The University of Appalachia recently received $100,000 from an anonymous source to help fund scholarships as well as construction work at its Garden Campus, where extensive renovations are underway to transform a 1940 Civilian Conservation Corps-built high school into the University’s main campus.

“We are very excited and appreciative of this latest contribution toward our fundraising goals,” stated Whitney Caudill, director of development and associate general counsel to the University. “A lot of individuals, foundations, and supporters on the local, state, and federal levels have stepped up to help make our University a reality.” Caudill recently coordinated the organizational meeting of health care professional students that intend to practice medicine, dentistry, and pharmacy in the coalfields of Virginia as well. “Our first meeting went very well, and we are recruiting students from health-related professional schools throughout the nation. Part of this donation will go toward running the organization and starting a fund to help offset these students’ educational debts when they return home to practice or make this region their new home.”

Central Appalachia has struggled with chronic health care problems and a shortage of health care providers for as long as such statistics have been kept, according to Dr. Eleanor Sue Cantrell, the newly installed president of the University of Appalachia and the dean of its college of pharmacy. “I have worked in the public health care sector for several years as district director, and the health problems are getting worse, not better. This new student organization will address those problems. Our pharmacy students will also be teaching preventive health care to elementary, middle, and high school students in the region. Education is the key to prevention.”

A portion of the donation will also go toward the Ryan McGlothlin Scholarship Loan Fund, named in honor of a Buchanan County native who died in Iraq during combat while he was protecting his fellow Marines. The fund, which has grown to $75,000 due to a recent donation from New Peoples Bank and the latest help from the anonymous donor, will help military veterans with loans to attend the pharmacy college, Virginia’s only three-year accelerated doctor of pharmacy program.

The pharmacy program will soon begin its second year, and received 1300 applications for 65 slots for the incoming class, according to board chairman Mickey McGlothlin. “We are very excited about our new campus, our new class, and our returning class, which has been very impressive in its first round of clinical rotations, and we deeply appreciate the enthusiasm of the community and supporters for the University of Appalachia.” McGlothlin added that Dr. Cantrell will be working with a great leadership team. “We know she brings with her a great deal of management, pharmacy, and medical expertise, as well as a love for this region and learning.”

McGlothlin had particular praise for the Buchanan County Board of Supervisors, the county IDA, and the Coalfield Economic Development Authority for making the Garden Campus a reality. “I graduated from that school and I never imagined that beautiful building would become a university campus. Many graduates of that school have gone on to become leaders in business, education, health care, and community growth. We are very proud to see the school be renovated and bring new life to the Garden community, Buchanan County, and the region. Great things are happening in Southwest Virginia.”

For more information call 276-935-6433.

Authorized by Mickey McGlothlin, Chair, University of Appalachia

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