The History of Averett University

Chartered in 1859 as Union Female College, the University later became Roanoke Institute before taking on the name Averett College in 1917. Accreditation by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) followed in 1928 after the construction of Danville Hall opened to house the chemistry, biology, business, home economics and music departments. In 1971, SACSCOC accredited Averett as a senior college, and the college conferred bachelor’s degrees for the first time since 1914. On July 1, 2001, Averett College became Averett University. The first diplomas bearing the new name were awarded at the end of the year during the December 3, 2001 commencement ceremony.

This history of Averett offers a glimpse of where we have been—from our humble beginnings to our many “firsts”—and perhaps a hint of where we are going. One thing is constant: our dedication to preparing leaders for tomorrow. If you are an Averett graduate, you will likely recognize “your” Averett somewhere in these pages. Take this opportunity to rekindle your link to your alma mater.

We hope you enjoy your journey.

1854-1864: Union Female College

1854

  • William Isaac Berryman opened the Danville Female Institute in his home on Patton Street to house 20 boarding students for two five-month sessions. The institute would close in 1858 due to management problems.

1858

  • Nathan Penick moved to Danville from Halifax County, Va., and opened the Baptist Female Seminary, using Berryman’s home for classes. Penick was married to Jane Averett who taught music, French and English. She was the first of eight members of the Averett family to be affiliated with the school.
  • Joseph James Averett and his wife, Rosa Celeste, came from Halifax County to join the college faculty.

1859

  • The school’s name was changed to Union Female College, derived from the three local Baptist associations that backed it financially: Dan River, Concord, and Roanoke.
  • The school was incorporated by the General Assembly of Virginia in 1859, and the first charter was written.
  • John Taylor Averett served on the college’s first Board of Trustees.

1860

  • A new brick building housing Union Female College was constructed atop “Baptist Hill” at Ridge and Patton Streets in Danville, next door to Berryman’s home. The structure was built at a cost of $25,000.

1861

  • William Allen Tyree replaced Penick and served as the first principal during the war years. Tyree was a brother-in-law of Penick. Tyree served as principal until 1863.

1864

  • Having the word “union” in the college name during the war years proved an embarrassment to the community. The college’s name was changed to Roanoke Female College (or, R.F.C.) after the largest of the three Baptist associations.

1864-1917: Roanoke Female College

1867

  • Thomas Hume, Jr., joined R.F.C. as co-principal from 1867 to 1872. Under the leadership of Isaac Beverely Lake and Hume, the school enrolled 91 students for 1868.

1870

  • R.F.C. hired a third co-principal, Amana Eduard Preot who had come to Danville one year earlier to teach at the Methodist college.

1872

  • John Taylor Averett became principal of Danville’s first public school system.
  • After Hume resigned, John Lipscomb Johnson and Samuel Wootton Averett joined the faculty as co-principals with Preot.

1873

  • R.F.C. co-principal Preot was killed prior to commencement when a keg of beer exploded in his face.
  • After Preot’s death, John Taylor Averett and his younger brother, Samuel Wootton Averett became co-principals. Three areas of study were offered: preparatory, collegiate and ornamental.

1884

  • John Taylor Averett imposed the rule for students to wear uniforms to avoid rivalry in dress.

1885

  • Frederick Delius served on the music faculty for the year 1885-1886. Soon afterwards, Delius returned to England to become one of that nation’s foremost composers.

1887

  • Samuel Wootton Averett left to become president of Judson College in Alabama.
  • John Taylor Averett was the first person to be named President of the College.

1889

  • John Taylor Averett suffered a stroke, and spent his final three years as president partially paralyzed and in a wheelchair.

1892

  • The Lyrian Literary Society began the school’s first library collection.
  • John Taylor Averett retired.
  • Charles Fenton James replaced John Taylor Averett as president.

1893

  • Students established the Philomathean Literary Society, and its members were known as Philos.

1898

  • Charles Fenton James added a wing to the Patton Street building that included the school’s first indoor plumbing.

1903

  • Robert Edwin Hatton assumed the presidency after the death of Charles Fenton James on December 3, 1902. James was so loved by students that a marble commemorative plaque was commissioned in his honor. Today it can be found just to the right of the lobby in Main Hall.
  • Hatton added teacher training, economics and business to the curriculum and increased the library’s holdings to 2,500 volumes. He also added a tennis court, a basketball court, baseball grounds, and formed the first glee club.

1904

  • The College’s first yearbook, Echoes of R.F.C (later, Echoes), was published.

1907

  • Robert Edwin Hatton resigned as president; John Bruce Brewer succeeded him.
  • Students established the Mnemosynean Literary Society, whose members were known as the Nemos.
  • A fifteen-acre tract on West Main Street was purchased from the Mountain View Land Company for $5,500 for the purpose of moving the campus away from the crowded downtown business area.

1908

  • The Averett College Alumnae Association was founded.

1910

  • The College name was changed to Roanoke Institute (R. I.) when President Brewer managed to win an affiliation with the Baptist General Association of Virginia for additional funding.
  • Main Hall (on West Main Street) was constructed at a cost of $40,670.

1917

  • Roanoke Institute becomes Averett College and is accredited as a junior college.

1918-1940: Averett College Establishes Stability

1921

  • President Crosland was forced to resign in 1921 after allowing young women to dance with one another during their afternoon recreation period. He was replaced by James Pressley Craft. President Craft, thinking he heard prowlers in the college’s kitchen, fired his pistol into the dark room only to find students raiding the icebox.

1922
Averett discontinued its primary school.

  • The first issue of The Chanticleer, the Averett student newspaper, was published. The Chanticleer ceased publication in 1930 but resumed in 1934. The newspaper was named after the rooster Chauntecleer in Chaucer’s Nun’s Priest Tale: chanter, in French, means “to sing” and cler means “clear.”

1923

  • The yearbook’s name was changed to Pendulum, for the grandfather clock in the lobby. The Pendulum suspended publication in 1990.
  • The Annex, behind Main Hall, was built at a cost of $60,000 and included 24 residence hall rooms, a swimming pool and a gymnasium.
  • The honor system was implemented.

1924

  • A young history teacher named Mary Catharine Fugate joined the faculty.
  • An Averett student defined an oyster as “a fish built like a nut.” Concerned with students’ lack of scientific knowledge, President James Pressley Craft added a separate science department and hired a full-time librarian.

1926

  • The annual May Day Festival began, a tradition that continued until 1969.

1927

  • James Pressley Craft left Averett to assume the presidency of Hardin College in Missouri. John Walter Cammack succeeded him.

1928

  • President Cammack raised $100,000 to construct a music and science building. The building was named Danville Hall in honor of the city whose citizens gave more than $40,000 for its construction. The four-story building housed the departments of chemistry, biology, business, home economics and music.
  • The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) responded to these changes by granting full accreditation to the college.
  • A local dentist and Trustee, Dr. T. L. Sydnor, donated funds to construct an athletic field.
  • The Lingernook, a log cabin, was built on the Sydnor Athletic Field where students could go to be alone, or to have parties.

1930

  • The Daisy Chain had already become an old custom during commencement.
  • A home for the president was built at 174 Mt. View Avenue. The office of Institutional Advancement moved in when later another home was acquired for the president. The house is now called “Alumni Hall.”

1936

  • President John Walter Cammack resigned. Curtis Vance Bishop became the ninth president of Averett College.

1937

  • Averett discontinued its secondary school.

1938

  • Renovations were made to the president’s home on Mt. View Avenue.

1950-1967: Averett Marks a Century of Excellence with Growth

1952

  • Five Averett students removed bones and a skull from a grave. They carried the bones to the Averett day students’ room to hold a séance. After complaints from fellow students, the perpetrators burned the bones in the college furnace. President Bishop suspended one of the students and expelled the other four. The incident garnered national media attention.

1953

  • The senior class presented the college with its first television set. The RCA Victor set with a 21-inch screen was placed in “The Spot,” Averett’s student lounge. Popular television shows were “I Love Lucy,” “Father Knows Best” and “Dragnet.”

1956

  • A new Gymnasium was built on Mt. View Avenue. On Sept. 29 the first dance held in the new gym included students from the University of North Carolina, at Chapel Hill.
  • Davenport Hall extension II was completed.

1959

  • Averett College celebrated its 100th birthday. Alumni from throughout the United States came for the occasion. Sixty-three colleges and universities sent representatives.
  • Pritchett Auditorium was named for a local doctor, Dr. C. W. Pritchett. Built on the top of the new gymnasium, it was dedicated on Nov. 15, 1959, during the college’s weeklong Centennial Celebration.
  • Danville Hall’s extension was built.

1960

  • Broadway veteran Mimi Kelly was the first concert booked in Pritchett Auditorium.

1963

  • Civil Rights demonstrations were held in Danville; 130 students cancelled their plans to attend Averett.

1964

  • Bishop Hall was completed. This building connected Danville Hall, Davenport Hall and the gymnasium/auditorium complex. President Curtis Vance Bishop assured parents that their daughters would not be exposed to either the elements or urban turmoil from September when they entered Averett to May when they left.

1965

  • A three-story administrative wing and a two-story dormitory wing were added to Main Hall.

1966

  • Curtis Vance Bishop died in 1966. President Bishop left to his successor a college over two-and-one-half times larger in square footage than the college he inherited.
  • At Bishop’s death, Mary Catharine Fugate, Dean of the College, was selected to serve as Acting President from January to September.
  • In September 1966, Conwell Axel Anderson assumed the presidency.
  • The Ember, Averett’s student literary magazine, began publication.
  • In August, the college purchased the house and property at 344 West Main Street, which the Catholic Church had used for their Sacred Heart Parochial School from 1953 to 1966. The old Walter W. Waddill house became the Fine Arts Building for Averett and its old Carriage House, constructed in 1869, became the pottery classroom.

The college held its first Parents’ Day, which gave parents the opportunity to talk with instructors and administrators.

1967 – 1980: Becoming a Senior College

  • The Board of Trustees made the decision for the junior college to move to a 4-year program. They reinstated baccalaureate degrees and coeducation, giving President Conwell Axel Anderson two years to strengthen the faculty and build a library.
  • The Trustees created a Board of Associates, comprised of professional and business leaders, to assist the administration with current and future programs.
  • The first development office was formed to coordinate fund raising, public relations, and alumni affairs.

1968

  • President Conwell Axel Anderson appointed a Ministerial Advisory Committee to act as interpreter of the college to the Baptists in regard to the receipt of federal aid.
  • Under President Anderson students were finally allowed to keep cars on campus. A 200-car parking lot was constructed at the corner of Surry Lane and Woodland Drive.
  • Averett’s first African-American students enrolled as day students.
  • Averett University officially goes co-ed.

1969

  • The May Day Festival and Daisy Chain traditions came to an end. The last May Day festival was dedicated to Dean Mary C. Fugate.
  • Mary Catharine Fugate retired after serving 45 years as Dean and Registrar.

1970

  • The first issue of the Averett Journal was published in the spring. The Averett faculty created this publication where they could publish articles about their own specialties and learn about each other’s talents.
  • The Mary C. Fugate Hall was constructed, offering residence to 150 students in fifteen air-conditioned suites.
  • The Board of Trustees voted to make dormitory space available for male students. Wholly unprepared for the arrival of men in Averett residence halls, the college housed the first male resident students in Hotel Danville where they picked up all sorts of “bad habits.” When they were finally housed on Second Main it became the responsibility of Dean of Students Mary Jo Davis to help them adjust to life at Averett.
  • When the decision was made to tear down the old Fine Arts building and to construct a new library on that lot, a private home next door (built in 1890) was acquired from the Ayres estate for use as the newer Fine Arts building.

1971

  • SACS accredited Averett as a senior college, and the college conferred bachelor’s degrees for the first time since 1914.
  • For the first time in the college’s history, men were awarded bachelor degrees at graduation.
  • The Mary B. Blount Library was constructed. On Sept. 14, 1971, students and faculty moved 34,000 books from the library in the basement of Bishop Hall to the new Blount Library at 344 West Main Street. After the move, a picnic was held on the athletic field.
  • The first issue of the alumni magazine, Potpourri, was published.
  • Replacing the Spot, the Bottom Inn, located in the basement of Bishop Hall, offered food services and a place for students to relax. A haven for students from academic life, the Bottom Inn was a place for grabbing a quick lunch, listening to contemporary music, or playing a game of ping-pong, pool or Foosball.
  • Attendance at chapel was changed from mandatory to voluntary.
  • The first Miss Averett pageant was held, a preliminary contest for the Miss Virginia/Miss USA pageant. Julia McLaney won the title of the first Miss Averett.

1972

  • Averett established its first Evening College by offering classes at night for patrons who were unable to attend during the day, especially for community college graduates who wished to earn bachelor’s degrees in business management, law enforcement or education.
  • The first Averett College men’s basketball team, coached by Gary Bannister, played a full schedule of games.
  • A Reading Center was established at 335 Townes Street to provide specialized training for Averett education majors and to offer service to the community.
  • The Virginia Beta Chapter of Alpha Chi National Honor Society was chartered at Averett. Chapter sponsors were Pauline Coll, Marilyn Russell and John Dever.
  • In February, Averett’s African-American students planned an annual Black Studies Week, featuring special guests and performers.

1973

  • Under the leadership of Dean R. Kirby Godsey, Averett and Stratford colleges developed cooperative programs. Plans called for the colleges to merge.
  • Averett adopted Stratford’s 4-1-4-1 calendar, thereby creating January and May terms. The January terms were especially popular for study abroad programs.
  • Averett added a program in horsemanship, leading to a baccalaureate degree.
  • Under the direction of Dr. Lerond Curry, Averett added to the curriculum an Honors Colloquium designed to deal with contemporary issues.
  • The first recipient of an Honorary Degree from Averett College was Joseph M. Taylor, President of Danville Community College.

1974

  • Paula Simms was the first African-American student to be selected as the college’s representative to the state’s Apple Blossom Festival as Apple Blossom Princess.
  • Danville’s Stratford College closed due to financial hardship. Stratford seniors were allowed to complete their senior year at Averett.
  • Averett students, determined to make their college the first in Virginia to field streakers, donned black capes and streaked through the campus. The next evening the Danville police were called to direct traffic as Danvillians turned out by the thousands for an anticipated repeat performance.

1976

  • Averett joined NCAA Division III Dixie Intercollegiate Athletic Conference with teams in eight sports: men’s golf, men’s soccer, women’s field hockey, coeducational riding, men’s and women’s basketball, and men’s and women’s tennis.
  • Joyce Weiblen, Athletic Director, coined the term Cougars as a nickname for the college’s athletic teams, using a play on words “Atlantic Coast Conference” and “Averett Cougar College.”
  • The college acquired the Mountain View Apartments.

1977

  • The Admissions House at 334 West Main was acquired. It was later dedicated and named for Trustee W. Curtis English.

1978

  • Averett College’s first Homecoming was held. SGA Vice-President Rossie Alston, ’79, spearheaded the effort to provide an annual Homecoming ceremony. Since 1978, a Homecoming Queen has been elected, and since 1988 a Homecoming King.

1979

  • President Conwell Axel Anderson resigned. Howard W. Lee was named president.
  • Averett fielded its first women’s fast pitch softball team.

1980 – 1998: Graduate Degrees and Programs for Adult Learners

1980

  • The first Master of Education degrees were conferred.
  • The men’s soccer team captured the Dixie Conference Championship and the Virginia State Championship.

1981

  • Through the generosity of Jacob M. “Jack” Kleinoder, the Kleinoder Field was constructed from the old Sydnor Athletic field, located at the corner of Mt. View Avenue and Surry Lane. It was rebuilt as a soccer field, but was used for other games as well as for Commencement ceremonies.
  • Aviation was offered as a minor for students in Business Administration/Aviation Management.

1983

  • Tennis courts were built across the street from the parking lot on Surry Lane.
  • A new President’s home at 500 Hawthorne Drive was acquired from the estate of Mrs. A. B. Carrington, Jr.

1984

  • Dr. Jay Hayes, professor of history, published A History of Averett College.
  • Northern Virginia International Program opened at Columbia Baptist Church, in Falls Church.
  • Averett’s first MBA students enrolled in classes.
  • The Ada Nunn Frith Hall was constructed, a four-story brick building to house classrooms, laboratories, and faculty offices.
  • Students buried a time capsule on the site of Frith Hall. The capsule contained a copy of George Orwell’s 1984, an Averett orientation package, a popular 45 RPM record, a college patch, a stopwatch, a list of research topics from psychology students, a sheet of gospel music, a copy of the application and tuition check from the college’s first MBA student and, courtesy of the Parents Association, a copy of a tuition bill.

1985

  • President William Howard Lee retired. Frank Ross Campbell was inaugurated as the new president.
  • The ”rat night” tradition of “initiating” freshmen ended.

1986

  • The Jordan Common was built and named in memory of Trustee Robert S. Jordan.
  • The first MBA degrees were conferred.

1987

  • The college’s Annual Fund topped $1 million for first time in its history.
  • President Frank Campbell initiated the first Founder’s Day celebration, which was held on March 17th. Malcom Huckabee, Provost, addressed the faculty, staff, alumni and friends who gathered in Pritchett Auditorium.

1988

  • Averett Adult Curriculum for Excellence (AACE) program opened academic centers in Danville (SOVA) and Vienna (NOVA). This was a non-traditional distance-learning program whereby working adults through an accelerated format could receive an A.A. or a B.A. in business administration.
  • The AACE houses at 146 Woodland Avenue and 303 Robertson Averett were acquired.

1990

  • The North Campus (707 Mt. Cross Road) and the Equestrian Center (1231 Gammon Road, Pelham, NC) properties were acquired.
  • The first graduates of the AACE program received degrees.

1991

  • The Emily Swain Grousbeck Music Center was constructed on Mt. View Avenue, providing practice rooms, a music library, a media center, classrooms and a recital hall.
  • Averett began leasing space at the Danville Regional Airport (424 Airport Drive) for its aviation program, including the bachelor’s degree in airway science.

1992

  • The College opened a Central Virginia Center in Richmond.
  • The first Honors Convocation was held. This ceremony was established for the recognition of superior academic achievements of students in the various disciplines. Faculty members from each department presented the awards.

1993

  • The new Equestrian Center was built on 100 acres in Providence, NC. The facilities included an indoor ring, a stable, and three outdoor training areas.
  • The women’s soccer team competed for the first time in the Dixie Conference.
  • The Averett Honors Program began in the fall of 1993, emphasizing student-generated information and student-led discussions.

1995

  • The college acquired the Financial Aid house at 119 Robertson Avenue, along with a house at 132 Woodland Drive to be used as an Interim Student Center.
  • Online learning comes to Averett: the college began holding MBA classes via interactive distance learning technology with Marine bases in Camp Lejeune, N.C. and Quantico, Virginia.
  • AACE classes began in the Research Triangle Park in Raleigh, N.C.
  • Averett received the largest gift in its history, a $2.84 million dollar bequest from the estate of former Trustee Mary B. Blount of Roanoke.
  • Residence hall rooms were wired for cable television and equipped with analog phone lines. All Averett students were provided with voice mail capabilities.

1996

  • The college dedicated the David S. Blount Chapel in Frith Hall.
  • Bishop Hall’s Conference Center was created.
  • AACE classes began in the Tidewater Center at Virginia Beach.
  • Averett’s men’s baseball team played its first full schedule of conference play.
  • The alumni Potpourri’s name was changed to Current Magazine.

1997

  • North Campus baseball, softball and soccer fields were completed.

1998

  • The E. Stuart James Grant Convocation and Athletic Center was completed on property across the Dan River, at the newly acquired North Campus.
  • AACE changed its name to Graduate and Professional Studies.

2000-2014: Averett University

2000

  • The Averett Commons apartments opened, built on the former Kleinoder soccer field.
  • The Digital Media Lab was opened in bottom Frith.
  • A new Football Field House was completed.
  • Averett partnered with Virginia Tech and DCC on Aug. 31 to establish a new learning center in the area.

2001

  • On July 1, 2001, Averett College became Averett University. The first diplomas bearing the new name were awarded at the end of the year during the December 3, 2001 commencement ceremony.
  • The first diplomas as Averett University were awarded on Dec. 3.

2002

  • Frank Ross Campbell retired from the presidency on June 30. Richard Anthony Pfau began his term as the new president on July 1.

2003

  • President Pfau’s inauguration was held on March 29.
  • The Averett Cougars won their first Dixie Conference Baseball Tournament, played at Dan Daniel Park, with a win against Christopher Newport (April 19, 2003). It was the first conference championship win in the program’s 8-year history, with Ed Fulton as coach.
  • Averett opened a new Graduate and Professional Studies campus in Lynchburg, Virginia, in May.

2004

  • On October 14th, a groundbreaking ceremony was held for the new student center at the corner of Woodland and Townes streets.
  • Averett women’s softball team captured its first USA South Conference tournament championship. Head Coach Kathy Bocock led the Cougars to victory.
  • Dr. Jay Hayes, professor of history, published The Lamp and The Cross: A History of Averett College, 1859-2001.

2005

  • The Graduate and Professional Studies division added an M.Ed. program in the Lynchburg, VA area for Spring 2005.
  • The Baptist General Association of Virginia cut its ties with Averett on April 6.
  • In May, two new graduation awards for Graduate and Professional Studies students were given: the Malcolm Knowles and Frank R. Campbell awards for high grades.
  • The test flight of NASA’s Small Aircraft Transportation System (SATS) took place at the Danville Regional Airport. NASA selected Averett as the general manager of the SATS Lab Project.

2006

  • The Graduate and Professional Studies Program announced the expansion of its accelerated Master of Education degree program to Chesapeake, Martinsville, and Richmond.
  • Averett’s new student center opened its doors. The center featured a new Dining Hall, Juts Café, Daly Gameroom and various offices and recreation areas. It was officially dedicated on April 12, 2007.

2007

  • The aeronautics department established a bridge program for pilots with American Eagle Airlines. The bridge program allows Averett aeronautics graduates with fewer flight hours to apply for flight officer positions. Also in 2007, the department formed a partnership with NetJets, a cutting-edge, fractional airline company.
  • Averett University’s flight team, The Flying Cougars, earned a trip to the National Intercollegiate Flying Association (NIFA) competition with a third place finish in regional competition in October. The Cougars captured third place in both ground and flight events and captured the top female and male pilot awards during the Region X competition held in Lynchburg.
  • In December, Averett announced the reaffirmation of its accreditation by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS). The reaffirmation of accreditation will stand until 2017 when it will be up for renewal.

2008

  • On May 14, Dr. Tiffany McKillip Franks was named the 14th President of Averett University. She officially took office July 1, replacing Dr. Richard A. Pfau upon his retirement.
  • US News and World Report’s America’s Best Colleges Guide ranked Averett University in its list of the top 48 baccalaureate colleges in the South.
  • The Association of College Unions recognized the Student Center with a 2008 design award. This was the third recognition for the center and its architects, Charlottesville-based VMDO. The Central Virginia Chapter of the American Institute of Architects and the Society for College and University Planning previously issued awards of excellence for the Student Center’s design.
  • Averett announced plans for the establishment of a Center for Excellence in Autism Education. The first phase of the plan began in the fall with a certificate training program for area teachers. Future plans call for the establishment of a regional resource center for parents, students, teachers and paraprofessionals.
  • In October, the University unveiled the two newest additions to its fleet of student-training aircraft – Liberty XL2s. The Liberty XL2s represent the next generation in state-of-the-art training aircraft.
  • Averett Board of Trustee member Dr. Martti Ahtisaari was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for his worldwide peace efforts and diplomacy. Ahtisaari, the former president of Finland, holds an honorary doctorate from Averett.

2009

  • The University celebrated its sesquicentennial (150 years). Celebrations were held across the Commonwealth and a slate of activities were held throughout the spring, including a concert, worship service, lecture series and grand party on April 17th  at the Student Center. The April party featured history displays, students dressed in period costume, and historical interpreters. Also during the celebration, the University affirmed the leadership of Averett President Dr. Tiffany Franks, the University’s 24th president.
  • Averett began offering undergraduate and graduate level degree programs at South Boston’s Southern Virginia Higher Education Center. The University also began offering education courses allowing teachers to renew their certification.
  • Student Laura Thompson of Canton, Ohio was named National Champion at the Lower Training Level Division during the National Intercollegiate Dressage Association’s (IDA) National Championship in Findlay, Ohio April 18-19.
  • Averett and The Franklin Center for Advanced Learning and Enterprise in Rocky Mount formed a partnership to offer a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration –  Management Science to area residents.
  • Averett University joined with more than 700 schools around the country to support our nation’s veterans by participating in The Yellow Ribbon GI Education Enhancement Program. The Yellow Ribbon Program allows veterans who served on or after Sept. 10, 2001 to be eligible for additional tuition support in the form of discounts and other aid.
  • The Honorable Charles R. Hawkins, Virginia legislator, donated the papers from his legislative career to Averett in October. The University set up a special display, The Charles R. Hawkins Collection, in the archives of Mary B. Blount Library to house this historic collection. The collection includes Hawkins’ correspondence, newsletters, speeches, memoranda, newspaper clippings, reports, campaign materials, photographs and other items relating to his 25 years of service in the Virginia General Assembly.
  • The Virginia Autism Council (VAC) gave Averett approval to issue a certificate of training in autism spectrum disorders. Averett began offering classes focusing on autism spectrum disorders in the fall of 2008.
  • In December, the University announced it was expanding its educational options with the launch of a four-year degree program in sociology and criminal justice that can be completed via online and independent study coursework.

2010

  • A new honor society was formed for education majors and graduate students. The Alpha Zeta Alpha Chapter of Kappa Delta Pi (KDP), International Honor Society  inducted its charter members during a special ceremony on April 24th.
  • In the fall, Averett welcomed its largest new student undergraduate enrollment on record, with 340 new students on the Danville campus.
  • A grand opening was held on August 20th for The Schoolfield House Booksellers, the University’s new bookstore, located in a historic house at 354 West Main Street. The bookstore, which was completely refurbished, is open to the public and has meeting space for community group events.
  • Averett University was named a “military friendly” school for 2011 by G.I. Jobs magazine. This honor ranked the University in the top 15 percent of all colleges, universities and trade schools nationwide that are doing the most to help America’s military and veterans as students.
  • The University held a grand opening for The Galesi Family Student Success Center on Oct. 12. The 6,500-square-foot center is located off Woodland Drive in the University’s former dining hall. The center is home to the office of student success, the tutoring program, writing and academic support, Col. S. Stone Gregory Jr. Career Services, the honors program and the study abroad program.
  • The Adult Professional Program began offering classes for recertification in conjunction with its M.Ed. program in curriculum and instruction. Teachers who need to take one or two courses (6 hours maximum) to gain state recertification may now enroll in any graduate course in the M.Ed. program as a special student.
  • Averett announced a partnership agreement with Danville Regional Medical Center (DRMC) on Oct. 18 that transitions DRMC’s School of Nursing to the University. DRMC will provide the clinical training at the hospital and Averett will lead the educational component of the program.

2011

  • In January, the University announced it was moving its Graduate and Professional Studies Program to a new campus – Riverview Campus – in Danville’s Tobacco Warehouse District – the former Dimon headquarters on Bridge Street. The Riverview Campus not only houses offices and classes for the Graduate and Professional Studies Program, but courses for the health sciences initiative and traditional undergraduate classes as well.
  • The University added a new full motion flight simulator, the Redbird FMX Advanced Aviation Training Device, to its pilot-training capabilities. The simulator’s technological features, such as wrap-around visuals, a fully enclosed cockpit, reconfigurable construction and a motion platform, create a level of realism that is invaluable in training the pilots of tomorrow.
  • Ginger Henderson ’87, assistant professor of equestrian studies and coach of the Intercollegiate Dressage Association (IDA) Team, was named IDA Coach of the Year during the national competition at the University of Florida April 29-30.
  • The Graduate and Professional Studies was approved by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) to offer courses leading toward a master of business administration degree through video conferencing at the Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center in Abingdon, the Crossroads Institute in Galax and the New College Institute in Martinsville.
  • The equestrian studies department was approved to offer a new concentration: equine assisted psychotherapy (EAP). The concentration is also available as a minor to students in the psychology and sociology/criminal justice programs. In the new concentration, students take four core courses including introduction to equine assisted psychotherapy, equine behavior and two practicum courses where they gain hands-on experience. By the time students are finished, they will be nationally certified by the Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association (EAGALA).
  • The University opened two new locations for its Graduate and Professional Studies Program – one in Chesapeake on Independence Parkway and the second in Richmond at the Watkins Centre on Midlothian Turnpike.
  • During the summer, the University renovated the first floor of Main Hall for the creation of Averett Central, a one-stop-shop designed to better serve students in accomplishing the “business” of being in school. When students arrived in August, they found the registrar and student financial services (financial aid and student accounts) offices all together in one central location.
  • For the second year in a row, G.I. Jobs magazine recognized Averett as a “military friendly” school. This honor ranked the University in the top 20 percent of all colleges, universities and trade schools nationwide that are working to help America’s military and veterans as students.
  • Averett earned the 34th spot among Regional Colleges (South) in the 2012 edition of Best Colleges by U.S. News Media Group. The University is the highest-ranked Virginia school among the 99 Southern schools listed as Regional Colleges.
  • In the fall of 2011, the University began offering non-credit continuing education courses. The courses covered a variety of topics and interests including introduction to historic preservation, politics and the media, American art – from our founding to today and an introduction to Islam.

2012

  • Averett launched its first comprehensive capital campaign: “Big Dreams, BOLD Futures.”
  • Overall enrollment continues to trend upward; Averett was one of six (out of 29) private colleges in Virginia with an enrollment increase. Averett achieved a record enrollment in the traditional student entering class with 353.
  • Averett’s GPS program launched seven new mission-oriented, market-smart programs in an accelerated format. These include Bachelor of Science in Sociology/Criminal Justice, Bachelor of Business Administration, MBA with a concentration in Leadership, MBA with a concentration in Marketing, MBA with a concentration in Human Resources; Associate of Science with a Business Administration concentration and Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction.
  • Averett was recognized for the third year in a row by U.S. News and World Report as a top tier regional college.
  • Averett launched The 1859 Legacy Society. The 1859 Society represents a group of donors who have informed the University that they have chosen to support the work of Averett through planned gifts – bequests, trusts or other deferred gifts. Their gifts provide essential financial support for the University’s future.
  • Averett’s women’s soccer team went undefeated in conference action and won the USA South Tournament to advance to its first NCAA Tournament appearance.
  • Averett formally opened the Riverview Campus on Bridge Street in Danville. Original occupant was the growing GPS program. This move helped stimulate growth in the now-burgeoning River District of Danville
  • Averett’s nursing program formally launched in 2012.
  • Averett’s new modern athletics logo is revealed in fall 2012, and the school introduces Ave and Rett, its new Cougar mascots.
  • Averett received its first-ever gift from the Virginia Tobacco Commission.
  • On March 22, 2012, Averett dedicated the Dr. George J Falk Flight Operations Center at the Danville Regional Airport.

2013

  • First cohort of nursing students began “BSN for RNs”.
  • Averett hosted the inaugural College and Career Readiness Summit, bringing together 150 K-12 educators.
  • In February 2013, Averett received its first Fulbright Scholar position. The Fulbright Scholar came from India for the 2013-14 academic year.
  • Averett broke ground on Phase 1 of what would eventually become the Violet T. Frith Fine Arts Center, greatly enhancing Pritchett Auditorium.
  • Averett added a five-year program in special education, leading to a master’s degree.

2014

  • Averett receives a $1.9 million grant from the Danville Regional Foundation to establish the Center for Community Engagement and Career Competitiveness (CCECC).
  • In February, Averett celebrates the grand opening of the new Violet T. Frith Fine Arts Center, which contains Pritchett Auditorium.
  • Athletics broke ground on a 5,000 sq. ft. indoor batting and pitching facility, the Frank H. Fulton Indoor Batting Facility, that benefits both the baseball and softball programs.
  • Averett Equestrian hosted the Intercollegiate Dressage Association (IDA) National Championship in April.
  • The Princeton Review ranked Averett as one of the “Best in the Southeast” in its “2014 Best Colleges: Region by Region” guide.

2015

  • Averett University announced the receipt of a $1,929,750 grant from the Danville Regional Foundation.
  • 25, 2014, marked a momentous occasion for Averett University’s Department of Nursing. During a special white coat ceremony, the Department recognized its first senior class. Thirteen Averett students donned their white coats and each was individually honored during the presentation.
  • Averett University announced the success of its first comprehensive capital campaign. The campaign started July 1, 2010 and officially ended June 30, 2015. The goal at the start of the campaign was to raise $25 million — and the school exceeded that goal with a total of $28,217,627.
  • Averett University is one of the best colleges in the Southeast, according to The Princeton Review. The education services company listed Averett as one of the “Best in the Southeast” in its “2016 Best Colleges: Region by Region” guide.
  • Averett retained its ranking among the top 30 “Best Regional Colleges in the South” in the 2016 U.S. News & World Report college rankings. The university was the highest-ranking Virginia school. In addition, U.S. News ranks Averett among the Best Colleges for Veterans in the South.
  • Averett University broke ground on the Frank R. Campbell Stadium at the North Campus on Oct. 24, following the football game. Construction of the $3.3 million project began on Nov. 2, following the conclusion of the 2015 football and soccer seasons.
  • Averett’s softball team earned a national ranking after starting the year 25-0-1. The Cougars won the conference’s regular season title and earned an at-large berth into the NCAA Regional, where the program won its first NCAA postseason game. Averett finished the season with a 35-5-1 record, the most wins in program history.

2016

  • The old gym located under Pritchett Auditorium undergoes renovations funded by donors at a total cost of $200,000. It was reopened to students as the newly named Carrington Gym during Founders’ Day on Jan. 21.
  • Averett University revealed its new logo. It featured both a vertical and horizontal format, which allows for greater flexibility in usage.
  • Virginia “Ginger” Henderson ’87, associate professor of equestrian studies, was inducted into the Intercollegiate Dressage (IDA) Hall of Fame.
  • Averett announced on May 12, 2016, that it was adding men’s lacrosse and men’s wrestling while bringing back a women’s lacrosse program. All three began competing in the 2017-18 academic year.
  • Averett University was ranked as the No. 20 best regional liberal arts college in the south by U.S. News & World Report, the university’s highest ranking at the time. In addition, Averett was named the ninth best regional college in the south for veterans in 2017.
  • Averett University opened the Carrington Academic Center on North Campus. The center, located in the Grant Center, provides an academic resource and study area for all Averett students.

2017

  • On April 20, Averett announced a fundraising effort to renovate historic Main Hall, part of a 10-year, $28 million campaign to raise funds to renovate existing residence halls and future expansions of Main Campus. Main Hall was the first residence hall to receive major updates in this 10-year plan with renovations starting in the summer of 2018.
  • Connected with the National Bonner Leader Program under the Corella and Bertram F. Bonner Foundation, Averett announced the addition of its own Bonner Leader program in April.
  • Averett University’s Intercollegiate Dressage Association (IDA) team became 2017 national champions after finishing first at a competition. Previously, Averett had never held a national win as a team, only individual titles.
  • In September, Averett unveiled its new historical marker issued by the Virginia Department of Historical Resources. Several Averett and community leaders spoke at the event.
  • Averett University was able to join the national ranks of several colleges and universities with the addition of an Esports team in October.
  • Averett softball won the USA South Conference Tournament and advanced to the NCAA Regional for the second time in three seasons.

2018

  • Center for Community Engagement and Career Competitiveness (CCECC) at Averett was selected by the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS) to serve as an intermediary organization for eight AmeriCorps VISTA members for the Dan River Region –the only college or university in the Commonwealth of Virginia to serve in this role.
  • Averett University President Dr. Tiffany M. Franks was elected to the NCAA Division III Presidents Council, the division’s highest governing body in February.
  • Averett wrapped up renovations of Main Hall in August. The renovations were the focus of the University’s Campaign for Main – the first, public phase of a multi-phased, 10-year, $28 million campaign to raise funds to renovate existing residence halls and future expansions on Main Campus.
  • Averett University announced in June of 2018 it will begin offering two new master’s degree programs through its Graduate and Professional Studies (GPS) program. A Master of Science in Applied Data Analytics program and a Master of Science in Criminal Justice Leadership and Administration program began enrolling students for the Fall 2018 term.
  • Averett University was once again recognized for its committed implementation of high-impact educational practices, retaining its title as one of the nation’s Colleges of Distinction. Additionally, Averett was recognized in three fields of study for innovative leadership: business, education and nursing. This was the University’s sixth consecutive year receiving the honor.
  • The University boasted its largest entering traditional class on record – 381 students, beating out it’s previous year’s record of 371 – a couple new academic programs, some ramped-up co-curricular and athletics programs, and two renovated residence halls with more students living on campus than ever before.
  • Averett University reached its highest ranking yet, named the no. 13 best regional liberal arts college in the South by U.S. News & World Report, climbing from last year’s ranking at no. 17. In addition, Averett climbed in other rankings, being named the sixth best regional college in the South for veterans in 2019 (up from seventh last year), as well as the fourth-ranking Southern regional college for best value (up from ninth in 2018).
  • Danville Public Schools (DPS) and Averett University collaborated to provide a Master’s Degree in Reading Program. This program is based on the Division’s need for additional Title 1 Reading Specialists, who require a Master’s Degree in Reading. Federal Title 1 funds are allocated to schools and districts with the aim of improving educational opportunities for all children.
  • Averett received full approval from the Virginia Board of Nursing(VBON) for the BSN program in February, 2018.

2019

  • Averett University was the recipient of a 2019 Governor’s Volunteerism and Community Service Award. These awards spotlight the outstanding efforts individual volunteers and organizations make on behalf of citizens throughout the Commonwealth.
  • Averett women’s basketball earns the USA South Conference’s East Division’s regular season championship, marking the program’s first conference title of any kind.
  • Averett University Intercollegiate Dressage Association (IDA) team was named the 2019 Reserve Champion while senior Noel Muehlbauer won an individual national championship at the IDA Nationals.
  • Averett University continued to rank within the top 15 of the best regional liberal arts colleges in the South by U.S. News & World Report. Ranked as No. 15, Averett continues to be the highest ranking of only three Virginia schools from the complete list of 63 schools on the “2020 Best Regional Colleges in the South” list.

2020

  • In December, Averett announced that women’s golf being added to its athletics program. The team began play in fall 2021.
  • On Oct. 6, Averett announced that its North Campus – home to Averett Athletics – was renamed to the Averett University E. Stuart James Grant North Campus. The E. Stuart James Grant Charitable Trust has provided the University with numerous gifts. The late E. Stuart James Grant, former owner and publisher of the Danville Register & Bee, willed her estate to eight organizations across the region upon her death in 1990.
  • Averett University ranked within the top 20 of the best regional liberal arts colleges in the South by U.S. News & World Report. Averett was also ranked No. 7 out of 15 best regional colleges in the south for veterans, as well as No. 16 among regional colleges in the south in the list of Top Performers on Social Mobility.
  • The Women Leaders in College Sports announced recently that then-Averett University Vice President and Director of Athletics and Campus Operations Meg Stevens was selected as the Nike Division III Administrator of the Year.
  • Averett University received the Carnegie Community Engagement Classification for the first time in January. This elective designation indicates institutional commitment to community engagement and has been the leading assessment and recognition of community engagement for American colleges and universities for more than a decade.
  • Averett senior Aniyah Huberta won the 2020 Governor’s Volunteerism and Community Service Award for Outstanding Young Adult Volunteer. The award was presented to her after volunteering most of her time with AmeriCorps in the City of Danville.
  • Averett University conducted a phased, on-campus reopening for its fall 2020 semester with its “One Averett, Together Again” reopening plan – with a multitude of health and safety protocols in place.
  • In January, the National Council on Teacher Quality (NCTQ) ranked Averett ’s undergraduate elementary education degree program among the best in Virginia for early reading preparation – one of only six programs in the Commonwealth to receive the top grade.
  • The Averett University School of Nursing welcomed 11 new graduate students in January, marking its inaugural class for the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree. The MSN cohort was working toward certification as Family Nurse Practitioners (FNP), allowing them to work with greater autonomy and to serve as primary health care providers for patients.
  • In June, 2020 the University launched its Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing program. Students interested in the ABSN program are able graduate in as few as 16 months.

2021

  • In March it was announced Averett University had accepted an offer to join the Old Dominion Athletic Conference (ODAC). Averett became the 15th full-time member of the ODAC on July 1, 2022.
  • After receiving grant funding from the Danville Regional Foundation, the university announced in April the launch of four new academic programs in response to marketplace demands in addition to a new student information system (SIS). The programs are entrepreneurship and small business operations, healthcare administration, information systems/security, and psychology.
  • Averett and Appalachian School of Law (ASL) announced a partnership in May to help students achieve a law degree sooner. Students are able to choose from two academic paths to obtain a law degree, including a three-plus-three or four-plus-three plan. In the three-plus-three dual-degree program, Averett pre-law students who meet certain qualifications will spend three years at Averett in undergraduate study, and receive their baccalaureate degree upon completing the first year of law school.
  • In October it was announced Averett had taken over as Fixed Base Operator (FBO) of the Danville Regional Airport during a ceremony which also saw the ribbon cutting for the grand opening of AU Aviation Services. The City of Danville and the University entered into a lease agreement beginning July 1.
  • It was announced in December that varsity men’s and women’s indoor and outdoor track and field programs would become the latest sports offerings at the university.

2022

  • Averett Associate Professor of Music Dr. Janet Phillips participated in The Michael D. Sewell Memorial Foundation: “Saluting America’s Band Directors: We Teach Music. We Teach Life” float in the annual Tournament of Roses Parade in Pasadena, Calif. on New Year’s Day.
  • Averett men’s basketball wins the USA South Conference Tournament title and earns and NCAA Tournament bid for the first time since 2009 and fifth overall appearance.
  • Averett University announced its partnership with the Martinsville-based Piedmont Regional Criminal Justice Training Academy(PRCJTA) to serve as the academy’s only higher education satellite site in Virginia.
  • Eight Averett University entrepreneurship students won first place at the RISE Collegiate Business Plan Competition after they pitched a business plan for their campus communications application called Project Connect.
  • Averett joined the Old Dominion Athletic Conference on July 1, 2022.
  • Hargrave Military Academy, in partnership with Averett University and their FAA-approved Part 141 flight school, welcomed the return of its flight program. Students participating in the Hargrave-Averett Aeronautics Partnership have the opportunity to complete Private Pilot Ground School and Flight 1, earning dual enrollment credits for each course.
  • Averett University was named as one of the best southeastern colleges by The Princeton Review’s “2023 Best Colleges” List, and was designated a 2022-2023 College of Distinction, in which it was also recognized as a best school in business, education and nursing.
  • Averett University’s Department of Education was bestowed a national honor for being an outstanding educator preparation provider – one of only four colleges in Virginia and of only 32 nationwide to be awarded. The University received the distinguished 2022 Frank Murray Leadership Recognition for Continuous Improvement
  • Averett University introduces its alumna and seven-year Trustee Dr. Annie Wimbish ’81 as Chair of the Averett Board of Trustees– the first woman of color to serve in the role.
  • Averett University received a major gift from Caesars Virginia, a joint venture between Caesars Entertainment (“Caesars”) and Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (“EBCI”), signaling a significant investment in the hospitality and tourism future of the region. Caesars Virginia provided Averett with $504,000 to develop a hospitality and tourism academic program.

2023

  • Averett University announced in February the addition of varsity men’s volleyball, which began competition during the 2023-24 academic year.
  • Averett University secured a three-year enrichment grant from The Corella & Bertram F. Bonner Foundation in Princeton, New Jersey, that provided the Averett Bonner Leader Program $40,000 annually. Averett’s four-year intensive leadership program places students in the community to serve in a capacity building role for their designated organization.
  • Averett University joined partnering Danville Public Schools to cut the ribbon on the new track and field facility that’s been recently renovated in the J.T. Christopher Stadium at George Washington High School (GWHS) on May 10.
  • Averett’s men’s golf team returns to the NCAA National Championships as a team for the first time in 20 years since winning the 2023 national title. Freshman Max Pettersson placed fourth overall and earned the 2022-23 Phil Mickelson Outstanding Freshman of the Year Award. It’s the second time in a four-season span that an Averett golfer received that national honor.
  • Averett University and Sovah Health partnered in the regional workforce through a unique partnership to help elevate the educational attainment in the Dan River Region. Full-time employees of Sovah’s Virginia and North Carolina facilities and practices were able to enroll in robust offerings through a competitive tuition benefit program resulting in no out-of-pocket tuition to the employee-students.
  • Averett University climbed in the rankings with U.S. News & World Report and continued as the highest-ranking Virginia school on the list. Averett was named No. 15 on the “2024 Best Regional Colleges in the South” list – its highest spot on the list in four years. The University also maintained its position as the No. 12 southern regional college for best value – the only Virginia school included.
  • Averett University and Virginia Tech Pamplin College of Business joined forces to explore challenges and opportunities facing the hospitality and tourism sectors in Southern Virginia. Through “The Future of Hospitality and Tourism Workforce Summit” on October 25, the two universities brought together nearly 75 industry leaders, policy makers, community representatives, related stakeholders and academia to gather perspectives on topics such as workforce, education and destination development.
  • The City of Danville granted Averett University$250,000 for the creation of a hospitality leadership training program being offered for free to participants beginning in November.
  • Averett University hosted a working visit from Senator Tim Kaine on Nov. 14. The senator discussed a wide variety of ideas with university leaders, faculty, staff and students concerning higher education and work-force training in the region and the University’s goal of making education accessible and affordable for all.

2024

  • Averett University’s Department of Aeronautics welcomed the newest member of its impressive fleet of airplanes at its annual Aviation Day on March 15. The new plane, a Piper Seminole twin-engine plane – the first twin-engine plane for the University.
  • Averett’s wrestling team, which had sent multiple individuals to the NCAA National Championships every season since its second year of existence, produces a program-best six national qualifiers.
  • After serving Averett University for more than a decade, Meg Stevens announced in June that she was leaving and will be stepping down as vice president, director of athletics and campus operations to take a senior position outside of intercollegiate athletics. Averett named Danny Miller ’91/’95 as the new director of athletics in December. Miller, who had been at Averett for nearly four decades, had served as the interim director of athletics.
  • Averett University President Dr. Tiffany M. Franks was selected by Virginia Businessmagazine as a 2024 Women in Leadership Awards This fourth annual awards program recognizes 38 women leaders holding C-suite or equivalent positions who have demonstrated extraordinary professional achievements.
  • Averett University saw an almost 7% increase in total enrollment in Fall 2024 as compared to the previous year. With nearly 1,450 students enrolled at Averett, the university is building on enrollment and retention momentum realized in the last academic year.
  • Averett University’s Board of Trustees announce the appointment of the Rev. Dr. David Joyce as the 15th president of the university. Dr. Joyce replaced Dr. Tiffany M. Franks, who retired after serving almost 17 years as its president.
  • Averett University announced a new way for students to finish their undergraduate degrees in just three years, saving students and their families money while preparing them to enter the workforce sooner. Beginning in Fall 2026, new students coming into three of the university’s programs can take advantage of the “Degree in Three” offering, in which students will finish their degree requirements quicker.

2025

  • Averett University President Rev. Dr. David Joyce stepped down as the institution’s 15th president amid family medical matters. Current Averett Vice President for Student Engagement Dr. Venita Mitchell served as acting president. Averett University’s Board of Trustees announced the appointment of Dr. Thomas H. Powell as the university’s 16th
  • Averett University’s Intercollegiate Dressage Association (IDA) team was named the 2025 Reserve National Champion Team. Individually, riders Carly Williams, Audrey Beckhardt, Allison White and Ashlee Study brought home seven first and second-place ribbons in their respective divisions during the three-day event.
  • Wrestling senior Mason Barrett places third nationally at 125 pounds, the highest finish by a Cougar at the NCAA Division III National Championships. Barrett earned All-America honors for the third consecutive year.
  • 37 Averett University men’s tennis won the 2025 Old Dominion Athletic Conference men’s tennis title versus No. 23 Washington and Lee University on the Generals’ home courts, snapping Washington and Lee’s 14-year hold on the conference. Averett made its first NCAA team appearance in 20 years.
  • Community leader Dr. Julie Brown was named Averett University’s next Provost beginning August 1.
  • Averett University implements a new, simplified tuition plan for all incoming students, beginning with the 2026-27 academic year. The new plan aims to make it easier for prospective students and their families to figure out the true cost of an Averett education.
  • Averett University President, Dr. Thomas Powell, was named one of the “100 People to Meet in 2026” by VirginiaBusiness.com. Virginia Business’ annual list highlights emerging leaders who actively contribute to the state’s vibrant community across business, education, science, the arts, and other sectors.

2026

  • Averett University enters a new partnership with the Danville Regional Foundation (DRF) and Danville-Pittsylvania Regional Industrial Facility Authority (RIFA) to provide the university with additional financial flexibility as it works to position itself for long-term success. The three partners agreed to execute a sale and lease-back of Averett’s North Campus athletic facilities.
  • Averett University is collaborating with the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV) through the Virginia Talent + Opportunity Partnership Initiative (V-TOP) to strengthen the opportunities for students and the talent pipeline for employers in the region.
  • The State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV) announced Averett University as one of 161 employers honored with the 2026 Top Virginia Employers for Interns, recognizing their efforts to establish high-impact, career-launching internships across the Commonwealth.
  • Dr. Tatia Daniels Granger was named as Averett University’s 17th President, effective August 1, 2026. She replaced Dr. Thomas Powell, who returned to his retirement on July 31, 2026.

 

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