HomeNews Puglisi: All full-time faculty contracts extended
Puglisi: All full-time faculty contracts extended
Puglisi: All full-time faculty contracts extended
Tuesday, Jun 19, 2007 - 12:00 AM
BY Amy Hunter
Reporter
The future of Virginia Intermont College seemed more certain Monday when the school’s president announced that contracts had been extended to all full-time faculty.
VI President Dr. Michael Puglisi said the financially strapped school is halfway to its $5 million fundraising goal after an outpouring of support from community members and alumni. But the small, liberal arts college still has a long way to go.
“We’re not out of the woods yet,” he said.
The survival of the 116-year-old college has been threatened by a financial crisis, stemming from years of increased spending. Since 1998, spending has jumped by 60 percent, most going for pay raises and student financial aid, college officials have said.
But after months of struggle, Puglisi said the college will definitely open this fall and there will be no layoffs or salary reductions.
A number of open positions, however, will not be filled, he said.
The fundraising success is largely due to the efforts of Bristol businessman Bill Gatton, who donated $250,000 and promised $750,000 more if $5 million is raised by June 30.
While Monday’s news indicates a step in the right direction, Puglisi warned that the school still is in urgent need of donations.
“We have made progress in meeting Mr. Gatton’s challenge,” he said. “But just look at our capital needs, building renovations, space needs, and endowments – fundraising has to continue.”
The school has made a number of additional changes to bring in money. Tuition was raised to $20,250, four athletic programs and one culinary program were dropped, and an admissions director was hired to increase enrollment, which will jump by 30 percent over last year, college officials said.
Donations to Virginia Intermont may be sent to 1013 Moore St., Bristol, VA 24201.
| (276) 645-2531
