VA SB299

Renames the New College Institute to the West Piedmont Higher Education Center, an educational institution serving the Henry County and Martinsville area

Expands the board of directors from 15 to 20 members, adding ex officio positions for the Executive Director of the State Council of Higher Education, the Chancellor of the Virginia Community College System, and presidents of George Mason University, Longwood University, Radford University, Virginia Tech, and Virginia State University (or their designees)

Requires five of the seven gubernatorial appointees to represent West Piedmont public education and area business, including one division superintendent, one public school teacher, and three business and industry leaders

Adds the president of Patrick & Henry Community College as an ex officio member without voting privileges

Requires the reconstituted board to develop a sustainability plan with strategic planning and customer recruitment strategies by August 1, 2027, in collaboration with GO Virginia Region 3, the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research, Patrick and Henry Community College, local school boards, and major regional employers