FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Lois Williams
Phone: 276-944-6100
Date: March 24, 2025

Emory & Henry University Selects Career Educator and Healthcare Visionary, Dr. A. Louise Fincher, as its Twenty-Third President

Emory, VA - Emory & Henry proudly announces the selection of Dr. Louise “Lou” Fincher as its twenty-third president—and the first president of Emory & Henry University, formerly Emory & Henry College.

With over three decades of experience in higher education and healthcare, Dr. Fincher was unanimously selected by the Emory & Henry Board of Trustees as the University's President at its Spring Board Meeting.

"After heartfelt reflection, the Emory & Henry University Board of Trustees is honored to officially appoint Dr. Lou Fincher as the President of Emory & Henry University," said Dr. Ann Sluder, Chair of the Emory & Henry Board of Trustees, Associate Director of Vaccine and Immunotherapy Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, and a 1981 E&H graduate.

"From her first day at Emory & Henry, Lou has led with compassion, integrity, and a deep sense of purpose that has inspired our campus community. Her thoughtful leadership, inspiring vision, and genuine care for our students, faculty, and staff have made a lasting impact. She has the full support of the Board of Trustees to lead Emory & Henry University."

Dr. Fincher joined Emory & Henry in 2014 when she was selected as the Founding Dean of the School of Health Sciences in Marion, Va., created by renovating the old Smyth County Community Hospital, of which Emory & Henry assumed ownership after the county decided to construct a new hospital.

With a bold vision, Dr. Fincher turned a dream into a thriving reality in Marion, Va.— laying a foundation that has shaped the future of healthcare education at Emory & Henry, and future healthcare professionals in the Appalachian Highlands and beyond.

Now, with four graduate and two doctoral programs, its mission to prepare compassionate, patient-centered and highly skilled healthcare professions is a living testament to Dr. Fincher's dedication to students, faculty, and the greater community. In every role since, including her service as Interim President of Emory & Henry since August 1, 2024, and as Senior Vice President, Dr. Fincher has led with clarity, integrity, and a deep commitment to excellence.

"Dr. Fincher’s leadership is rooted in collaboration. Whether she’s working with faculty, students, or community partners, she brings people together around shared goals," said Gary Peacock, former chair of the Smyth County Community Foundation, the founding investor in the Emory & Henry School of Health Sciences.

"That spirit has led to meaningful progress—not only in expanding academic programs at Emory & Henry but in strengthening partnerships with regional healthcare systems and deepening our role in the community," added Peacock.

Alan Levine, President and CEO of Ballad Health, said on behalf of the selection, "Dr. Lou Fincher has been a transformative force in healthcare, demonstrating exceptional innovation and a deep commitment to improving lives.

"As Emory & Henry's President, Dr. Fincher will bring the same passion and strategic vision to higher education, shaping the future of learning and advancing the connection between community and academia."

Fincher's philosophy for success in the healthcare track at the School of Health Sciences is on display in other concentrations, having worked to launch initiatives like the Central Methodist University Digital U Consortium, a partnership that will provide access for online adult degree completion programs, and the Southwest Virginia Healthcare Excellence Academy Laboratory School (SWVA-HEALS), a program that allows high school students to earn college credits while preparing for healthcare professions, with Emory & Henry, Virginia Highlands Community College, Wytheville Community College, the region's public schools (Wythe, Smyth, Washington, and City of Bristol) collaborating on the initiative.

"With over 30 years of experience in higher education, Dr. Fincher is more than a leader—she’s a builder, a connector, and a tireless advocate for students," added Sluder.

"We celebrate this historic moment with immense pride and optimism for the future, knowing that under Dr. Fincher’s leadership, Emory & Henry University is poised for continued growth, impact, and distinction." “I am a longtime fan of Lou. She is so thoughtful and deliberative. I'm looking forward to working with her more as the President of E&H,” said Dr. Sarah Fisher, Emory & Henry Faculty Representative to the Board of Trustees.

Dr. Blake Justice, Interim Dean of the School of Health Sciences, had this to say about his colleague, “I am incredibly pleased with the Board's decision to name Dr. Fincher as the President of Emory & Henry University. As Interim President she has proven herself capable of strong leadership in difficult times, while maintaining the best interest of the institution's students and faculty.”

“Having served in the interim role for the past seven months, Dr. Fincher has proven herself to be an authentic, thoughtful leader who cares deeply about the university community. Her steady hand, vision, and commitment make her exceptionally well-poised to lead Emory & Henry University into its next chapter. This leadership is especially critical as the university continues to strengthen its role as an economic driver in the region—by attracting and retaining talent, and encouraging graduates to return to live and work locally, Dr. Fincher’s impact will extend far beyond the campus, helping to revitalize and sustain the surrounding communities.” said U.S. Congressman Morgan Griffith, representing Virginia’s 9th District.

More details will be announced about the inauguration of Dr. Louise Fincher as the Twenty-Third President of Emory & Henry University when they become available.

About Emory & Henry University
Emory & Henry University, founded in 1836, is a regional comprehensive university committed to excellence in academics, service, and leadership. Consistently ranked among the best colleges and universities in the South by U.S. News & World Report, Emory & Henry offers a transformative education. The University fosters a close-knit, inclusive community and provides students with opportunities to grow intellectually, professionally, and personally. To learn more, visit www.emoryhenry.edu.