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Dreaming of the future

I met some future students recently. It was not at an open house or college fair. These future D&E Senators were not particularly talkative. However, our meeting caused me to begin thinking about our future.

The two prospective students I met were being carried in the arms of their parents. One of them was about two years old and the other was about three months. While we have an active Admission program to bring new students to the College, I have not gotten the memo suggesting we devote staff and resources to toddlers. These two chance meetings occurred at a recent D&E basketball game and an area restaurant, respectively. Interestingly enough, the father that was carrying the young three-month old son was an alumnus, while the mother of the two-year-old was a staff member. As they introduced their children, both laughed and introduced “your future student” and then proceeded to do the math necessary to arrive at graduation with the classes of 2037 and 2039 respectively.

These frivolous moments provided an opportunity to dream of Davis & Elkins College twenty years from now. What should we be doing today that will ensure a stronger and even more vibrant College for these two toddlers when they are prepared to leave their childhood behind and search for their vocation and career? What needs to change at the College to keep us relevant, and yet, what needs to remain the same to keep us true to our mission? What stewardship of our financial resources will insure sufficient capital is available in the 2030s to enable a robust academic and co-curricular program, as well as functional facilities to meet the needs of the student body of that time? What plans and changes need to be undertaken by Elkins and the region to maintain a vibrant town in which D&E resides, to enable significant quality of life for students as well as faculty and staff that will be a part of D&E in the next generation?

For two prospective students that didn’t say much at our initial meeting, they certainly made an impression! Rather than their conversation, their existence causes me to plan and work for a bright future for this College. I want this young boy and girl to have the option, as their parents dream, to become a D&E Senator. I want each of them to have the option to choose to attend a College that can provide a transformative educational experience that will affect the future direction of their lives in a very positive way.

I am convinced that Davis & Elkins College is worth our time, energies, financial gifts and dreams. For Randolph County and the region, D&E is vitally important for the human capital provided as well as the economic impact. For alumni and friends, it is a crucial part of our history and identity. Most importantly, for our students of today and the 2030’s, this College is the key to a life of meaning and purpose.

The journey continues. …

Chris A. Wood is president of Davis & Elkins College.

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