Engaged Students

Emory & Henry students take learning beyond the classroom. By reaching out to local communities, they gain a deeper understanding of themselves and the world around them…

Participate, learn and grow

• Emory & Henry students are not just engaged in the realm of academia; they are engaged with the world. The Appalachian Center for Community Service establishes partnerships between local rural community organizations and the campus community. The Center coordinates and administers many volunteer opportunities such as the Big Brothers and Big Sisters program, the Make a Wish Foundation and the Migrant Health Network clinic. Students are encouraged to extend their service-learning beyond typical volunteerism and examine the root causes of social inequities.

Study biology and you could be collecting microbes 150 feet under water. Major in physics and you might find yourself photographing binary stars. Do research for a political science class and you could be presenting your work to a major professional conference such as the Western Political Science Association. Across the curriculum, E&H professors prepare students by encouraging research and providing them with research opportunities that most college students do not receive until graduate school.

• The Study Abroad program at Emory & Henry encourages students to expand their horizons by studying internationally. While students can choose to study throughout the world, Emory & Henry hosts international study centers in China, the Middle East and Europe.

• Each year, Emory & Henry features close to 100 concerts, lectures, theatre and dance performances, films, exhibits, and poetry readings that help to complete your academic experience. The vast majority of these events are part of the college's popular Lyceum program. In addition, we host each November a literary festival. And, in January, students present the Winter Forum, a daylong campus-wide conference featuring an internationally renowned speaker and focusing on a particular social issue.

Emory & Henry awards degrees in the following:

Undergraduate Programs of Study
Art, Athletic Training Program, Biology, Business Administration, Chemistry, Computer Information Management, Economics, Education, English, Geography, History, Languages, Mass Communications, Mathematics, Music, Philosophy, Physical Education, Physics, Political Science, Psychology, Religion, Sociology & Anthropology, Theatre

Graduate Programs of Study
M.A.Ed. American History, M.A.Ed. Reading Specialist, M.Ed. Professional Studies, Community & Organizational Leadership, M.A.Ed. English Language Arts, M.A.Ed. Reading Language Arts, Special Education - General Curriculum, Doctor of Physical Therapy (Fall 2012).

Special and Interdisciplinary Programs of Study
Environmental Studies, International Studies, Pre-Engineering, Pre-Law, Pre-Medical, Public Policy & Community Service

Great Teaching

Emory & Henry professors are nationally renowned for excellence in teaching. During the past 24 years, 12 E&H professors have received the highest teaching honors in the state of Virginia and one was named U.S. Professor of the Year.

A genuinely compassionate faculty, dedicated to personal, as well as academic growth

• The E&H campus is located in the village of Emory, which is home to students as well as E&H professors, administrators and retired college employees. It is learning community that underscores the broad dedication within the community to each student's enlightenment and success. This environment has contributed to the success of seven E&H professors who have been named state or national Professor of the Year by the Carnegie Foundation. Only a handful of colleges and universities across the nation have been represented as frequently as Emory & Henry by the recipients of this award. In addition, five E&H professors have won the Virginia Outstanding Faculty Award. When adjusted for the size of the school Emory & Henry has won more awards for teaching than any college or university in Virginia.

1989 - Virginia Professor of the Year - Dr. Ed Damer, Philosophy
1993 - Virginia Professor of the Year - Dr. Kathleen Chamberlain, English
1994 - Virginia Outstanding Faculty Award – Dr. Steve Fisher, political science
1997 - Virginia Outstanding Faculty Award - Dr. Samir Saliba, political science
1997 - Virginia Professor of the Year - Dr. David Copeland, mass communications
1999 – Virginia Outstanding Faculty Award – Dr. John Lang, English
1999 - U.S. Professor of the Year - Dr. Steve Fisher, political science
2003 - Virginia Professor of the Year - Dr. Teresa Keller, mass communications
2005 - Virginia Professor of the Year - Dr. Jack Roper, history
2009 – Virginia Outstanding Faculty Award – Dr. Jim Duchamp, chemistry
2010 – Virginia Outstanding Faculty Award – Dr. Teresa Keller, mass communications
2011 - Virginia Professor of the Year - Dr. Jim Duchamp, chemistry

The faculty of Emory & Henry doesn’t just serve as instructors; they serve as mentors and friends. Students and professors frequently discuss topics from courses outside of the classroom. The faculty of Emory & Henry knows that active learning provides the greatest venue for understanding. Establishing a broad knowledge base, students are taught to examine and evaluate issues from a variety of perspectives.

• The college offers an Athletic Training Education program. Emory & Henry is one of only a few schools to be fully accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs.

• The Emory & Henry Theatre Department operates in association with the Barter Theatre, a professional LORT C Equity company located in Abingdon, Virginia, ten minutes away from the E&H campus. This association offers theatre majors opportunities for professional internships, mentoring, workshops, and master classes throughout their college career. Barter staff members regularly serve as adjunct faculty and guest artists in the theatre department.

Vibrant Community

Emory & Henry extends the compassion of its campus to local communities through the programs of the Appalachian Center…

Excellent academics, breathtaking beauty and a friendly, inclusive atmosphere

• With over 70 student organizations, Emory & Henry is an epicenter of activity. From honor societies to recreational sports clubs, from performing arts to community service, student organizations span the full range of activities. The gorgeous setting of Emory & Henry provides the perfect opportunity for outdoor activity. The Outdoor Club leads students in backpacking excursions, whitewater rafting trips and many other outdoor adventures. Emory & Henry is an active community; 70% of students play varsity or intramural athletics.

• Students have many opportunities to express their faith at Emory & Henry. In addition to weekly worship services in the Memorial Chapel on campus, several faith-based organizations encourage students to explore their religious faiths. One of the largest, Kerygma, prepares students for future employment in religious institutions and organizations.

The dialogue between students, faculty and the community at-large extends beyond traditional relationships. The annual Sciencefest provides a public seminar for undergraduate research presentations.

• Homecoming weekend is a huge tradition at Emory & Henry. With a winning football team leading the festivities, students, alumni and other community members enjoy sporting events, seminars, performing arts productions and social events.

Successful Outcomes

Through workshops, seminars and on-campus interview sessions, guidance from the Career Service office guarantees a successful transition from college to employment or further education…

Launching students on a path of accomplishment

• The Career Services Center aids students in finding professions fueled by their passions through counseling, resume assistance and vast resources for employment.

• Emory & Henry graduates succeed in many fields and disciplines. Within the last six months of their graduation, 67% of recent graduates found jobs and 31.6% began graduate school.

Distinguished Alumni include:
Paul Harrison (’82), Vice President of Krispy Kreme
Toni Atkins (’84), a San Diego City Council member.