Emory & Henry College (yes, it's an ampersand!) is a small liberal arts college nestled in Appalachia. With less than 1,000 students, there is a tight community feel that is difficult to find at other colleges. The college prides itself on its community involvement and service which is incorporated in extracurricular activities and in the classroom. Emory & Henry has some of the best professors in country and they demonstrate their capabilities consistently. Leaving Emory & Henry after graduating will be the hardest thing for students to do.
Do you have any tips for prospective students?
Take a student tour on campus! Many current students lead tours around campus. You'll find that they can offer great insight into the questions you're dying to know the answers to. If you have the chance, stay with a current student. The college is eager to set prospective students up with current Wasps! Try to sit in on a class during your visit; professors will be excited to see you're interested in what they are teaching.
Do you find there’s enough academic rigor at your school?
I am a member of the Honors Program, which allows me to increase the difficulty of my classes. Some classes are certainly more difficult than others. However, I have found that all professors push their students to go above and beyond what is expected of them. Anyone can cruise through their college career. Why not actually make something of it? You'll find that hard work pays off in the form of graduation honors, respect from others, and strong relationships with your professors.
Describe the dorm life at your college.
Emory & Henry is currently in the process of building a quad area on campus. With one dorm complete and another in progress, the college is aiming to draw in more students with sustainable living options. Even the older dorms on campus are suitable living arrangements, even if many lack air-conditioning (I swear, it's not that bad!). The college tries to keep up with renovations and almost always takes student suggestions into account. Light bulb burnt out? Maintenance will be there. Want new shower curtains? Housekeeping will be there the next morning.
Describe the food and dining at your college.
The college is renovating its two main dining halls this summer and we are very excited about that! While it ain't your momma's cookin', Emory tries its best to answer to student suggestions and comments. They truly take student needs into account. If you have allergies or food restrictions, they will be sure to prepare your meals specifically. They have also been improving their vegetarian section, often incorporating vegetables from the campus garden. While I'm not a vegetarian, I always find myself in that line.
What’s there to do for fun at your college?
Emory & Henry does not boast a downtown area. However, a new restaurant will be opening its doors where the old campus deli used to be located. Hopefully this will bring a better nightlife to the campus. Because of its location, there are also numerous outdoor activities to participate in. Whether you want to get involved in the Outdoor Leadership Program or just spend time with friends down by the river, there is something for everyone. If you're just not the outdoorsy-type, there are fun shops in Abingdon and downtown Bristol. Kingsport and Johnson City in Tennessee offer a larger nightlife scene with clubs and movie theaters.
Do you feel you’re getting value for the money you’re spending on college?
Emory & Henry offers a wide array of scholarships, so please don't be afraid of the price tag. No one ends up paying anywhere close to full price. If you qualify, you may have the chance to join the Bonner Scholars Program, where students volunteer to receive full scholarships. The quality of education you will receive at Emory & Henry College is outstanding, but only if you're willing to go the extra mile. The things I have learned at this institution are invaluable.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
The church bells often take on a life of their own! It's a mystery to who's behind it, but often you'll hear the bells going off at odd hours of the night. They also play Christmas music around the holidays! A unique spot on campus is the Holston Cemetery, where you will find hundreds of Civil War graves. The cemetery boasts marvelous views of the college campus and the surrounding rural area. It's a great place to go for a run or for some peace and quiet.
Are you involved in any clubs or activities?
Although I never thought I would do it, I pledged a sorority my sophomore year. However, Emory's Greek life is nothing like larger schools. All chapters are local, meaning they only exist on our campus. Get that image of the typical fraternity or sorority from the movies out of your mind; Emory's Greek organizations are very diverse and interact with each other with little or no tension. One of my favorite Greek-sponsored events is Airband, which brings together everyone on campus for a night of great fun.
How would you describe campus safety? Do you feel safe on campus?
Emory & Henry is one of the safest schools in Virginia. I have never felt threatened or unsafe on campus (even when a bear was loose!). Campus security does a great job responding to issues in a timely and appropriate manner.
Emory & Henry College (yes, it's an ampersand!) is a small liberal arts college nestled in Appalachia. With less than 1,000 students, there is a tight community feel that is difficult to find at other colleges. The college prides itself on its community involvement and service which is incorporated in extracurricular activities and in the classroom. Emory & Henry has some of the best professors in country and they demonstrate their capabilities consistently. Leaving Emory & Henry after graduating will be the hardest thing for students to do.
Take a student tour on campus! Many current students lead tours around campus. You'll find that they can offer great insight into the questions you're dying to know the answers to. If you have the chance, stay with a current student. The college is eager to set prospective students up with current Wasps! Try to sit in on a class during your visit; professors will be excited to see you're interested in what they are teaching.
I am a member of the Honors Program, which allows me to increase the difficulty of my classes. Some classes are certainly more difficult than others. However, I have found that all professors push their students to go above and beyond what is expected of them. Anyone can cruise through their college career. Why not actually make something of it? You'll find that hard work pays off in the form of graduation honors, respect from others, and strong relationships with your professors.
Emory & Henry is currently in the process of building a quad area on campus. With one dorm complete and another in progress, the college is aiming to draw in more students with sustainable living options. Even the older dorms on campus are suitable living arrangements, even if many lack air-conditioning (I swear, it's not that bad!). The college tries to keep up with renovations and almost always takes student suggestions into account. Light bulb burnt out? Maintenance will be there. Want new shower curtains? Housekeeping will be there the next morning.
The college is renovating its two main dining halls this summer and we are very excited about that! While it ain't your momma's cookin', Emory tries its best to answer to student suggestions and comments. They truly take student needs into account. If you have allergies or food restrictions, they will be sure to prepare your meals specifically. They have also been improving their vegetarian section, often incorporating vegetables from the campus garden. While I'm not a vegetarian, I always find myself in that line.
Emory & Henry does not boast a downtown area. However, a new restaurant will be opening its doors where the old campus deli used to be located. Hopefully this will bring a better nightlife to the campus. Because of its location, there are also numerous outdoor activities to participate in. Whether you want to get involved in the Outdoor Leadership Program or just spend time with friends down by the river, there is something for everyone. If you're just not the outdoorsy-type, there are fun shops in Abingdon and downtown Bristol. Kingsport and Johnson City in Tennessee offer a larger nightlife scene with clubs and movie theaters.
Emory & Henry offers a wide array of scholarships, so please don't be afraid of the price tag. No one ends up paying anywhere close to full price. If you qualify, you may have the chance to join the Bonner Scholars Program, where students volunteer to receive full scholarships. The quality of education you will receive at Emory & Henry College is outstanding, but only if you're willing to go the extra mile. The things I have learned at this institution are invaluable.
The church bells often take on a life of their own! It's a mystery to who's behind it, but often you'll hear the bells going off at odd hours of the night. They also play Christmas music around the holidays! A unique spot on campus is the Holston Cemetery, where you will find hundreds of Civil War graves. The cemetery boasts marvelous views of the college campus and the surrounding rural area. It's a great place to go for a run or for some peace and quiet.
Although I never thought I would do it, I pledged a sorority my sophomore year. However, Emory's Greek life is nothing like larger schools. All chapters are local, meaning they only exist on our campus. Get that image of the typical fraternity or sorority from the movies out of your mind; Emory's Greek organizations are very diverse and interact with each other with little or no tension. One of my favorite Greek-sponsored events is Airband, which brings together everyone on campus for a night of great fun.
Emory & Henry is one of the safest schools in Virginia. I have never felt threatened or unsafe on campus (even when a bear was loose!). Campus security does a great job responding to issues in a timely and appropriate manner.