Inspiring and challenging students.
President William T. "Billy" Greer.
Those were the words that Virginia Wesleyan President Dr. William T. "Billy" Greer reiterated on Wednesday, Aug. 22 at the State of the College Address
that kicked off the 2007-08 academic year.
Greer's speech focused on the need to inspire and challenge students to persevere academically, in graduate school, in the workforce and as citizens of their communities.
"Our students have always been our biggest asset," said Greer. "I want every single student to have the imprint of Virginia Wesleyan on their lives in such a way that they will be inalterably formed, shaped and changed by this experience."
Several slides of students' notable achievements were shown including names of research grant recipients and scholar-athletes. Greer encouraged all faculty, staff and administrators to give students a "good invitation," or encouragement. "Everyone remembers a good teacher who gave us, at a critical time in our lives, a good invitation," he said.
During the address, Greer also named three major dreams for the College that include achieving a Phi Beta Kappa chapter, focusing on environmental sustainability and receiving the Directors Cup in athletics.
"Our students are our biggest asset."
- President GreerAs part of the College's effort to address environmental issues on campus and to promote conservation and environmental stewardship, Greer announced that all incoming freshmen students will receive an insulated cup that can be re-used. Students will be given a discount on beverages served on campus for making that environmentally-friendly choice.
Greer also addressed the College's growth in number of students and in endowment. He praised the work of the Admissions Office, noting that the day enrollment exceeds 1200 students for the first time in the College's history. In addition, the endowment has seen tremendous success, growing 65 percent in four years from 2003 to 2007.
Concluding his speech, Greer challenged the College community to raise the bar in their respective areas, asking everyone to evaluate current standards, and to rededicate themselves to the core purposes of Virginia Wesleyan – intellectually, vocationally and spiritually.
08/23/07