenance – Building an Anniversary Special Series

Inside IALR Podcast: Better Call Maintenance – Building an Anniversary Special Series

2024 marks the 20th anniversary of the opening of the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research main building. To celebrate, we will feature several guests who have been integral to the operation of this iconic facility over the last twenty years.

This second special anniversary episode features two maintenance professionals who have kept the building operational all these years: Jeff Forlines (retired Facilities Maintenance) and Stewart East (Senior Facilities Manager).

From opening locked office doors to changing 4,000 light bulbs in 2,800 light fixtures, Jeff shares how he did some of everything as a one-man maintenance team for almost nine years before Stewart was hired. They share stories about moving large research equipment through a standard-size door, explain the process of painting the Atrium’s tall ceiling and highlight their special trick to get helium balloons down from a 30-foot ceiling. Jeff fondly remembers getting to watch fireworks from the roof on the Fourth of July because he was fixing the AC unit. 

  • Jeff’s background and early career (00:37)
  • Stewart’s background and early career (07:01)
  • Advantages of seeing what’s behind the walls (08:47)
  • Growing campus brings Stewart on board (20:08)
  • Fitting equipment through a door (24:30)
  • Challenges of a growing campus (25:28)
  • Installing a walk-in freezer (28:21)
  • Cleaning all this glass (34:12)
  • Jeff’s reaction to seeing IALR for the first time (37:19)
  • Converting to LED (39:00)
  • Tight spaces and a hot roof (41:45)
  •  Lessons learned during employment (43:25)
  • Getting familiar with the building and campus (46:38)
  • Looking ahead twenty years (48:03)
  • Closing thoughts (50:46)
  • Help desk ticketing system (51:26)

For more history and information and to view photos of the construction of 150 Slayton, please visit https://www.ialr.org/history/.

LISTEN ON SPOTIFY

LISTEN ON APPLE PODCASTS

LISTEN ON IALR’S SITE

Inside IALR Podcast: The Mind Behind the Iconic IALR Building: Dewberry’s Larry Hasson

Inside IALR Podcast: The Mind Behind the Iconic IALR Building: Dewberry’s Larry Hasson

2024 marks the 20th anniversary of the opening of the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research main building. To celebrate, we will feature several guests who have been integral to the operation of this iconic facility over the last twenty years.

Larry Hasson

This special premiere anniversary episode features Dewberry’s Larry Hasson (Associate Principal | Architecture Department Manager), who led the design team that created the IALR facility. Larry shares the story of how the design and architecture of the 90,000-square-foot building came to be.

  • Larry’s background and early career (00:42)
  • Initial pitch for what the building needed to be (02:27)
  • The thought process behind the design and layout of the building (06:47)
  • How the iconic Atrium facade came to be (17:32)
  • The choice of building and architectural materials used, such as glass, steel and brick (19:55)
  • Reactions to the opening of the building (30:42)
  • Lessons learned and continuing a theme (37:07)
  • If this building was built in 2024 (42:29)
  • Looking ahead twenty years (47:38)
  • Outside inspiration and ahead of its time (57:20)
  • Closing thoughts (01:02:54)

For more history and information and to view photos of the construction of 150 Slayton, please visit https://www.ialr.org/history/.

LISTEN ON SPOTIFY

LISTEN ON APPLE PODCASTS

LISTEN ON IALR’S SITE

Inside IALR Podcast: Comprehensive Support for All Students: ATDM Wrap-Around Services

Inside IALR Podcast: Comprehensive Support for All Students: ATDM Wrap-Around Services

The Accelerated Training in Defense Manufacturing (ATDM) program provides comprehensive and unique support and career services from the day students arrive. This level of support makes the program more successful and accessible.

This episode features three ATDM staff to highlight those services and how they enhance student experiences and outcomes: Kevin Gatewood, Assistant Director, ATDM Student Services; Karen Hardy, Assistant Director, ATDM Career Services and Dr. Debra Holley, Director, ATDM Project Development.

  • ATDM program overview (01:19)
  • Support and wrap-around services (02:43)
  • Career preparation (06:50)
  • Balancing backgrounds and experience (10:04)
  • Evolution of ATDM student support (12:19)
  • Work study program (16:02)
  • Tutoring assistance (18:01)
  • Success stories (20:06)

LISTEN ON SPOTIFY

LISTEN ON APPLE PODCASTS

LISTEN ON IALR’S SITE

Inside IALR Podcast: Technology for a Growing and Diverse Campus and Team

Inside IALR Podcast: Technology for a Growing and Diverse Campus and Team

This episode features four of the five Information Technology staff: Tim Kruggel, Director of IT; Daniel Cory, Systems Administrator; Jessica Hardy, IT Technician; and Jeremiah Slaughter, IT Specialist. They discuss how the IT department provides services for a diverse and growing campus and team as well as maintaining and upkeeping all types of technology.

  • Meet and greet the IT staff and their roles (01:32)
  • Balancing traditional office technology with complex technology needs (04:14)
  • Supporting a growing organization and campus (10:59)
  • Managing separate networks for staff, tenants and guests (15:01)
  • Plugging cybersecurity holes (22:15)

LISTEN ON SPOTIFY

LISTEN ON APPLE PODCASTS

LISTEN ON IALR’S SITE