In 2023, the Board of Trustees stepped out in faith and approved an ambitious building project along with a capital campaign to fund it. The Freshman Village at 51������, with the brand-new Glory Residence Hall as its centerpiece, was on its way from vision to reality. To construct Glory and renovate Roxanna Booth and Gribble Residence Halls, the college needed $25 million. To address this need, the “Creating Home: It Takes A Village” Capital Campaign was launched. Rather than financing these critical projects through debt, the decision was made to “pay our way” to preserve the long-term financial health of the college.

In just under 36 months, the “Creating Home” campaign crossed the finish line, raising more than $25 million. On June 1, a crowd gathered on the spacious patio of Glory Residence Hall, overlooking Myles Plaza and the distant mountains, for one reason: there was a party going on to celebrate good times!  A steel drum band set the festive mood as members of the Board of Trustees, faculty and staff, donors, students, alumni, and friends of the college came together to celebrate the milestone and look toward a promising future.

Reflecting on both the event and the campaign itself, two important takeaways stand out.

First, together we turned ambition into achievement. The capital campaign and construction of the Freshman Village united alumni, friends, faculty, staff, and students behind a common and worthy purpose. A shared dream became a transformative reality through collective generosity. Individuals who believe deeply in the mission of 51������ gave generously and sacrificially to ensure the college remains competitive amid the growing challenges facing private higher education. Standing in the heart of the Freshman Village today, what once seemed aspirational now stands as a lasting testament to community, commitment, and vision.

Second, while the campaign is complete, its impact is only beginning. Generations of students will have doors of opportunity opened because of the investments made by generous donors. This is true not only of campus enhancements such as the Freshman Village, but also of scholarships and academic programs that will continue shaping lives far into the future. The gathering on June 1 was significant because the conclusion of the campaign signals the determination and resilience of the 51������ community to ensure a stronger and vibrant future for the college.

Glory Residence Hall was named to remind all who enter of God’s glory. Standing on the patio of this newest campus building on June 1, I was deeply aware of God’s blessing upon our college, and the opportunity to be a blessing to both today’s students and generations yet to come. In that moment, it became clear that what once seemed an ambitious vision had become a defining achievement in the life of the college.

It truly is a time to “…celebrate good times…come on.”

The journey continues…

Chris A. Wood
President
51������

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For the past four years, one student has served as “President for a Day” while I stepped into the life of a student. This year, six of my colleagues on the President’s Cabinet joined me in this annual exchange with seven students.

Dubbed “Wacky Wednesday – Cabinet Flip Day,” the experience was a resounding success. For students, it provided a firsthand look at the inner workings of the College and, more importantly, a deeper understanding of how complex organizations operate. They interacted with members of the Board of Trustees, attended a Cabinet meeting, and gained insight into how each leadership role contributes to the institution as a whole. Just as importantly, they experienced the weight of decision-making and the balance required between vision and responsibility.

Meanwhile, Cabinet members experienced campus life through the eyes of a student. My day included attending class, participating in athletic practice, spending time in a residence hall, and sharing a meal in the dining hall. These moments reinforced something easy to forget in the routines of leadership: the student experience is not an abstraction, but a lived reality shaped by countless daily interactions. Walking in one another’s shoes fostered empathy, strengthened trust, and created a shared understanding that will continue to shape our work together.

Samy was our “President for a Day.” He is a pre-med major from Brazil and a member of the men’s basketball team. Mature beyond his years, Samy is an outstanding student who consistently earns his place on the President’s List. His academic workload is demanding; he is also shadowing an emergency room physician and working at Graceland, all while balancing the physical and mental demands of collegiate athletics.

We shared lunch in the dining hall with his teammate Walid, an international student from Lebanon. That conversation proved to be one of the most meaningful moments of the day. Samy is Jewish; Walid is Muslim. Together, they spoke candidly about the geopolitical events shaping our world and offered perspectives shaped by their respective countries and faiths. Their friendship, formed in the mountains of Randolph County, has broadened their understanding of one another and our world. Each has listened. Each has learned. Each has had preconceptions challenged and insights deepened.

Walid shared that at Davis & Elkins, he has learned how people from different backgrounds can move beyond division and find common ground. Samy reached across the table, clasped Walid’s hand, and said, “This is my brother.” I sat in quiet amazement, grateful to witness such a moment. At that dining hall table, I witnessed an alternative to the hatred and hostility that too often define our world. In that moment, I experienced hope.

When asked what we learned from this “wacky” day, the answer was simple. Our students expanded their horizons, and our administrators gained renewed perspective. Together, we strengthened a culture of openness and mutual respect—one that reminds us learning is not confined to the classroom, nor leadership to a title. In experiences like this, education fulfills its highest purpose: bringing people closer to understanding one another and, in doing so, changing the world for the better.

The journey continues…

Chris A. Wood
President
51������

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Home is where you are known. It is where someone notices when you succeed—and when you struggle. It is late-night conversations in residence halls, the encouragement of a professor who sees your potential, and friendships that turn into lifelong connections. It is where you begin to understand not only what you want to do, but who you are called to become.

Today, we have an opportunity to ensure that same sense of home endures for generations to come.

Our capital campaign, Creating Home: It Takes a Village, has reached a remarkable milestone. Thanks to the generosity of alumni, friends, and supporters, we are just shy of reaching 99% of our $25 million goal. This is no small accomplishment—it is proof of what the 51������ community can achieve when we come together with purpose and pride. As Helen Keller said, “Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.” And yet, as with any meaningful journey, the final steps matter just as much as the first.

The vision for the Freshman Village is simple but powerful: a student’s first year on campus should feel like coming home. These living-learning spaces will do more than provide housing—they will foster connection, encourage engagement, and create an environment where students feel supported from the moment they arrive. Here, friendships will form, confidence will grow, and a true sense of belonging will take root.

When students feel at home, they persist, thrive, and succeed. And they carry forward the values and spirit of this institution into the world.

Completing this campaign represents more than a goal—it marks a defining moment in 51������’s history. In a time when many small, private colleges face challenges, this achievement signals strength, momentum, and a shared belief in our future.

But we are not there yet.

That is why we are asking our alumni and friends to step forward in this final push. Whether you have given before or are considering your first gift, your participation matters. No gift is too large nor any gift too small. Each contribution helps create a place where students feel welcomed, supported, and inspired. Your support now ensures the Freshman Village is a reality for generations of students who will call 51������ home.

A village is built not by a few, but by many—each person offering what they can, united by a common purpose. That has always been the strength of Davis & Elkins.

As we stand on the brink of this historic achievement, reflect on your own sense of home at 51������. Think of the people, the places, and the moments that shaped you. Then consider how your gift can help create that same experience for those who follow.

Together, we are building something lasting.  Together, we will cross the finish line.  Together, we are creating home.

The journey continues…

Chris A. Wood
President
51������

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Born and raised in the small West Virginia town of Glady, about an hour from Elkins, Lisa came to 51������ in 1988 to pursue an associate degree in business. Fifteen years later she earned her Bachelor of Science in business. Just three years after completing her initial degree, she was offered a position in the College’s Advancement Office. Thus began 33 years of service—and counting—to her beloved alma mater. In 2016, she stepped into her current role as Administrative Assistant in the Office of 51������.

A self-avowed “people person,” Lisa is at the center of a constant stream of students coming and going through the doors of the 51������ Office. Her 51������ story is one of relationships—formed with students and parents alike—and of the reciprocal impact those relationships have had on them and on her. More than friendly, Lisa is a steady source of encouragement, support, and confidentiality. Week after week, laughter and tears are shared, hugs are exchanged, prayers are offered, and lives are touched. In many ways, these relationships represent 51������ in microcosm.

The so-called “Wall of Fame,” a large collection of photographs of students with Lisa, transforms a plain wall near her desk into a visible testament to connection and belonging. Achieving a coveted spot on the wall has become a point of pride; students have even been known to take photos of their photo with Lisa to send home to their parents. Many of those parents know Lisa as well. In 2013, she launched 51������’s parent program, establishing strong two-way communication and serving as a trusted point of contact for families.

One of the most moving annual traditions at 51������ takes place during the Baccalaureate Service on Commencement Weekend. Each graduate selects a faculty or staff member to hood them with their academic hood—an honor reserved for someone who has had a profound impact on their college journey. Year after year, Lisa is chosen by one or more graduates for this meaningful role. Such recognition is tangible evidence of the depth of her influence and the profound effect of her life’s vocation: creating community among 51������’s students and parents.

Lisa’s relationships do not end at commencement. Countless alumni remain in touch, extending wedding invitations and sharing birth announcements. Life’s mountaintop moments are naturally shared with family—especially their 51������ mom.

The journey continues…

Chris A. Wood
President
51������

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Kaylee Yergeau was among the first students I met upon my arrival at 51������ in 2016 as she began her sophomore year.  Kaylee came to Elkins from a small city across the Puget Sound from Seattle, Washington, recruited to play women’s basketball. Two years later, Tycen Allan arrived on campus as a freshman men’s lacrosse recruit from a small town in western Canada. They met soon after Tycen’s arrival. Kaylee remembers thinking Tycen was shy—but cute. For Tycen, it was all about her smile “…and those beautiful brown eyes.”

There are two twists in this love story. The first came when they began dating, about seven months after Tycen arrived on campus. Kaylee was just weeks away from graduation and had already been accepted into West Virginia University’s doctoral program in physical therapy. Their budding relationship quickly became long distance. Nevertheless, these two overcame the miles, remaining together through three years of Tycen’s undergraduate studies at 51������ and Kaylee’s demanding doctoral work.

January 22, 2022 is a day forever etched in their memories.  That particular January day was cold and snowy—classic West Virginia winter. Tycen convinced Kaylee to take a road trip to Blackwater Falls State Park, about 45 minutes from campus. There, surrounded by snow and the beauty of the falls, Tycen asked Kaylee to be his wife. Three of his lacrosse teammates were discreetly nearby, capturing the moment on video.

With graduation for both of our lovebirds in May 2022, the second twist came when Tycen was required to return to Canada as he pursued a non-student “fiancée” visa that would allow him to live in the United States. For the next nineteen months, the visa approval process dragged on, separating them by thousands of miles.

Except for a rare visit, Kaylee busied herself as she took a job as a physical therapist in Elkins and Tycen went to work in Canada.  This couple learned that absence makes the heart grow fonder. More than a year and a half of separation proved their love could overcome any obstacle.  Finally, with visa in hand, Tycen arrived in Elkins on March 1, 2024. Just thirteen days later, on March 14, 2024—exactly five years to the day after they began dating—Kaylee and Tycen became Mr. and Mrs. Allan. Blackwater Falls once again served as their cathedral.

Today, Tycen is the head coach of the men’s lacrosse team at 51������. Kaylee continues her work as a physical therapist in Elkins and nearby Parsons. Neither anticipated calling Elkins home after college, but they now say, quite simply, that they are home.

Recently, Kaylee and Tycen shared exciting news: Baby Allan will make his debut this June. The soon-to-be parents report feeling both excited and terrified. Knowing them as I do, their deep love for one another—and the care and respect they demonstrate to everyone they meet—will make them exceptional parents. 51������ already looks forward to welcoming Baby Allan into the Class of 2044.

Perhaps Cupid’s arrow is aimed at another pair of students today.  Happy Valentine’s Day to all our 51������ lovebirds—past, present, and future.

The journey continues…

Chris A. Wood
President
51������

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The calendar turns to a new year, often synonymous with fresh starts and resolutions. However, if I may borrow a sports analogy, for those of us in higher education, the pause at the end of the calendar year is less a brand-new game and more of a “halftime.” With the fall semester complete, this moment offers exactly what halftime is designed to provide.

Specifically, a coach and team use the precious minutes of halftime to (1) rest, (2) review the strengths and challenges of the first half, and (3) make the strategic and tactical adjustments necessary for success in the second half. As 51������’s “coach,” looking out over a snow-covered landscape, our task is the same.

First, we rest. The book of Genesis tells us that after completing the work of creation, God rested on the seventh day. This concept of Sabbath is central to our humanity and essential to both the quality and quantity of life. During this break, students, faculty, and staff experience Sabbath—returning refreshed, renewed, and energized for the opportunities ahead.

Next comes reflection. This time allows us to look back on the fall semester and ask what lessons we can carry forward to strengthen the work ahead. Every area of the College—academics, enrollment management, student life, business operations, athletics, alumni relations, and governance—takes time to review, assess, and learn.

Finally, halftime requires adjustment. To finish the game—the academic year—strong, we must ask thoughtful questions. How effectively are we implementing our newly approved strategic plan, Forward? How are our new academic programs progressing? Are we on track for the launching of our first master’s degree as well as additional undergraduate offerings next fall? Are there budget adjustments or spending priorities that require attention?

As we approach the finish line of our $25 million Creating Home Capital Campaign, are we clearly and compellingly communicating both the need and the opportunity? Within Senator Nation athletics, are our efforts to strengthen a positive and supportive culture succeeding, and are our student-athletes experiencing exactly what we intend—both on and off the field? Meanwhile, as our physical plant continues to improve, excitement builds for the completion of the renovation of Gribble Residence Hall this spring and the beginning of Roxanna Booth Hall’s transformation in May.

A college is a living, dynamic community. For 122 years, 51������ has strived to provide a high-quality, high-touch educational experience for students. Each December, this seasonal pause has been used intentionally—for Sabbath among our people and for thoughtful planning that keeps the institution on track. This year’s “halftime” continues that tradition, contributing to a stronger, healthier, and more resilient 51������.

For now, I am enjoying the pines and the falling snow. Soon enough, I will rejoin our rejuvenated students, faculty, and staff back on campus as the spring semester begins—ushering in exciting days of learning and transformation. We intend to finish this game with a win.

The journey continues…

Chris A. Wood
President
51������

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We have literally “decked the halls” to reflect the warmth of the season. Christmas trees glow softly in the gathering spaces of our buildings, twinkling lights brighten the evenings, and fresh pine is in the air. These simple decorations remind us that home is not just a place; it is a feeling—a sense of comfort, welcome, and community. Even students far from their families discover that they are not alone here. They are surrounded by friends, mentors, and a campus family who create a home for one another.

One of the defining qualities of a true home is the way it shapes hearts toward service. This season, our students once again stepped out to bless the wider community, offering their time and talents in meaningful ways. Our students are providing crafts and games to Elkins-area children at the community tree lighting celebration. Led by our Student Government Association as well as Staff Council, food is being both collected and purchased for the community food pantry sponsored by our friends at Davis Memorial Presbyterian Church. Our Greek organizations are sponsoring gifts for local children through the Angel Tree Project, and faith-based student organizations are supporting Operation Christmas Child. These acts of service show that home is not a place we keep to ourselves—it is something we share.

That spirit of togetherness shines brightly at the annual Community Christmas Parade where a few hundred of our student-athletes join Lisa and me as we make our way down Randolph Avenue. We walk this parade route in unity, representing 51������ with pride and joy, reminding the greater community that our campus home is an essential part of the heartbeat of our town.

The campus community will soon be gathering for my most beloved tradition of the season: the Service of Lessons and Carols. This evening of worship draws members of the campus and Elkins community together as one family. Inside the Robbins Memorial Chapel, filled with familiar carols and sacred readings, we celebrate the true meaning of the Christmas season.

At its core, Christmas is about giving—giving gifts, giving time, giving ourselves. This spirit of giving naturally flows from God’s gift bestowed to us: Emmanual, God with us. The coming of the Baby of Bethlehem reminds us that we find our true home in Him, and through Him we learn what it means to love, serve, and welcome others.

As we embrace this holy season, I am deeply grateful for the home we share on this campus. It is a home built on faith, strengthened by community, and brightened by generosity. It is a place where students discover who they are and who they are called to become. It is a blessing to celebrate the holidays together in a campus we proudly call home.

May your Christmas be filled with peace, joy, and the warmth of home—here and wherever this season finds you.

The journey continues…

Chris A. Wood
President
51������

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Now in the tenth year of my presidency at 51������, I ask your indulgence for a personal reflection in this edition of my “Reflecting Along the Journey” column. As we prepare for the uniquely American holiday of Thanksgiving, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude for the honor and privilege of serving as the 15th president of 51������.

The journey Lisa and I have shared with our many friends and acquaintances who are part of the extended 51������ family—in Elkins and beyond—has been a true blessing. Residing among these mountains of our beloved home state continues to feed our spirits and soothe our souls. As I reflect on this past decade, my attitude of gratitude extends to several groups I greatly respect and deeply value.

First, I am honored to work with a Board of Trustees and an Alumni Association composed of volunteers who love this institution and give generously of their time, counsel, and financial resources.

Second, the College faculty are not only experts in their fields—they are also dedicated and caring teachers who pour themselves into the lives of our students.

Third, the College staff are the unsung heroes. This institution could not function without their conscientious and professional work, always placing the care and well-being of our students at the forefront.

Fourth, I have been blessed to come to know many of our alumni and the numerous friends of the College who recruit new students, provide financial support, and whose love and pride for 51������ never waver.

Another group has secured a particularly special place in my heart. Day in and day out, I am blessed to interact with our students—young people who inspire me with their thirst for knowledge, desire to serve, and drive to succeed. My optimism and hope for the future come directly from these young men and women who are preparing to be the next generation of leaders in our communities and nation. I give thanks for them daily and for the hope they represent.

In 1904, a visionary group of faith leaders founded a Presbyterian institution that would emphasize the liberal arts and be dedicated to a values-based education for all who journeyed upon its hallowed grounds. One hundred and twenty-one years later, I remain grateful for their vision and faithfulness, which continue to shape and inspire the 51������ community.

Recognizing the life-changing power of gratitude, and as we pause as a nation to give thanks later this month, our cornucopia of blessings truly overflows. Chief among these, I offer thanks for a small, distinctive college in the Appalachian Highlands of Randolph County—a college that has transformed, and will continue to transform, the lives of students past, present, and future. 51������ provides an educational experience marked by distinction and excellence. That is truly worthy of our thanksgiving.

May our attitude of gratitude permeate our lives—not only on Thanksgiving Day, but each and every day we are blessed with life and breath.

The journey continues…

Chris A. Wood
President
51������

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Last month in this column, I reflected on how our students experience “home” at 51������. This month let us celebrate the irresistible pull our campus still has for alumni.

Kelsey Young graduated from 51������ in 2014. Last month, Kelsey Young, Ph.D. joined our faculty. When she first traveled from her Woodbridge, VA home at age 17 to visit our campus, she was instantly smitten. As an exercise science major, she quickly found mentors in Drs. Mary Ann DeLuca and Jennifer Riggleman. As their student, advisee, and work-study, Kelsey realized early in her college journey that she wanted to return one day to work alongside these two influential professors. Eleven years later, Dr. Kelsey Young has indeed returned home to 51������—where dreams really do come true.

In her own words: “Coming back to 51������ feels like coming home to my own story. It is where my dreams first took shape and where I found belonging. Now, stepping back onto this campus, I feel the joy of giving back to the place that helped make me who I am.”

Kelsey’s return also reflects her enduring passion for learning, a passion first sparked at 51������. She shared: “I am a lifelong learner. I was told a long time ago, we are given an opportunity every day to learn something new, and we should never take it for granted. ‘The day you stop learning is the day you die.’”

I am deeply grateful to Dr. Young for returning to her alma mater and welcome her home. Here, she will inspire and mentor countless students, just as she once was inspired. As I was taught in my own home: to those who are blessed, much is expected, and they, in turn, are called to be a blessing.

October 10th to 12th all 51������ alumni are invited “home” for Homecoming 2025. Members of the Class of 1975 will mark their 50th reunion, alongside many others who will return to reminisce, renew old friendships, make new ones, and experience the familiar and the new on a campus that continues to shape lives.

Like Kelsey, generations of Davis & Elkins sons and daughters hear the call to return. Once again, in these picturesque Allegheny Mountains, family members gather, stories intertwine, and journeys intersect. As the wise saying reminds us, you can indeed come home again.

And at 51������, when you do, the welcome is always waiting.

The journey continues…

Chris A. Wood
President
51������

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Harper-McNeeley Auditorium was filled for the baccalaureate service on the eve of commencement. The highlight of this worship service is the hooding ceremony, where each graduate selects a faculty or staff member to place their academic hood on their shoulders. This individual represents someone who has had a profound impact on the student’s journey—a mentor, guide, and source of support. Among our community, it is one of the highest honors.

Time and again—over 150 times—I watched as a graduate walked across the stage, their academic hood draped over one arm. Standing behind them, their chosen mentor placed the hood over their head and gently adjusted the regalia, ensuring it was just right. This moment, rich with tradition, speaks volumes. And yet, the most powerful moment was still to come.

Over and over, I witnessed graduates—now robed in academic pride—turn with a broad smile to embrace their professor, coach, or staff member. Some embraces were long and tearful, others quick and full of laughter, but every single one radiated pride, gratitude, and shared celebration.

I believe that embrace is the very reason 51������ exists.  With the power of a relationship on full display, it is the quintessential moment that encapsulates four years of a high quality transformative educational experience.

Our professors and staff do more than teach or guide—they walk alongside students through challenges and triumphs. These bonds go far beyond roles and titles. We are a college where people know your name, but more importantly, they know your story. They care deeply about your success and your growth.

This connection is part of our culture. Yes, our small size helps, but it is our intentional focus on personal relationships that makes the difference. The emotions in that embrace represent years of encouragement, learning, and support.

In that embrace, we celebrate not just an ending, but the joy of the journey. Every student arrived at 51������ from a unique background, and here they found opportunity—opportunity to learn, grow, and discover their purpose. They met faculty and staff who changed their lives. They built friendships with classmates from nearby towns and distant countries who broadened their horizons.  They engaged new perspectives, challenged assumptions, and encountered timeless truths.  Their time here has shaped who they are and who they will become.

Now their journey continues. New places and new experiences await. Yet Davis & Elkins will always be a part of who they are—just as each of them will always remain a part of Davis & Elkins.

It may have been only an embrace, but within that simple act lay the story of a shared journey, of transformation, and of deep, abiding connection. I will never forget the story it told—and will continue to tell for generations to come.

As this “Reflections Along the Journey” column takes a summer break, I hope each of us can find moments of joy, rest, and renewal in the weeks ahead.

The journey continues…

Chris A. Wood
President
51������

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