Reichard Retirement Marks Era of Historic Progress

President Rosalind Reichard announced today that she will step down at the end of the 2012-13 academic year.  Her retirement will mark an era of leadership that has been highlighted by historic levels of campus construction, the development of innovative academic programs, and a dramatic increase in national recognition for the 176-year-old institution.

A highly experienced college educator and administrator, Reichard was named president in 2006, becoming the College’s 20th president and first female chief executive. In accepting her decision, the E&H Board of Trustees expressed its gratitude for Reichard’s service and accomplishments.

In making her announcement, Reichard reflected on the College’s numerous achievements over the past six years, including record levels of annual giving and increased rates of student retention as well as new emphases upon student leadership, environmental studies, honors education and international studies. “We have developed a strong foundation, and we are now poised for greater things to come,” Reichard said.

Emory & Henry board chair John Eldridge ’70 said, "The Board of Trustees applauds Dr. Reichard’ s  distinguished service as president and her tireless dedication to preparing Emory & Henry for current and future excellence.  We look forward to celebrating her substantial legacy and building upon the strong foundation created under her leadership."  Plans for the formation of a presidential search committee, whose task will be to name Emory & Henry's next president by June 30, 2013, will be announced soon, Eldridge said.

Upon entering office in 2006, Reichard immediately set about planning for additions to and enhancements of the College’s facilities. In all, her tenure has been marked by more than $35 million in new construction and renovation projects, the largest level of investment in construction for any E&H president. Projects have included improvements and additions to the athletic stadium, major renovations and additions to classroom buildings, and new residence halls.

Through this program of major construction, Emory & Henry has become a model for environmental awareness and sensitivity in the region. All major construction and renovation projects have received LEED (Leadership in Energy Efficiency and Design) certification by the U.S. Green Building Council. Byars Hall became the first known LEED certified building in Southwest Virginia.

In addition to new construction, Reichard presided over a revitalization of the institution’s general education program and fostered the development of innovative graduate programs in education and organizational leadership.  A new focus on health science programs has led to the planning for a school of health sciences at a newly acquired Marion campus with the first program, a doctor in physical therapy degree, to begin next summer.

Within her first few months in office, Reichard also began emphasizing the value of the College’s unique approach to service learning as a means of not only enriching the lives of students and communities, but also as a means of enhancing the institution’s reputation.  Reichard pushed for greater emphasis on the integration of service learning throughout the curriculum and the development of unique college-community partnerships.

The focus on service contributed to significant national recognition for the institution. In 2010, Emory & Henry was one of six recipients of the President’s Award, the highest national recognition for service learning. Emory & Henry became the first Virginia institution to win the presidential award since it was begun in 2006 and many additional high national rankings followed.

Locally, Reichard serves on the United Way Board and was president of this board in 2009.  She also was the founding president of the Smart Beginnings Leadership Council in this region and is a member of the Washington County Rotary Club. 

On state and national levels, Reichard is chair of the Virginia delegation of trustees for the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools and a member of the Division III Presidents Council for the NCAA, the University Senate of the United Methodist Church, and the steering committee for the American College and University Presidents’ Climate Commitment.  In addition, she is vice chair of the board of directors of the Council of Independent Colleges in Virginia (CICV) and of the Virginia Foundation for Independent Colleges (VFIC).

Reichard and her husband, Dr. Don Reichard, look forward to spending more time with their children and grandchildren. “This college will always be a part of our roots,” Reichard said. “This college will always be our college. Yet, it is now the season for transitioning to new things.”