Celebrating Sweet Briar's rebirth

[barrons]

Come a long way in a short time.

http://www.newsadvance.com/opinion/editorials/comeback-of-the-year-at-sweet-briar/article_d128f0f2-cea8-11e5-bd54-9328896faca0.html

[dadof1]

Good for Sweet Briar!

I wonder if the “turnaround” would have happened without all of the publicity the school received since the announced closure? Did the publicity itself result in more applications? Certainly it helped fundraising. All publicity is good publicity…

[Gator88NE]

The difference is new (motivated) leadership and energized Alumnae.

When Stone was named president last summer, he told the news media his goal was eventually to have at least 800 students enrolled at the college. It’s a figure many leaders of small colleges say is the bare minimum to ensure institutional stability, but one that seemed fanciful considering the college had just more than 530 students enrolled when the previous board voted to close the doors.

Now, that goal of 800 seems attainable, especially considering that 21 percent of women offered admission for the 2014-15 school year accepted. Do the math; if that rate holds for next year, a class numbering 200 to 250 students is more than likely.

The Alumnae not only raised funds, but also got active in student recruiting.

[mathyone]

It is a lovely little school and I think it speaks very well of the school both that the alumnae took this on and that they were successful. Would have been a shame for it to close.

[DecideSomeHow]

Good for them. I was on the “give up all hope” bandwagon, but will readily admit I was on the wrong side of that. I will remain cautiously optimistic for the future.

[LakeWashington]

Congratulations to them!

[snarlatron]

Their advertisements that never stopped running on CC must have done it!

[jcc]

My husband’s college roommate is now the CFO and doing a fantastic job from what I hear. I’m hoping to interest my D18 in looking at the school.

[livinginLA]

I have been rooting for this school. It’s not ever been on m D’s radar but I have been following it closely sonce last year.

[LucieTheLakie]

Wonderful news! Thanks for sharing, @barrons.

[LucieTheLakie]

“A year after Sweet Briar was saved from closing, school leaders celebrate fundraising growth” (Washington Post)

https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/grade-point/wp/2016/07/12/a-year-after-sweet-briar-was-saved-from-closing-school-leaders-celebrate-fundraising-growth/

[mathmom]

My niece attend Sweet Briar, I am sure she’s happy with the result.

[college_query]

I was there a few weeks ago for a business trip. My goodness, what an incredibly gorgeous place! I didn’t want to leave!

[barrons]

That’s why I retired nearby. And low COL. Great older homes and neighborhoods.

http://www.vagardenweek.org/main/tourdetails?id=295

[whenhen]

And in the meantime, the discount rate is still far higher than what is sustainable, only 175/250 students enrolled, the school will undergo ABET accreditation next year after a mass exodus of professors, and there is still tens of millions in deferred maintenance.

[barrons]

324

http://www.newsadvance.com/news/local/one-year-later-at-sweet-briar-counting-successes/article_179138f2-c2a4-592a-9578-c3c218c42c82.html

Much less for maintenance

http://www.unsolicited.guru/sweet-briar/sweet-briars-29-million-deferred-farce/

[Barbalot]

@barrons: Thanks for sharing the link. I’ve never seen that neighborhood in Lynchburg. Will have to check it out when I take my D back to Lynchburg College next month.

Last time, I took her to college, we drove through the Sweet Briar campus just to check it out. It is indeed lovely (as is LC), especially in the spring. I’m glad it’s bouncing back.

[barrons]

Go out Rivermont west of Randolph College. Lots of big beautiful homes all over for miles–esp on Langhorne and Link, Oakwood etc etc.Peakland is a gem too.