We are encouraged by last week’s announcement of E. Clorisa Phillips as the 17th president of Virginia Intermont College. Phillips, who has spent her career at the University of Virginia, has pledged to work for a secure financial future for the Bristol college.
It’s no secret that VI has struggled to keep its financial footing. It was placed on probation by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools in 2007 and established a detailed plan to address financial weaknesses. In 2009, the college celebrated its 100th anniversary and successfully completed all of the requirements stipulated by SACS.
But earlier this year, VI stumbled again. Financial problems forced the layoff of 20 percent of the college’s staff and former college President Mike Puglisi resigned without comment.
This college is a necessary source of higher education for about 600 students and an economic engine to Bristol and the broader region. The college generates about $32 million in the community each year. But for too long, it has been too dependent on tuition for its basic needs.
Phillips, 55, has extensive experience in admissions, human resources, development and capital projects during her 32-year career at UVa. During a reception last week, she said she will focus on boosting fundraising. “We need to raise funds to move beyond being so tuition-dependent,” she said. “We all are going to do it.”
Many supporters have already made hefty gifts to the college. In mid-2009, as the college celebrated its 100th anniversary, it also announced it had raised nearly $12 million, including a $1 million gift from Bristol businessman and philanthropist Bill Gatton, who had launched a challenge campaign for the college.
As we have said before, the college cannot rely on these exceptionally large gifts, which are wonderful, but uncommon. It must branch out to develop more givers, new givers, all the time.
The college has a large network of powerful supporters who aim to build a lasting network of security for its future – financially and academically. Turning to them is where success lies. During an interview last week, Tony Troy, a member of the VI board of trustees, said he was asked to join the board by former Virginia Gov. Gerald Baliles. Troy had been Virginia Attorney General when Baliles was governor. Troy said it is unacceptable to Baliles that any institution of higher learning – public or private – might fail.
And consider who nominated Phillips for this job: UVa President John Casteen. He’s one of the sharpest minds in education nationwide and he knows this region well. His suggestion of Phillips is keenly high praise. We remember him sending L. Jay Lemons, then Casteen’s young assistant, from Charlottesville to Wise as the interim chancellor at what was then Clinch Valley College. Lemons went on to become a successful and popular chancellor at the college, leading it through its 1999 name change to the University of Virginia’s College at Wise. Today, Lemons is the president at Susquehanna University in Pennsylvania.
Taylor Reveley, the VI board vice chairman, said Phillips is perhaps the “ideal” candidate for the position in Bristol. “She will be an energetic leader and presence in Bristol and help this wonderful college reach its potential – building on its storied history. She has earned stature that extends well beyond UVa and Virginia. Clo’s years at VI will be VI’s and her best,” he said.
We are pleased to welcome Phillips to Bristol and we encourage her efforts to strengthen a college that is so important to so many people.
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