Early this year, education leaders signed a partnership agreement between Emory & Henry College and the Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center in Abingdon, Va., to expand the region’s educational opportunities and bring new healthcare and business programs to the area.
Posted July 03, 2023
As a partner, Emory & Henry will have its own office at the Center to work with prospective and current students and plan courses using its state-of-the-art technology. “Emory & Henry College has offered higher education to regional residents for 187 years and in 2021 had the largest incoming first-year class in its history. In 2022, the College also set a record with the most residential students on campus,” said President John W. Wells. “The growth is prompting new modes and locations of academic delivery, including the Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center and new online graduate-level degrees in business, nursing, education and mental health counseling. We are committed to continuing to serve the region, meet higher education demands for its residents, and build on economic development with our graduates.”
Both parties will work collaboratively to use resources to the greatest advantage in service to the higher education needs of the region’s citizens and encourage the expansion of higher education in the region. “The Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center is excited to embark on this new chapter with Emory & Henry College, and we are especially looking forward to expanding programming to accelerate economic development and educational opportunities. This partnership will enhance our mission and ability to meet the needs of the region,” said David Matlock, agency head of the Center.
“We are committed to continue to serve the region and meet higher education demands for its residents as well as continue to build on economic development with our graduates.”
Business faculty will be moving into their new digs in July, while classes are being scheduled to start in Carriger Hall on August 10. During the past Board of Trustees spring meeting, the board room was named for the 21st president, Jake B. Schrum (read more on page 6). A grand opening will be held in August and tours will be available to guests on Homecoming Day, October 14. New, paved parking will be added behind the building for guests, leading to the walkway through the beautifully designed courtyard.
In February, the College opened its first on-campus thrift store located on the lower level of the Memorial Chapel. The community celebrated the new E&H Thrift Store with a ribbon cutting, and students in attendance had the opportunity to shop afterward. Provided for Emory & Henry students, the E&H Thrift Store is unlike any other shopping experience. The store does not accept money for the exchange of clothing. Instead, students can choose to “pay” for items in one of four ways: volunteer to work a shift at the store; donate a gently used item; share a social media post about the store; or fill out a quick survey at check out. The store was made possible by the Appalachian Center for Civic Life.
