2018 was a great year for Averett University and because of that, we wanted to highlight the top 18 stories from the past year – everything from new partnerships to another year of record rankings! These milestones are listed in chronological order below, and featured on our Facebook page with the hashtag #18in2018.

1. In January of 2018, Averett University held several events honoring the message of Martin Luther King Jr. The University partnered with Danville Riverview Rotary to co-host America’s Sunday Supper at Cottontail Wedding and Events in downtown Danville. The National Bonner Leaders at Averett, also held a Sunday Supper for Averett students, staff and faculty members. To read more about what the University did on MLK Day, click here.
2. Center for Community Engagement and Career Competitiveness (CCECC) at Averett University 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 – currently the only college or university in the Commonwealth of Virginia to serve in this role. To learn more, click here.
3. Averett University President Dr. Tiffany M. Franks was elected to the NCAA Division III Presidents Council, the division’s highest governing body in February of 2018. Franks’ selection to the Presidents Council was announced during the NCAA’s national convention in January 2018. As one of 18 members nationally on the council, Franks will help establish and direct general policies for the 450-member Division III while assisting with the division’s strategic plan. To read the full story, click here.
4. The National Bonner Leaders at Averett went on their first, “Break to Engage” in March of 2018. National Bonner Leaders Kejuan Shivers and Jasmin Tinnis agreed, when they got in the van to start their journey, they were not expecting what a lasting impact the trip would have on their lives. Learn more by clicking here!
5. Averett University sophomore, Jordan Jones, was named one of 268 college students across the country as a Newman Civic Fellow. The fellowship is hosted by Campus Compact, a Boston-based non-profit organization working to advance the public purposes of higher education, of which Averett is now a member of the Virginia chapter. Learn more about Jordan’s nomination by clicking here.
6. Averett University’s School of Nursing hosted a disaster simulation in April at Averett’s Riverview Campus, working closely with SOVAH Health – Danville, Danville Fire Department, Danville Life Saving Crew (DLSC) and Danville Police Department to provide a first-hand educational experience for nursing students in emergency care during a disaster situation. To learn more about this simulation, click here.
7. Averett University announced in May of 2018 it has received a $100,000 gift to support the expansion of its Esports program, in which a multiplayer video game is played competitively for spectators. Bestowed by Drs. Frank and Dugan Maddux, the gift will go toward an expanded, renovated facility space for the team and spectators, as well as funding some key staff positions for the program. Click here to learn more about the esports gift. A month later, Oscar Manzano was hired as the first esports head coach! To learn more about Manzano, click here.
8. Just in time for our new students to move in, Averett wrapped up renovations of our coveted Main Hall in August of 2018! 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. The Campaign for Main set out to raise $5.35 million for renovations to Averett’s most iconic building – Main Hall – and because of the cash and pledges from our very generous donors, we are almost there! There are a number of naming opportunities still available, including 18 dorm rooms. The students are loving the new space! If you still have not had the opportunity to see it, please contact Dan Hayes in our Alumni Office at [email protected].
9. 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. To learn more or to apply, click here.
10. Throughout 2018, Averett University created four partnerships with other colleges including, Patrick Henry Community College, New College Institute and Southern Virginia Higher Education Center, Virginia Western Community College and Southside Virginia Community College. All the articulation agreements created an easy way for students from the other colleges to transfer to Averett!
11. In 2018, there was a record crowd at Homecoming with more than 2,440 people! It was an exciting year with a spirit week full of activities leading up to the Hometown Homecoming Party, tailgate and football game. Learn more by clicking here.
12. 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 is the University’s sixth consecutive year receiving the honor. Averett is one of only 10 colleges recognized from Virginia, and one of only five private Virginia colleges. To learn more about the recognition, click here.
13. The 2018-19 school year promised to be full of possibilities at Averett University. With the University’s largest entering traditional class on record – 381 students, beating out last 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, there was much to be excited about looking ahead, and what a successful semester is was! To read all the details of the exciting start to the 2018-19 school year, click here.
14. The Center for Community Engagement and Career Competitiveness (CCECC) at Averett University hired Dr. Billy Wooten as its new executive director in July of 2018. The CCECC is the regional hub for linking students, faculty and staff from Averett, Danville Community College (DCC) and Piedmont Community College (PCC) with community partners to create distinct learning experiences and career opportunities, and to strengthen the social and economic vitality of the region. To learn more about the CCECC’s new executive director, click here.
15. Averett University reached its highest ranking yet, now named the no. 13 best regional liberal arts college in the South by U.S. News & World Report (2019 rankings), 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). To read the full story, click here.
16. 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. These funds are an important source of support and they positively affect literacy instruction within the school division. To learn more about the program, click here.
17. The best record yet for Averett Football! Averett University football’s defense came up big again, stuffing a potential game-tying touchdown on fourth-and-goal in the final minutes to preserve a 20-13 win over rival Ferrum College on Daly Field and Frank R. Campbell Stadium. The victory gave Averett (8-2) its most overall wins in a single season, surpassing the old mark of seven achieved in 2006 and 2009. To read the full story, click here.
18. To honor Dr. Tiffany Franks’ tenth year as President of Averett University, Institutional Advancement on behalf of the Board of Trustees, developed a social media video campaign called #ThanksDrFranks. The campaign, which was a surprise to Dr. Franks, kicked off on Thursday, Nov. 1. Throughout the month of November a new video appeared on Facebook and Twitter every weekday leading up to Thanksgiving, as well as fun Instagram stories. To see some of the videos and the compilation video, click here.