During the next three years, Emory & Henry will take steps that will solidify a years-long transformation from a small, rural college to a comprehensive regional university that maintains a strong enrollment of a diverse student body receiving an education worthy of a top-tier institution while maintaining the culture of intimacy Emory & Henry is known for.
Posted July 07, 2023
John W. Wells, E&H President
These initiatives are part of a recently devised strategic plan that is the culmination of efforts made by myself, the Board of Trustees, employees, alumni, students and friends. This strategic endeavor, known as “Elevate in Excellence,” seeks to complete decades of work toward an Emory & Henry that stands out in its application of the liberal arts, the success of its graduates and its support of diversity.
Specifically, this plan calls for the implementation of a host of new graduate and undergraduate programs (see cover story) that, when added to a long list of other such programs, elevate the College to university status. Emory & Henry makes this transition out of respect for what defines a university and for the benefits that Emory & Henry as a true university will deliver for its students and their futures.
This new strategic plan elaborates and activates the institution’s foundational principles of excellence, place and servant leadership while supporting the identity and vision of Emory & Henry. These principles define an essential character that will fuel the institution’s growth through this plan.
More importantly, these values are emphasized to remind the world of the virtue that comes to it from supporting and emulating the work of a rural college that humbly serves its mountain region, while leading the people of that place to higher levels of success, enlightenment and good will.
Our place in this region is one of significance and growth for the communities we serve. We have every intention to be connected to our partners in education, healthcare, technology, hospitality, business, government and religion. Together, we will impact the economic contributions to see the region thrive with our graduates at the helm.
Please consider your role and contributions as we continue to elevate in excellence and collectively contribute to our current campaign and fundraising efforts. Our connections are powerful and mighty. Never hesitate to reach out and let me know where you see making a difference at Emory & Henry.
Members of the Emory & Henry College Board of Trustees and current students in the School of Business gathered at Carriger Hall to celebrate the naming of its new boardroom in honor of the 21st President, Jake B. Schrum. This was the first public preview of the building since renovations started in the fall of 2021. The building was used as a men’s dormitory and built in two phases in 1904 and 1908. A grand opening ceremony will be held in August 2023, when students return to campus and construction is completed. A feature in the new Jake B. Schrum Boardroom is a wooden boardroom table designed and handcrafted by Schrum’s oldest daughter and artist, Libby Schrum (second from right) of Camden, Maine.
Throughout April, the College celebrated National Poetry Month by hosting the Catherine Burns Larmore Visiting Poet Series with ecopoet Sherwin Bitsui and the Daniel Leidig Lectureship in Poetry with Pulitzer Prize winner Carl Phillips. Both Bitsui and Phillips are nationally renowned and award-winning poets. Each poet visited an English class taught by Professor Matthew Kelley, gave a poetry reading and signed broadside poems for attendees.
