The Center of Nursing Excellence (CNE) is an initiative of the Southern Virginia Higher Education Center (SVHEC), located in the heart of downtown South Boston.The concept for The CNE was presented in 2007 in an effort to address the nursing shortage faced by the nation, state, and region. In September 2008, this $1.6 million regional nursing education center within the existing SVHEC was renovated, furnished, and equipped, and opened just one year from conceptualization. The CNE was funded by the Virginia Tobacco Commission, the Halifax Educational Foundation, the USDA, and others. This 4,175 square foot state-of-the-art nursing education facility, in collaboration with higher educational partners, offers nursing programs from nurse aide to the Doctorate of Nursing Practice.

The CNE offers students training in skills and assessments essential to nursing practice. The need to increase student enrollment along with limited availability of clinical sites/experiences is a challenge of nursing programs. This unique facility offers students the ability to acquire clinical and critical thinking skills in a safe environment with the use of advanced simulation technology.