Through a partnership with Daniel Andre, of ATOS, Southside Virginia Community College (SVCC) has worked to create a training lab in South Hill to replicate the work environment of large data centers such as Microsoft and Hewlett Packard. Andre provided expertise in designing the layout and choosing technology for SVCC’s new Center for Information Technology Excellence (CITE). The lab will be open this fall and will offer both high school dual enrollment students and adult evening students the opportunity to train to work as IT technicians while earning both college credentials and industry credentials such as A+, Net+, Server + and Security +. Andre’s efforts were recognized June 8 when he received the Creating Excellence Award during a ceremony hosted by the Virginia Department of Education. Pictured are, from left, Kelley Arnold, SVCC apprenticeship coordinator, Dr. Steven R. Staples, superintendent of public instruction for the Virginia Department of Education, Dr. Chad Patton, SVCC dean of career and occupational technology, and Andre.