Averett University Named A 2026 Top Virginia Employer for Interns

The university is recognized for providing high-impact, career-launching internships across the Commonwealth.

Apr. 1, 2026 at 9:56pm

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Averett University has been named one of 161 employers honored with the 2026 Top Virginia Employers for Interns award by the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV). The annual award celebrates Virginia employers who provide hands-on experiences, direct access to senior leadership, structured mentorship and industry certifications that equip students with real-world, in-demand skills.

Why it matters

The recognition highlights Averett University's commitment to preparing students for successful careers by offering high-quality internship opportunities. This aligns with the university's mission to provide transformative educational experiences that launch students into rewarding futures.

The details

More than 91 percent of the recognized employers provide paid internships, most in-person and during the summer, while more than half offer nontraditional internships for students with disabilities, career switchers, veterans or active-duty military members. In addition, 46 percent of employers convert at least some internships into full-time roles, accelerating the path from classroom to career.

  • Averett University hosted its Career and Internship Fair earlier this week, which brought more than 30 employers to campus and was attended by nearly 200 students.
  • SCHEV will recognize the employers on July 30 in Richmond during Virginia Intern Day, a statewide annual celebration of student-interns, employers and higher education partners advancing work-based learning.

The players

State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV)

The state agency responsible for administering the Top Virginia Employers for Interns award, which recognizes employers who provide high-impact, career-launching internships across the Commonwealth.

Averett University

A private university located in Danville, Virginia, that has been named one of the 161 Top Virginia Employers for Interns by SCHEV.

Scott Fleming

The executive director of SCHEV.

Alisha Bazemore, Ed.D.

The assistant director of innovative work-based learning initiatives at SCHEV.

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What they’re saying

“Virginia's competitive advantage is our talent pipeline. The employers recognized this year are turning learning into experience and expanding the talent pipeline Virginia needs.”

— Scott Fleming, Executive Director, SCHEV

“These organizations aren't just hosting interns, they're building Virginia's future workforce. Their leadership is opening doors for students to gain meaningful experience and launch successful careers.”

— Alisha Bazemore, Ed.D., Assistant Director of Innovative Work-Based Learning Initiatives, SCHEV

What’s next

SCHEV will recognize the Top Virginia Employers for Interns, including Averett University, on July 30 in Richmond during Virginia Intern Day, a statewide annual celebration of student-interns, employers and higher education partners advancing work-based learning.

The takeaway

Averett University's recognition as a Top Virginia Employer for Interns demonstrates the university's commitment to providing transformative educational experiences that prepare students for successful careers. By offering high-quality internship opportunities, Averett is helping to build Virginia's future workforce and open doors for students to gain meaningful experience.