Convocation officially opens Averett’s 150th year

Averett University students and faculty gathered at Pritchett Auditorium on Thursday to officially kick off the school’s 150th academic year.

A procession of faculty members in full formal regalia led the event.

Tiffany Franks, the university’s new president, welcomed students and staff and gave the convocation address.

She told students they would learn the importance of community, and their place in it, while attending Averett and recommended that each student “be yourself, respect yourself and respect others.”

After the convocation, Franks talked about the university’s recent ranking by U.S. News & World Report magazine.

Averett was ranked 43 out of 94 similar-size baccalaureate colleges in the South, a placement Franks said was partially due to its innovative course offerings, such as equestrian studies, athletic training and aeronautics.

She said 25 percent of the ranking was based on reviews by officials at other universities, which indicates Averett is becoming better known and respected. Franks said other

considerations were student-faculty ratio, standardized test scores of incoming students and alumni participation.

One student attracted to Averett by its equestrian studies program is Katie LoPresti, a freshman from Los Angeles.

“The West Coast has no equestrian majors,” LoPresti said. She examined several schools but said Averett was the best fit for her.

“Everyone is so helpful and friendly,” LoPresti said, “it has a nice, welcoming family atmosphere.

“I love it here already. (Danville’s) so pretty and it’s nice to see green — I’m so used to concrete. I’m not sure how my parents will take it, but I may never go back to L.A.!”

• Contact Denice Thibodeau at or (434) 791-7985.