Overview
Emory and Henry College Overview
Emory and Henry College stands above other Virginia colleges in that it supports a strong research program in the arts and sciences, explicitly designed to encourage student collaboration and initiative. The college's exceptional faculty is committed to teaching as a transformative practice -- an opportunity to inspire students to re-imagine the nature and purpose of their education.
Emory and Henry College claims a proud heritage of enlightened civic activity that leads to positive social change. A hallmark of the college's civic engagement is its leadership in advancing a pragmatic understanding of sustainable communities and practices.
Founded in 1836, Emory and Henry is a coeducational liberal arts college in the Appalachian highlands of southwest Virginia. The college derives its name from John Emory, an eminent Methodist bishop of the era when the college was founded, and Patrick Henry, a renowned Virginian and patriot of the American Revolution. The names represent principles that guide the college yet today: the vitality of faith and civic virtue.
Emory and Henry College Accolades
Emory and Henry has received many accolades that distinguish it from other Virginia colleges. It is one of only 40 institutions recognized in Loren Pope's best-selling guide book, "Colleges That Change Lives." The book praises the historic college as a "national asset" that makes a dramatic difference in the lives of students. "Emory and Henry is an extended family that uncovers unrealized talents, instills values, and develops a desire and the ability to serve," Pope writes.
Emory and Henry was ranked recently by Forbes Magazine among the top 100 colleges and universities in the nation. The ranking considered, among many other factors, debt level after graduation, the percentage of students graduating in four years, and the number of students and faculty members who have won nationally competitive awards.
Emory and Henry College Campus
Emory and Henry College professors are among the best in the nation. Eleven times in the last 20 years, Emory and Henry professors have been honored by state and national teaching awards. When adjusted for the size of the institution, this record is unmatched by any other Virginia colleges and is a distinction shared by only a handful of institutions in the country.
The college has 75 full-time faculty members, and the current student-faculty ratio is 10:1. The majority of the faculty members hold terminal degrees. Every student is provided with a faculty adviser who assists in the selection of courses.
While faculty members are encouraged to continue study and research, their primary function is teaching. Many professors live near the campus, and they make their homes open to students for special events, informal class meetings, or other activities.
Emory and Henry College Student Life
Emory and Henry College students are actively engaged in making a difference in communities, applying their knowledge and their energy to making positive change. These endeavors not only benefit communities, but they also transform the lives of students, helping them see their impact on the world and helping them gain experience that benefits both their careers and their communities well into the future.
Students also engage in research and internship projects and receive academic credit for off-campus work in community agencies and businesses. Many Emory and Henry students have completed internships in surrounding communities, while others have opted for internships outside the region, including several in Washington, D.C., in positions related to Congress or the federal government.
Emory and Henry students participate in a wide variety of study abroad programs. From Rome to Beijing, students experience cultures and people in a way that enriches their perspectives on their studies and their lives. The college helps students prepare for these experiences through language study and courses offered through a comprehensive international studies program.
Emory and Henry College Athletics
Emory and Henry College competes with other U.S. and Virginia colleges, participating in NCAA Division III athletics. It is a member of the respected Old Dominion Athletic Conference (ODAC), and offers 14 intercollegiate sports and 25 intramural sports. Men's sports include baseball, basketball, cross-country, football, golf, soccer, and tennis. Women's sports include basketball, cross-country, soccer, softball, swimming, tennis, and volleyball.
Emory and Henry College Application and Information
To apply for admission, students should submit the basic application form, a copy of their high school transcript, scores from either the SAT or ACT, and a nonrefundable $30 application fee. Transfer applicants must submit a transcript from any college previously attended. A rolling admission policy allows notification of a decision within two weeks after a file has been completed.
