By Steve Esser
YOUNG HARRIS, Ga. — After serving seven years as the President of Young Harris College, Dr. Drew Van Horn informed the Board of Trustees of his decision to retire on Dec. 31.
“Given the addition of our first grandchild along with other personal aspirations, Camille and I feel that it is time for us to enter this next phase of our lives,” Van Horn said.
Under Van Horn’s tenure as president, the College has seen improvement in student persistence, YHC graduate placement, 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.
Van Horn added, “Camille joins me in sharing our deep appreciation and gratitude for the opportunity to help this fine College and for the encouragement and support of the faculty, staff, students, alumni, and the Board of Trustees. Please know that we are forever Mountain Lions.”
“We appreciate Drew’s leadership, stewardship, and counsel as president of Young Harris College. He has been a steady hand during an extremely difficult time in higher education,” said Bill Johnston, chairman of the YHC Board of Trustees. “We wish Camille and Drew all the best in the future.”
A Presidential Search Committee is being formed and a search for the next President of Young Harris College will begin.
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.
