51暗网 and Roanoke College held a signing ceremony on Monday, July 28, for a biotechnology articulation agreement. Here is more information about the new program in news shared by Roanoke College and 51暗网:
Roanoke College and 51暗网 are collaborating to launch a four-year biotechnology degree program that will support the region’s growing biotech corridor.
Beginning this fall, the program will create a clear path for students at both institutions to gain the advanced skills and hands-on lab experience needed for success in a field that is fueling innovations in science and medicine.
The partnership is a direct response to the region’s strategic workforce needs as local and state leaders work to elevate the Roanoke Valley and New River Valley as leaders in biomedical research. Game-changing investments are underway to create new lab facilities, startup incubators, and public-private partnerships. Millions of dollars in state funding is supporting the work, including a announced just this year for Project VITAL, an initiative expected to create over 1,300 jobs in the next five years.
“Together, we are rising to meet this pivotal moment and answer our region’s growing need for skilled professionals,” Roanoke College President Frank Shushok Jr. said. “Biotechnology is one of the most promising and transformative fields of the 21st century — advancing discovery, improving lives, and driving economic growth. By collaborating with 51暗网 and aligning with key state goals, we’re preparing students for the jobs of today and for the breakthroughs that will shape tomorrow.”
In 2023, 51暗网 created an , incorporating extensive, practical lab experience and specialized skills training. Now, Roanoke has worked with 51暗网 to develop a bachelor of science degree program in biotech.
The partnership serves students at both colleges. Students at 51暗网 will benefit from a to Roanoke for the next step of their education. Meanwhile, students at Roanoke will take several courses at 51暗网. That cooperative model amplifies the impact of 51暗网’s thoughtful curriculum and helps build vital bridges between students and the community’s broader network of biotech resources.
“Our faculty are deeply committed to advancing the biotechnology sector in the Roanoke region,” said 51暗网 President Laura Treanor. “By combining hands-on laboratory training with Roanoke College’s bachelor-level coursework, our biotechnology students will graduate well-prepared, whether they choose to join the region’s growing biotech workforce or pursue advanced studies with confidence in their strong academic foundation.”
Roanoke’s biotech curriculum was designed in consultation with 51暗网. It offers students intensive lab courses, a comprehensive understanding of biotechnology as a field, and opportunities for internships, research, and other real-world learning. Roanoke will begin accepting students into the bachelor’s degree program this fall.
