For Immediate Release:  April 2, 2026 Contact:  Kristie Proctor, Executive Director of the Virginia Rural Center, varuralcenter@vt.edu Richmond, VA  — The Virginia Rural Center proudly announces  the individuals selected for the 2026 cohort of the Virginia Rural Leadership Institute (VRLI), the Commonwealth’s leading leadership development program dedicated to preparing current and emerging leaders from rural communities across Virginia. Now entering its fifth year, VRLI cont

Hanover, VA — Breathing new life into the places that shaped Virginia’s past — especially as the nation approaches its 250th anniversary — can spark cultural vibrancy, strengthen community identity and unlock powerful economic opportunities for rural communities. That vision took center stage on Oct. 29 when the Virginia Rural Center brought together leaders from across the Commonwealth for the 2025 Governor’s Summit on Rural Prosperity in Hanover County. “Revitalizing histo

In its fourth year, the Virginia Rural Leadership Institute expanded its reach through new community experiences and immersive learning across rural Virginia.      October 22, 2025 (Tappahannock, VA)  -- The Virginia Rural Center is proud to announce the graduation of the fourth cohort of the Virginia Rural Leadership Institute (VRLI), the Commonwealth’s flagship leadership program focused on developing and empowering existing and emerging rural leaders. Over the past six mon

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 22, 2025 WISE, VA — The Virginia Rural Center proudly announces the launch of the Rural Virginia Opportunity...

Twenty-five dynamic leaders representing 24 localities have been selected to join the 2025 VRLI class as the program enters its fourth...

28 members graduate from  the Commonwealth’s only leadership program that focuses on developing rural Virginia’s existing and emerging...

Wytheville, VA  – The Virginia Rural Center is excited to announce the launch of the development of the Rural Virginia Opportunity...

The Virginia Rural Leadership Institute (VRLI) kicks off with its session in Southside Virginia. Read more about their experience!

Twenty-eight high-achieving individuals representing 24 rural localities have been chosen for the leadership program’s third year....

Blackstone, VA – When rural Virginia thrives, everyone in the Commonwealth prospers. That was among one of the key takeaways from the...