By Steve Esser
YOUNG HARRIS, Ga. — Dr. Drew Van Horn, president of Young Harris College, has been awarded the College’s highest honor, the YHC Medallion, for his service to YHC over the past seven years. Van Horn will step down as the College’s president Dec. 31.
Van Horn was honored at the College’s Board of Trustee meeting in November in Atlanta.
“Young Harris College is proud to award Drew the Medallion Award for his extraordinary service to this College over the past seven years,” said Bill Johnston, chairman of the YHC Board of Trustees. “He guided the College through some difficult times during the COVID pandemic and helped to continue this institution’s focus while exemplifying all the attributes we endeavor to instill in our students here.”
Under Van Horn’s tenure as president, the College has seen improvement in student persistence, YHC graduate placement, which was reaffirmed by SACS(COC), improved unrestricted fundraising to over $2 million a year, increased the College endowment to over $60 million, began the College’s first Master’s Program, streamlined the College’s operations, all while navigating the world-wide pandemic, and a personal battle with cancer.
“I’m honored to receive the Medallion Award, the highest award this College bestows upon an individual,” Van Horn said. “Serving Young Harris College and working with the faculty, staff, students, alumni, and the Board of Trustees has been an incredible experience. I am forever a Mountain Lion.”
The Board presented Van Horn with a Resolution, approved by the Board at its Nov. 8 meeting, that highlighted Van Horn’s time with YHC, mentioning: “Drew Van Horn has given unselfishly of his time, talents and resources to Young Harris College, its students, faculty, staff and administration, and has been an integral part of Young Harris College.
“Drew Van Horn provided leadership, keen insight and generous friendship to the Board of Trustees, and has worked tirelessly to make the Young Harris College community a better place.”
About Young Harris College
Young Harris College is a private baccalaureate and master’s degree-granting institution located in the beautiful mountains of North Georgia. Founded in 1886 and historically affiliated with The United Methodist Church, Young Harris College educates, inspires, and empowers students through an education that purposefully integrates the liberal arts and professional studies. The College has four academic divisions: Fine Arts; Humanities; Mathematics, Science, and Technology; and Professional Studies. Approximately 1,400 students are enrolled in its residential and Early College programs. The College is an active member of the NCAA Division II and remains a fierce competitor in the Conference Carolinas. For more information, visit yhc.edu.
