Lynchburg College

Dr. Kenneth R. Garren began his tenure as the tenth president of Lynchburg College in 2001. The former vice president and dean of the college at Roanoke College, Dr. Garren has since led Lynchburg College through its 2003 Centennial Celebration and a host of important new initiatives: the LC strategic plan, campus facilities master planning, expanding graduate programs, multiple building projects, and restoration work on College Lake.   An enthusiastic advocate of liberal arts education, Dr. Garren sees the liberal arts environment as a place where students "learn to learn." His leadership style is characterized as open, energetic, and student centered, and he has been described as an "architect, visionary, and champion for progress."   A native of Augusta, Georgia, Dr. Garren earned his baccalaureate degree in mathematics from Roanoke College, his master's degree from The College of William and Mary, and his Ph.D. from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University. Prior to entering academia, Dr. Garren worked for NASA. In addition to his role as president, he has actively served with the Virginia Foundation for Independent Colleges, the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, and other educational organizations.   The author of numerous research and scholarly publications, Dr. Garren has served as presenter, panelist, and judge for more than fifty regional and national programs, conferences, and competitions. He is also active in professional, community, and church organizations.

President Kennth R. Garren's reflections on Lynchburg College:  Lynchburg College is a very special campus, a place where students are rich with academic and service opportunities that take them around the world and throughout the region.  It's a place where our young people see faculty and staff as friends as well as teachers, mentors, and leaders . . . a place where athletics - varsity and intramural - play an important role in the development of our youth. Our liberal arts and sciences curriculum and professional programs promote critical thinking skills, self-confidence, self-esteem, a diverse view of society, and respect for others. It is a curriculum that embraces experiential learning through internships, service to community, study abroad, and leadership opportunities in more than 80 clubs and organizations. We also have a core institutional value of sustainability and are therefore committed to educating our community on the obligation of promoting and modeling a sustainable environment. We are investing in nearly two dozen campus-wide green initiatives at a cost of approximately five-million-dollars to walk this most important walk and reduce our carbon footprint. As you visit LC, you will find a college on the move. Lynchburg College is Going Above & Beyond in commitment to student success.