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The SEED Innovation Hub – Farmville’s groundbreaking maker space, technology hub and education center opening in 2025 – has named Evan Jones as director. 

As director, Jones will bring his technology and education background to the soon-to-be-opened center that is a collaboration between a number of community, regional and statewide partners, including Longwood University, Hampden-Sydney College, the Longwood Real Estate Foundation, the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA), GO Virginia, and the Virginia Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission.

Who is Evan Jones, now of SEED?

Most recently a training coordinator for the Great Opportunities in Technology and Engineering Careers (GO TEC) program at the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research in Danville, Jones has more than a decade of experience as a teacher and technology coach. A native of Farmville and graduate of Valley City State University, his career has spanned K-12 education, technology, journalism and economic development. 

“We’re excited to welcome Evan to SEED,” said Sheri McGuire, Associate Vice President for Community and Economic Development at Longwood University. “His professional background is tailor-made for the many functions SEED will serve in Farmville, and his perspective for how the center will transform our region has been directly shaped by growing up in our area. As we approach our official opening in early 2025, Evan has already made a major impact in bringing SEED to life.”

At SEED, Jones will oversee the day-to-day operations of a transformative innovation center that will offer equipment, resources and mentorship for community members — ranging from woodworking, 3D printing and electronics to digital media, coworking space and entrepreneurship. In addition to equipment, the center will host ongoing workshops and clubs for youth and adults, as well as resources and staff that can help Prince Edward citizens turn their hobby or idea into full-fledged businesses. 

‘A deep commitment’ 

Jones’ professional journey reflects a deep commitment to innovation and community engagement. He has served as a competitive robotics coach and K-12 teacher at neighboring public schools in Cumberland and Nottoway counties, leading Nottoway Middle School’s iCatz FIRST Tech Challenge Team, Cumberland Middle School’s Seismic Waves FIRST Tech Challenge Team, and Cumberland’s Aftershocks FIRST Robotics Competition Team. In those roles, he mentored students in 7th through 12th grades in engineering, construction and programming processes with a focus on education, safety and exploration. 

While at Cumberland Public Schools in 2020, Jones received the Southside Virginia Regional Technology Consortium (SVRTC) Technology Teacher Award. That honor is coordinated by the SVRTC and the Longwood Institute for Teaching Through Technology and Innovative Practices (ITTIP). It recognizes individuals who advance learning through integration of technology into their school division’s curriculum.

‘Part of SEED’s journey’

“I’m excited to be a part of SEED’s journey,” Jones said.”I hope to use SEED to help people experience the joy of bringing an idea from the back of a napkin to a real, functioning prototype.”

Jones studied English language and literature at Longwood University before completing his bachelor’s degree in technology teacher education and industrial arts teacher education at Valley City State University. Along with teaching and technology, he is versed in 3D printing, electronics, plumbing and automotive repair. He has built complex electrical and mechanical systems ranging in scale from remote-control aircraft to full-size road legal kit cars. Additionally he has organized and sponsored the annual Duck Derby fundraiser in Farmville — raising more than $30,000 in the process — and cycled more than 3,800 miles across the country to raise money for affordable housing causes. 

For more information about the SEED Innovation Hub, visit SEEDVA.org.