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UVA Wise Hosts National Higher Education Leaders from COPLAC

Genna Welsh Kasun
Gary Johnson
Gary Johnson
Photo by Ryan Dye

Last week, leaders from colleges and universities across the U.S. gathered at The University of Virginia’s College at Wise (UVA Wise) to create stronger higher education institutions for tomorrow. Presidents, deans and academic leaders from more than a dozen states gathered on UVA Wise’s campus for the annual Summer Summit of the Council of Public Liberal Arts Colleges (COPLAC). 

The event featured professional development regarding technology, innovation and engagement in the contemporary liberal arts, and it afforded UVA Wise the opportunity to highlight current successes and future plans. 

“It was a great honor to have colleagues from across the U.S. learn from one another at UVA Wise, where participants were encouraged to craft action plans for a stronger tomorrow,” said UVA Wise Chancellor Donna P. Henry. 

The three-day Summit helped participants hone strengths and tackle challenges. Workgroups focused on student retention strategies, public-private partnerships and technology-enhanced learning. Attendees departed for their home campuses with action plans in hand on how to further enhance their programming to help students and communities. 

“Return on investment is often talked about for individual students but, at Wise, there’s huge ROI for the community. Our institutions bring value to the locations we call home that is, in many ways, incalculable,” pointed out UVA Wise Provost Gary C. Johnson at the Summit. 

In addition to attendees individual learning as well as networking opportunities, the event gave COPLAC the opportunity to host a board meeting in the David J. Prior Convocation Center and install its new Board chair. 

“This is an important moment for the liberal arts. We are in the midst of a technology evolution. Connection with our humanity, with community, through the public liberal arts has never been more essential. Together, it is imperative that we lift the voice and value of liberal arts,” said Melinda Treadwell, new COPLAC Chair and President of the State University of New York at Geneseo.