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.
In March, the College hosted Pulitzer Prize winner and best-selling author Barbara Kingsolver (left) and co-founder of The Origin Project (TOP) and New York Times best-selling author Adriana Trigiani (right) in celebration of the 10th anniversary of TOP. The Origin Project is a program that helps second to 12th graders find their voices through writing about their family and regional roots. Trigiani brings in outstanding authors to talk with students participating in TOP each year. Teachers and high school students who participated in The Origin Project were invited to campus for the unique opportunity to spend time with Trigiani and Kingsolver. Kingsolver discussed her latest book, Demon Copperhead, a modern-day story set in Southwest Virginia. The event was a pre-event of the Virginia Festival of the Book.
The 34th B. G. Raines Education Forum was held in March at the Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center in Abingdon, Va. The forum is an annual event held to bring together individuals from Emory & Henry, surrounding schools, businesses, and industry to establish an ongoing dialogue regarding educational needs and opportunities in our region. The speakers included keynote speaker Valerie Ellery (right), an international educational consultant and best-selling author, and Fabiana Parker, 2023 Virginia Teacher of the Year. “For thirty-four years the B. G. Raines Education Forum has brought exemplary educators and leaders from all regions of our nation to Southwest Virginia,” said Dr. Sandra Frederick, Education Department chair. “These guests provide our local educators and community partners with insights into student learning, current educational research, and sound teaching pedagogy that can immediately be taken back into our regional schools to benefit the children of Southwest Virginia.”
