2024 marks the 20th anniversary of the opening of the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR) main building. To celebrate, we will feature several guests who have been integral to the operation of this iconic facility over the last twenty years.

For the fourth and final anniversary episode, guest host Daniel Dalton is joined by two important guests who are vital to driving economic transformation: IALR President Telly Tucker and Linda Green, Vice President of Economic Development and Executive Director of the Southern Regional Alliance (SVRA).

There aren't many facilities that serve such a multi-purpose function as the main IALR building, which offers a full-service conference center, on-site café, educational classrooms, research labs for different purposes and a high bay, all in one building. The building has hosted visiting international patrons and guests, governors, various ranking military officials, regional representatives and educators. As economic developers, Telly and Linda have also used the building (and now the IALR campus as a whole) as one of the primary selling points for companies interested in locating in Southern Virginia. 

• Background and early career (00:45 )
• Reactions to the construction of IALR (05:13 )
• Catalyzing economic transformation (08:39 )
• Since day one (15:30 )
• Evolution of IALR (16:30 )
• The building as a tool for economic development (27:41 )
• IALR as a host (35:32 )
• Flexing to meet demands (44:51 )
• Hopes for the next twenty years (46:33 )
• Parting thoughts (51:12 )

For more history and information and to view photos of the construction of 150 Slayton, please visit https://www.ialr.org/history/.

The Institute for Advanced Learning and Research serves as a regional catalyst for economic transformation in Southern Virginia. Our services, programs and offerings are diverse, impactful and far reaching.

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