In delivering his third State of the University address, Alderson Broaddus University President Dr. James “Tim” Barry expressed his most optimistic view of the University’s future since becoming president in 2015. Members of the campus community tuned in from remote locations to hear the president discuss how Alderson Broaddus is successfully adapting during these unique times and will continue to strive for excellence during the fall semester.
President Barry opened his remarks by citing the mission statement and sharing a message of hope for the upcoming 150th academic year. “The mission statement of Alderson Broaddus University holds us together in this uncertain time,” said Barry. “At AB, we prepare our students to lead and become responsible citizens to advance West Virginia, the nation, and the world.”
Laying out the key initiatives of the coming year, Barry pointed to a continued commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion as his most critical priorities. “Now is the time to address and commit to combating bigotry and divisiveness,” said Barry. He introduced a plan to address the institution’s culture by creating a task force and holding focused conversations with key administration and student bodies. “Our actions and activities must be specific and measurable. We need to hear, judiciously, the voices of diversity, and dialogue with those voices by truly listening with a qualitative and quantitative ear.”
The addition of a new academic offering also made its debut and will roll out in the coming months with a strategic enrollment plan. The Executive Master of Science in information technology administration combines practical technical abilities with leadership “soft skills” to take any information technology career to the next level.
Barry praised the extraordinary efforts of faculty and staff, which remained resilient, patient, and dedicated amid a pandemic that caused the University to move entirely online in March. On the back of a successful transition to online learning, a virtual 2020 Commencement, the provision of nearly $1 million in CARES Act grant funding to students, and the continued communication and coordination with public health officials and the Barbour County Health Department, President Barry highlighted progress toward his vision for the University’s sesquicentennial, despite the challenges ahead.
In closing, Barry signed off with a message of hope and encouragement.
“I am very proud of Alderson Broaddus, and I am very proud of you, my colleagues,” he said. “We have been through so much together in the last five years, and frankly, the last five months. The accountability and safety reside with each one of us, to be people of service, courtesy, and kindness. Kindness will go a long way. These are uncharted waters; it is an unprecedented time, but together, I believe we will find a way to succeed.”
About Alderson Broaddus University
Alderson Broaddus University is an independent institution of higher learning, committed to serving the region as an academic, cultural, and religious resource, with programs based on a liberal arts foundation.
The mission of AB is to provide students with the highest quality education, striving to prepare students to succeed in their chosen disciplines and to fulfill their roles in a diverse society as well-rounded and responsible citizens.
Since its founding in 1871, AB has been a leader and innovator in higher education, with accolades in the health and natural sciences. Alderson Broaddus University stands out as one of the most innovative health education providers in Appalachia, pioneering the nation’s first baccalaureate physician assistant program of its kind in 1968, a post-baccalaureate physician assistant master’s degree program in 1993, and West Virginia’s first baccalaureate nursing program in 1945.
AB is located on a historic hilltop in Barbour County in Philippi, West Virginia. The University is rooted in historic and continuing relationships with the American Baptist Churches in the U.S.A. and the West Virginia Baptist Convention.
For more information about AB, visit www.ab.edu.
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