ABOUT
SEED

SEED is the culmination of almost a decade of cross sector partnerships and collaborations focused on enhancing entrepreneurship and innovation in southern Virginia

MISSION & HISTORY.

Conversations for a regional innovation hub for the Farmville area began in 2019. Led by the Longwood Office of Community and Economic Development, stakeholders of various kinds throughout the region were surveyed to identify gaps and opportunities with the goal of developing programming and space to support the entrepreneurial pursuits of K-12 students, college students, and regional communities.

This project is made possible by generous support from the

US Economic Development Administration, GO Virginia Region 3, the Virginia Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission, National Science Foundation, Longwood University, and Hampden Sydney College.

Meet the Team

Our team is committed to helping you achieve your business and innovation goals. Learn more about who we are below.

Director

Evan Jones

A long term champion of hands on STEM education and community engagement. Evan has worked in K-12 education and journalism. He has developed makerspaces, robotics programs, and community driven innovation for over a decade.

Innovation Instigator @ SEED

Director, Educational Innovation and Entrepreneurial Ecosystems @ Longwood

Jacob Dolence

A higher ed and entrepreneurship educator with over 15 years of experience innovating the way students and community members solve the challenges of the future. He is a network weaver, facilitator of serendipity, and is focused on enhancing the adjacent possible for students and community.

In his spare time he enjoys running in the mountains, good coffee, pizza, BBQ, and the never ending search for balance.

Chaos Coordinator @ SEED

Associate VP of Economic and Community

Development @Longwood

Sheri McGuire

Sheri is a community and economic development professional with over 30 years of experience. Sheri thrives on connecting people and bringing impactful projects to life. A collaboration architect and artist at heart, she approaches every challenge with vision, strategy, and creativity. When she’s not “stirring up” creative higher ed and community collaborations, you’ll find her exploring new art mediums, playing music with friends, or stirring up something delicious in the kitchen.

Biz Wiz @ SEED

Director Central Region Longwood SBDC

Dana Knott

A dynamic force in business, Dana Knott, affectionately known as the Seed Biz Wiz, brings deep experience in retail, marketing, workforce development, education, and management. She leverages her consulting expertise to drive small business success and connect entrepreneurs with the tools they need to flourish. Off the clock, Dana recharges by spending time on the lake, enjoying the great outdoors, and playing with her mutley crew of dogs!

Community Cultivator @ SEED

Director Local and

Community Relations @ Longwood

Jen Carne

A higher ed and community relations professional with over 18 years of experience at the intersection of building capacity, collaboration, and community to create lasting, positive change. Outside of work Jen loves diving into audiobooks like they’re blockbuster movies for her ears, sourcing sweet styles for mini wardrobes, and making the most of everyday adventures with her husband and their endlessly curious toddler.

Flemming Center for Entrepreneurship & Innovation @ Hampden-Sydney College

Dr. Michele King

Michele leads the Flemming Center for Entrepreneurship & Innovation at Hampden-Sydney College with energy, insight, and a passion for unlocking student potential. With over 25 years in higher ed, she brings deep experience in entrepreneurial thinking, public speaking, and program development. A lifelong gamer and collegiate esports champion advocate, she co-founded a nationally recognized program combining competition, community, and career readiness. Outside the Center, she’s often volunteering, watching sports, or diving into games and innovation.

Administrative Assistant and Program Coordinator
Hampden-Sydney College

Tiffany Gee

Tiffany joined Hampden-Sydney College in January 2025, bringing a background in Public Health and a refreshing perspective to campus life. She serves as the Administrative Assistant for the Fine Arts Department and Program Coordinator for the Flemming Center for Entrepreneurship & Innovation. Outside of work, Tiffany enjoys listening to podcasts, traveling, working out, and teaching as a certified Group Fitness Instructor. She also loves spending time with her sweet dog, Charlie.