Leaders of nine higher education institutions gathered at Emory & Henry College on Monday to look at the state of higher education, demographic and economic trends, and workforce and career development needs in the Mid-Appalachian region.
Leaders and presidents were in attendance from Wytheville Community College, Virginia Highlands Community College, Mountain Empire Community College, Virginia Western Community College, Patrick Henry Community College, Walters State Community College, Southwest Virginia Community College, Northeast State Community College, and Emory & Henry.
“This summit was the first of its kind for Emory & Henry and we’re excited to get community college leaders together to address the future of higher education in our Mid-Appalachia region and look at ways we can continue to partner and develop new ideas. We know that more families are looking at affordable and accessible options and Emory & Henry wants to be the college of choice for transfers in our region,” said Provost John Wells.
Currently Emory & Henry College attracts close to 100 transfer students a year from area community colleges as well as those students transferring from four year public or private institutions. Emory & Henry works to easily integrate the students into campus life activities, move quickly into their majors, offer internships or related hand-on career experiences, and save on cost of attendance through scholarships or the Southwest Virginia Lift program.
Guest Speaker Steve Teske from EAB (Education Advisory Board) in Washington D.C. addressed the group sharing regional demographics and workforce needs while illustrating how community colleges and four year institutions can prepare for the future generation of learners.
President Jake B. Schrum, Provost John Wells and Associate Provost Mike Puglisi of Emory & Henry College presided over the first of its kind summit held in the region. Participants will work in an advisory capacity with one another to continue their partnerships with pathways and dual admissions going forward.
More information about the E&H Transfer Program can be found at www.ehc.edu/transfer.
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Chris Graham
