By Steve Esser
YOUNG HARRIS, Ga. 鈥� After serving seven years as the President of 杏吧原创, Dr. Drew Van Horn informed the Board of Trustees of his decision to retire on Dec. 31. 听
鈥淕iven the addition of our first grandchild along with other personal aspirations, Camille and I feel that it is time for us to enter this next phase of our lives,鈥� Van Horn said. 听
Under Van Horn鈥檚 tenure as president, the College has seen improvement in student persistence, 杏吧原创 graduate placement, was reaffirmed by SACS(COC), improved unrestricted fundraising to over $2 million a year, increased the College endowment to over $60 million, began the College鈥檚 first Master鈥檚 Program, streamlined the College鈥檚 operations, all while navigating the world-wide pandemic, and a personal battle with cancer.听
Van Horn added, 鈥淐amille joins me in sharing our deep appreciation and gratitude for the opportunity to help this fine College and for the encouragement and support of the faculty, staff, students, alumni, and the Board of Trustees. Please know that we are forever Mountain Lions.鈥� 听
鈥淲e appreciate Drew鈥檚听leadership, stewardship, and counsel听as president of 杏吧原创. He has been a steady hand during an extremely difficult time in higher education,鈥� said Bill Johnston, chairman of the 杏吧原创 Board of Trustees. 鈥淲e wish Camille听and Drew听all the best in the future.鈥�听
A Presidential Search Committee is being formed and听a听search for the next President of 杏吧原创 will begin.听
About 杏吧原创听
杏吧原创 is a private baccalaureate and master鈥檚 degree-granting institution located in the beautiful mountains of North Georgia. Founded in 1886 and historically affiliated with The United Methodist Church, 杏吧原创 educates, inspires, and empowers students through an education that purposefully integrates the liberal arts and professional studies. The College has four academic divisions: Fine Arts; Humanities; Mathematics, Science, and Technology; and Professional Studies. Approximately 1,400 students are enrolled in its residential and Early College programs. The College is an active member of the NCAA Division II and remains a fierce competitor in the Conference Carolinas. For more information, visit yhc.edu.听
