Partnership establishes new opportunities for Sobrius employees ‘to continue their education, grow professionally and expand the impact they make every day.’
by Duane Bonifer
COLUMBIA, KY. (06/12/2026) Lindsey Wilson University and Sobrius are partnering to help create a clearer path to higher education in Southwest Virginia.
The two organizations have created a special scholarship for Sobrius employees and their family members to attend Lindsey Wilson.
The Lindsey Wilson-Sobrius Scholarship will be available to Sobrius employees and their family members who enroll in Lindsey Wilson bachelor’s programs in business administration, communication, criminal justice, human services and counseling, and nursing.
The Lindsey Wilson-Sobrius Scholarship will also apply to the university’s graduate programs in business administration, counseling, cybersecurity management, data science and technology management, as well as the university’s doctoral program in counselor education and supervision.
Lindsey Wilson’s programs are offered in traditional formats at Southwest Virginia Community College in Richlands, as well as in online and hybrid formats. Sobrius is a Virginia-based behavioral-health provider offering residential and outpatient substance use disorder treatment programs with locations in Bassett, Galax and Lynchburg.
“At Sobrius, we believe investing in our people is one of the most meaningful ways we can strengthen our organization and the communities we serve,” said Sobrius CEO Nelson Smith. “This partnership with Lindsey Wilson University creates new opportunities for our employees to continue their education, grow professionally and expand the impact they make every day.”
Smith said the collaboration with Lindsey Wilson “reflects our ongoing commitment to employee growth, professional excellence and creating opportunities for long-term success.”
“We are excited about what this partnership will mean for our team members, the individuals we serve and the communities we call home,” said Smith.
Lindsey Wilson counseling professor Rick Carroll said the education partnership will also help meet a critical healthcare need in Southwest Virginia.
“Addiction does not discriminate, and the need for well-trained counseling professionals has never been greater,” said Carroll. “By preparing future counselors and supporting organizations like Sobrius that provide recovery services, we are investing in healthier individuals, stronger families and more resilient communities. We are proud to partner with Sobrius as it changes lives through addiction recovery and provides hope to those seeking a path forward.”
Lindsey Wilson Director of Enrollment Ryan Vitatoe said that university officials have been impressed with “the incredible work Sobrius is doing to support individuals in recovery and strengthen communities throughout Virginia.”
“Lindsey Wilson is honored to have the opportunity to serve Sobrius employees as they continue to expand their programming,” said Vitatoe. “We look forward to supporting the Sobrius mission through educational opportunities, scholarship initiatives and professional growth.”
Lindsey Wilson University Director of Enrollment Ryan Vitatoe, left, and Sobrius CEO Nelson Smith sign the Lindsey Wilson University-Sobrius Scholarship, which will be available to Sobrius employees and their family members who enroll in Lindsey Wilson academic programs.
Lindsey Wilson University is a vibrant liberal arts university in Columbia, Kentucky. Founded in 1903 and affiliated with The United Methodist Church, the mission of Lindsey Wilson is to serve the educational needs of students by providing a living-learning environment within an atmosphere of active caring and Christian concern where every student, every day, learns and grows and feels like a real human being. Lindsey Wilson offers 30 undergraduate majors, five graduate programs and a doctoral program. The university’s 29 intercollegiate varsity athletic teams have won more than 120 team and individual national championships.
(Duane Bonifer – Lindsey Wilson University)