E&H Graduate Morgan Griffith Elected to Congress

Congressman-elect Morgan Griffith

Morgan Griffith, a 1980 Emory & Henry graduate, was elected to Congress Nov. 2 and will represent the Ninth Congressional District of Virginia.

Griffith, who also serves on the E&H Board of Visitors, becomes the first Emory & Henry alumnus to serve in Congress since Harley O. Staggers of the E&H Class of 1931, who served in the House of Representatives from 1948 to 1981 as a representative from West Virginia.

"This is a proud day for Emory & Henry," said Dr. Rosalind Reichard, president of the College. "Morgan, who has distinguished himself in Virginia government for many years, represents the best spirit of public service, which is at the core of our E&H values."

"We are extremely proud of Morgan and we wish him good fortune in his work on behalf of the Ninth District," Reichard said.

Griffith, who currently serves as majority leader for the Virginia House of Delegates, has been a member of the Virginia legislature since 1994. After completing his studies at Emory & Henry, where he obtained a degree in history, he received a law degree from Washington & Lee University.

In 2008, Griffith spoke to Emory & Henry’s graduating seniors, reminding them of the importance of public service to Emory & Henry and to their lives. "You probably would not have chosen Emory & Henry if you were not concerned about public affairs," he said.