Averett president speaks to chamber

By Sarah Arkin

Published: July 23, 2008

Newly appointed Averett University President Tiffany Franks praised Danville for opening its arms to her and her family during a Tuesday morning business breakfast hosted by the Danville Pittsylvania County Chamber of Commerce.

“We’re very, very humbled by the outpouring of support,” she said.

Franks acknowledged that after only three weeks at Averett, she still has a lot of listening and learning to do. Franks, however, still presented what she’s learned so far and a broad vision of where she sees the school in the future.

In addition to maintaining and building upon the scholastic integrity of the school, Franks said she saw Averett as “a place that plays a continued role in the redevelopment in the region.”

Being involved with the community in general will be an important component of Averett’s development, she said.

Franks said she’s already begun examining ways in which to partner with the Institute for Advanced Learning & Research, Danville Community College and local businesses.

An important goal, she said, will be to keep Averett students involved in the community and to keep them in Danville after they graduate.

“Curious … imaginative … adventurous,” are all qualities for colleges and universities to be built on, she said. Averett’s development, Franks added, “will be guided by a youthful spirit of adventure.”

• Contact Sarah Arkin at or (434) 791-7983.