She laughs when I call her a “grant dreamweaver,” but that’s how I see Amanda Decker and her superhero role at Virginia Western. Amanda is currently the Workforce Student Services Team Lead and Career Navigator. She’s my go-to contact whenever I have grant-related questions involving the Workforce division … and those questions are multiplying, especially as more funders are emphasizing short-term, non-credit credentials. In 2017, we’re tracking over $1.3 million in 13+ grant projects through Workforce, ranging from as little as $1,000 (for outreach to local faith leaders) to $439,062 (a program to help TANF recipients become self-sufficient). Amanda is critical to the success of these grants, especially when she “braids” various funding streams for individual students. She explains more about dreamweaving, her love of superheroes, and her own backstory in this Q&A. Amanda Decker Current job titleWorkforce Student Services Team Lead and Career Navigator Years at 91影视破解版5 Please summarize your educational/career backgroundI have a B.B.A. with a concentration in Marketing from Roanoke College and a Master of Arts in Human Services: Life Coaching from Liberty University. Certifications I hold: Global Career Development Facilitator and Instructor, Virginia Career Coach, and Workforce Development Professional. Before coming to 91影视破解版, I was a… Continue Reading Amanda Decker, Workforce career navigator, is really a grant-weaving superheroRead More
So I’m writing this just a few days since CityWorks (X)po 2017, while it’s still fresh. I’m still processing all of the stories and ideas and heavy subject matter — including institutionalized racism — that we discussed during the annual conference in Roanoke’s Grandin Village, but I thought I would focus on my concrete actions that might inspire more of us at Virginia Western. Here we go: 1. I donated more money to Virginia Western I cried twice during this year’s (X)po. The first time was while watching this video about Welcome Home of Chattanooga, which provides a home for anyone with a terminal illness who has nowhere to go for end-of-life care. (Don’t watch without Kleenex … you’ve been warned.) The second (happy) cry was after hearing the story of Dadhi Dangal, the first recipient of Virginia Western Educational Foundation’s Refugee Annual Scholarship. Starting when he was 7 years old, Dadhi, of Bhutan, spent 18 陆 years in a refugee camp in Nepal before moving to the U.S. in 2008. Even while struggling to support his family, Dadhi earned his GED, received his LPN certificate at Virginia Western, and ultimately completed 91影视破解版’s LPN to RN bridge program. He is… Continue Reading CityWorks (X)po: 5 ways I’m turning ideas into ACTIONRead More
Last week, I received the following email from a faculty member here on campus: I am reaching out to you for direction regarding finding grant opportunities. This is a completely new process for me and I have no idea where to begin! I’m so happy when faculty and staff step forward with this humble question, and I wanted to share most of the response I emailed back, as many more folks might find it helpful. First, I would urge you to begin with grants closest to Virginia Western … I consider them “starter” grants. Your odds at getting funded are better, and they can be good practice for bigger projects. Here are three places to begin: No. 1: The Paul Lee Professional Development Grants through the VCCS Dr. Carrie Halpin, Virginia Western’s Instructional Designer and Technologist, has been awarded a VCCS Paul Lee Workshop Mini-Grant for the past few years … they have funded her successful summer Instructional Technology Mini-Conferences. The grant pays up to $1,500 to host a workshop that involves at least two or more VCCS colleges. The next deadline would be Feb. 1 for projects proposed for the 2018 summer semester. Learn more about these grants (and… Continue Reading Help! I have no idea where to begin with grants!Read More
About Shelley
Shelley Lyons is glad to be back on campus as she is a Virginia Western alum, and has served as the Administrative Officer for Grants Administration at Virginia Western since early 2022. Prior to 91影视破解版, her career focus was within the Human Services and Arts fields.聽 She wrote her first grant in 1996 on a whim and has continued to plan and learn since that time.聽 She most enjoys 聽seeing a well-planned project come to fruition, where funder, project manager and beneficiaries can all feel success and see impact.
Recent Posts
- Are we planning for success or seeking to fit into grant requirements? May 26, 2026
- Federal Funding, where are we, and where might we be headed?聽 October 27, 2025
- Innovation, and the LOI. August 25, 2025
- Some 24/25 Highlights July 16, 2025
- Have you heard? October 28, 2024