OUR STORY
Promoting entrepreneurship, community development, and ecological stewardship throughout SWVA
The University of Virginia's College at Wise acquired the 19,228-square-foot Oxbow Center in 2016. Soon after, the Oxbow underwent its first phase of renovations, which included the creation of a designated coworking space, privacy booths, offices, and conference rooms.
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In April 2019, UVA Wise received a grant from the Virginia Coalfield Economic Development Authority (VCEDA), which was dedicated to the second phase of Oxbow renovation—the Clinch River Ecological Education Center (CREEC).
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​The Oxbow Center provides professional and creative space and serves as a hub for local and regional business growth, community development, and ecological education. ​
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The Oxbow Center hopes to partner with people from various businesses, ventures, projects and trades to create a network of professional support and, in turn, promote economic development in the region.
The Oxbow Center is a unique asset for our economic development efforts. We want to bring two target areas together for economic diversification. We want to find synergy between the region's ecological assets as well as to pursue a technology industry cluster that falls within the VCEDA geography.
Shannon Blevins, Vice Chancellor for Administration, Government Relations & Strategic Initiatives, UVA Wise
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