RICHMOND—On March 24, 2026, the GO Virginia State Board approved the following Region 2 project aimed at growing the regional economy. Region 2 consists of the cities of Covington, Lynchburg, Radford, Roanoke, and Salem and the counties of Alleghany, Amherst, Appomattox, Bedford, Botetourt, Campbell, Craig, Floyd, Franklin, Giles, Montgomery, Pulaski, and Roanoke.

Randolph College Mechanical Engineering Program Expansion in Greater Lynchburg

Randolph College will implement a comprehensive training program to support regional company needs, emphasizing mechanical design, materials behavior, automation, and applied manufacturing systems.

The project will develop two new laboratories: a mechanical and materials engineering lab and a workforce training and applied manufacturing lab. The labs will house advanced equipment including mechanical testing systems, composite processing tools, industrial grade additive manufacturing systems, and high-performance computing resources.

The project will also create new courses and course-based research experience modules, which will feature real-world challenges and AI and machine learning manufacturing concepts.

In collaboration with industry partners, Central Virginia Community College, and the Lynchburg Regional Business Alliance, students will receive hands-on exposure to regional manufacturing practices focused on applied training modules and industry-recognized certifications.

Randolph College developed this initiative in partnership with BWXT, Southern Air, Central Virginia Community College, and Jamerson Lewis Construction in addition to local government partners.

“This program will prepare students for high-demand careers in regional engineering and advanced manufacturing sectors,” said Peter Sheldon, professor of physics and engineering at Randolph College.

“This grant will help kickstart an engineering program geared to address the student who desires a smaller school setting. This is unique in the engineering world, and we hope this project will help educate a group of students who will thrive in this environment,” said Paul Denham, chair of the GO Virginia Region 2 council.

The GO Virginia board approved a total of $686,340 in state funds for the project, which is leveraging $667,167 in non-state sources.

Contact
John Provo
540-357-2949
jprovo@vt.edu