Written by Alyssa Wilson ~ Editor-in-Chief
Photo of the new cohort of international students who arrived prior to the start of the semester. Retrieved from University of Lynchburg Instagram.
The University of Lynchburg has stepped into its second semester of the school year, and University President Alison Morrison-Shetlar is feeling hopeful about the months ahead after a positive fall semester.
At the beginning of the school year Morrison-Shetlar listed several words she wanted to focus on for the 2023 -2024 year: transformation, innovation and collaboration.
Transformation of the university has taken several new meanings, one of which includes the new addition of a truly internationalized campus.
“We are transforming the culture of the institution,” says Morrison-Shetlar.
In past semesters the average number of new international students has been 30, this semester the university welcomed 151 new students.
“International recruiters have been reaching out to us and saying, ‘We’re seeing great things about the University of Lynchburg and we’d like to promote the university…’” says President Morrison-Shetlar.
Nepal and Argentina are two of the top countries that have been showing interest in the university.
The university’s strategic plan reflects a goal of 20% of the student population consisting of international students.
“It supports the diversity on campus. The cultural diversity, geographical diversity and food diversity,” says Morrison-Shetlar.
University dining services have been leaning into the new group of students, listening to their needs and helping them feel not so far from home.
Over the winter break a Nepalese chef was hired and other chefs in dining services have shown interest in learning how to cook more cuisines.
Regular open forums are hosted throughout the semester where international students can be updated on what the university is doing to be there for them, as well as hear any comments or concerns that could be made to improve their experience.
Morrison-Shetlar says, “I feel great going into the semester…The students should be seeing a deepening and strengthening of the student experience and the kinds of things that are happening as we purposefully focus on enhancing the student experience.”
Part of enhancing the student experience lies in innovation, or creating new ideas and methods that will be enjoyed by students.
For example, a climbing wall is being installed in Wake field house that will be available for all students to use and features several levels of difficulty.
Morrison-Shetlar also expressed excitement about the new associate vice president for marketing and communications, Heather Bradley who allegedly has plans to reimagine the university’s brand and give it a “refresh”.
Collaboration has also been improving as students increase their participation in internships and practicums in partnership with local community businesses.
Departments across campus continue to collaborate with one another to host events and enrich class and student experiences.
“We are continuing to transform the institution, that should be an ongoing thing,” says Morrison-Shetlar.
Transformation seems to be the overarching theme that still touches innovation and collaboration; both of these are constantly being transformed at the university as it grows and changes.
To learn more about the university and Morrison-Shetlar’s strategic plan, click here.
