Dr. Allison Morrison-Shetlar, President of the University of Lynchburg in Lynchburg, Virginia. Before coming to Lynchburg, Dr. Morrison-Shetlar served as Provost at Western Carolina University. She also previously served as dean of the Elon College of Arts and Sciences at Elon University, vice provost and dean of undergraduate studies at the University of Central Florida, and director of faculty development at Georgia Southern University. She holds a bachelor’s degree in biology and chemistry and a doctorate in biomedical science form Dundee College of Technology (now Abertay University) in Scotland
What drew you to the University of Lynchburg?
I was drawn immediately by the mission and values of the University. Servant leadership has been the guiding light of my career and Lynchburg has a holistic approach to making sure that everyone – students, faculty, and staff – reach their maximum potential. I also saw a place where I could contribute and grow and develop both professionally and personally.
What has been your biggest joy so far?
It has been a joy to become a part of such a caring and supportive Hornet family. This has really come to the fore during the pandemic, where the care and attention to student, faculty, and staff success and well-being have been exemplary.
Your biggest surprise?
Finding out the many resources the University has to support the well-being of our community, on and off campus. On campus, all are dedicated to the student experience in and out of the classroom. Off campus, we benefit from the incredible Lynchburg community, the nearby Blue Ridge Mountains, and the Claytor Nature Center and Observatory, to name just a few.
What do the college’s historic ties to the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) mean to you as you lead the institution into the future?
The University’s ties to the Disciples Church set the tone for our identity as a caring community committed to diversity and high-impact learning. Disciples believe in dialogue around the complicated issues of our day and engaging all voices in the conversation. I have recently begun worshiping in a DOC congregation and appreciate the social justice commitments of the congregation and an opportunity to live out my personal commitments to ending food insecurity.