Home is where you are known. It is where someone notices when you succeed—and when you struggle. It is late-night conversations in residence halls, the encouragement of a professor who sees your potential, and friendships that turn into lifelong connections. It is where you begin to understand not only what you want to do, but who you are called to become.

Today, we have an opportunity to ensure that same sense of home endures for generations to come.

Our capital campaign, Creating Home: It Takes a Village, has reached a remarkable milestone. Thanks to the generosity of alumni, friends, and supporters, we are just shy of reaching 99% of our $25 million goal. This is no small accomplishment—it is proof of what the D&E community can achieve when we come together with purpose and pride. As Helen Keller said, “Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.” And yet, as with any meaningful journey, the final steps matter just as much as the first.

The vision for the Freshman Village is simple but powerful: a student’s first year on campus should feel like coming home. These living-learning spaces will do more than provide housing—they will foster connection, encourage engagement, and create an environment where students feel supported from the moment they arrive. Here, friendships will form, confidence will grow, and a true sense of belonging will take root.

When students feel at home, they persist, thrive, and succeed. And they carry forward the values and spirit of this institution into the world.

Completing this campaign represents more than a goal—it marks a defining moment in D&E’s history. In a time when many small, private colleges face challenges, this achievement signals strength, momentum, and a shared belief in our future.

But we are not there yet.

That is why we are asking our alumni and friends to step forward in this final push. Whether you have given before or are considering your first gift, your participation matters. No gift is too large nor any gift too small. Each contribution helps create a place where students feel welcomed, supported, and inspired. Your support now ensures the Freshman Village is a reality for generations of students who will call D&E home.

A village is built not by a few, but by many—each person offering what they can, united by a common purpose. That has always been the strength of Davis & Elkins.

As we stand on the brink of this historic achievement, reflect on your own sense of home at D&E. Think of the people, the places, and the moments that shaped you. Then consider how your gift can help create that same experience for those who follow.

Together, we are building something lasting.  Together, we will cross the finish line.  Together, we are creating home.

The journey continues…

Chris A. Wood
President
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Born and raised in the small West Virginia town of Glady, about an hour from Elkins, Lisa came to D&E in 1988 to pursue an associate degree in business. Fifteen years later she earned her Bachelor of Science in business. Just three years after completing her initial degree, she was offered a position in the College’s Advancement Office. Thus began 33 years of service—and counting—to her beloved alma mater. In 2016, she stepped into her current role as Administrative Assistant in the Office of Student Life.

A self-avowed “people person,” Lisa is at the center of a constant stream of students coming and going through the doors of the Student Life Office. Her D&E story is one of relationships—formed with students and parents alike—and of the reciprocal impact those relationships have had on them and on her. More than friendly, Lisa is a steady source of encouragement, support, and confidentiality. Week after week, laughter and tears are shared, hugs are exchanged, prayers are offered, and lives are touched. In many ways, these relationships represent ����vlog���� in microcosm.

The so-called “Wall of Fame,” a large collection of photographs of students with Lisa, transforms a plain wall near her desk into a visible testament to connection and belonging. Achieving a coveted spot on the wall has become a point of pride; students have even been known to take photos of their photo with Lisa to send home to their parents. Many of those parents know Lisa as well. In 2013, she launched D&E’s parent program, establishing strong two-way communication and serving as a trusted point of contact for families.

One of the most moving annual traditions at D&E takes place during the Baccalaureate Service on Commencement Weekend. Each graduate selects a faculty or staff member to hood them with their academic hood—an honor reserved for someone who has had a profound impact on their college journey. Year after year, Lisa is chosen by one or more graduates for this meaningful role. Such recognition is tangible evidence of the depth of her influence and the profound effect of her life’s vocation: creating community among D&E’s students and parents.

Lisa’s relationships do not end at commencement. Countless alumni remain in touch, extending wedding invitations and sharing birth announcements. Life’s mountaintop moments are naturally shared with family—especially their D&E mom.

The journey continues…

Chris A. Wood
President
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Kaylee Yergeau was among the first students I met upon my arrival at D&E in 2016 as she began her sophomore year.  Kaylee came to Elkins from a small city across the Puget Sound from Seattle, Washington, recruited to play women’s basketball. Two years later, Tycen Allan arrived on campus as a freshman men’s lacrosse recruit from a small town in western Canada. They met soon after Tycen’s arrival. Kaylee remembers thinking Tycen was shy—but cute. For Tycen, it was all about her smile “…and those beautiful brown eyes.”

There are two twists in this love story. The first came when they began dating, about seven months after Tycen arrived on campus. Kaylee was just weeks away from graduation and had already been accepted into West Virginia University’s doctoral program in physical therapy. Their budding relationship quickly became long distance. Nevertheless, these two overcame the miles, remaining together through three years of Tycen’s undergraduate studies at D&E and Kaylee’s demanding doctoral work.

January 22, 2022 is a day forever etched in their memories.  That particular January day was cold and snowy—classic West Virginia winter. Tycen convinced Kaylee to take a road trip to Blackwater Falls State Park, about 45 minutes from campus. There, surrounded by snow and the beauty of the falls, Tycen asked Kaylee to be his wife. Three of his lacrosse teammates were discreetly nearby, capturing the moment on video.

With graduation for both of our lovebirds in May 2022, the second twist came when Tycen was required to return to Canada as he pursued a non-student “fiancée” visa that would allow him to live in the United States. For the next nineteen months, the visa approval process dragged on, separating them by thousands of miles.

Except for a rare visit, Kaylee busied herself as she took a job as a physical therapist in Elkins and Tycen went to work in Canada.  This couple learned that absence makes the heart grow fonder. More than a year and a half of separation proved their love could overcome any obstacle.  Finally, with visa in hand, Tycen arrived in Elkins on March 1, 2024. Just thirteen days later, on March 14, 2024—exactly five years to the day after they began dating—Kaylee and Tycen became Mr. and Mrs. Allan. Blackwater Falls once again served as their cathedral.

Today, Tycen is the head coach of the men’s lacrosse team at D&E. Kaylee continues her work as a physical therapist in Elkins and nearby Parsons. Neither anticipated calling Elkins home after college, but they now say, quite simply, that they are home.

Recently, Kaylee and Tycen shared exciting news: Baby Allan will make his debut this June. The soon-to-be parents report feeling both excited and terrified. Knowing them as I do, their deep love for one another—and the care and respect they demonstrate to everyone they meet—will make them exceptional parents. D&E already looks forward to welcoming Baby Allan into the Class of 2044.

Perhaps Cupid’s arrow is aimed at another pair of students today.  Happy Valentine’s Day to all our ����vlog���� lovebirds—past, present, and future.

The journey continues…

Chris A. Wood
President
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The calendar turns to a new year, often synonymous with fresh starts and resolutions. However, if I may borrow a sports analogy, for those of us in higher education, the pause at the end of the calendar year is less a brand-new game and more of a “halftime.” With the fall semester complete, this moment offers exactly what halftime is designed to provide.

Specifically, a coach and team use the precious minutes of halftime to (1) rest, (2) review the strengths and challenges of the first half, and (3) make the strategic and tactical adjustments necessary for success in the second half. As D&E’s “coach,” looking out over a snow-covered landscape, our task is the same.

First, we rest. The book of Genesis tells us that after completing the work of creation, God rested on the seventh day. This concept of Sabbath is central to our humanity and essential to both the quality and quantity of life. During this break, students, faculty, and staff experience Sabbath—returning refreshed, renewed, and energized for the opportunities ahead.

Next comes reflection. This time allows us to look back on the fall semester and ask what lessons we can carry forward to strengthen the work ahead. Every area of the College—academics, enrollment management, student life, business operations, athletics, alumni relations, and governance—takes time to review, assess, and learn.

Finally, halftime requires adjustment. To finish the game—the academic year—strong, we must ask thoughtful questions. How effectively are we implementing our newly approved strategic plan, Forward? How are our new academic programs progressing? Are we on track for the launching of our first master’s degree as well as additional undergraduate offerings next fall? Are there budget adjustments or spending priorities that require attention?

As we approach the finish line of our $25 million Creating Home Capital Campaign, are we clearly and compellingly communicating both the need and the opportunity? Within Senator Nation athletics, are our efforts to strengthen a positive and supportive culture succeeding, and are our student-athletes experiencing exactly what we intend—both on and off the field? Meanwhile, as our physical plant continues to improve, excitement builds for the completion of the renovation of Gribble Residence Hall this spring and the beginning of Roxanna Booth Hall’s transformation in May.

A college is a living, dynamic community. For 122 years, ����vlog���� has strived to provide a high-quality, high-touch educational experience for students. Each December, this seasonal pause has been used intentionally—for Sabbath among our people and for thoughtful planning that keeps the institution on track. This year’s “halftime” continues that tradition, contributing to a stronger, healthier, and more resilient D&E.

For now, I am enjoying the pines and the falling snow. Soon enough, I will rejoin our rejuvenated students, faculty, and staff back on campus as the spring semester begins—ushering in exciting days of learning and transformation. We intend to finish this game with a win.

The journey continues…

Chris A. Wood
President
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We have literally “decked the halls” to reflect the warmth of the season. Christmas trees glow softly in the gathering spaces of our buildings, twinkling lights brighten the evenings, and fresh pine is in the air. These simple decorations remind us that home is not just a place; it is a feeling—a sense of comfort, welcome, and community. Even students far from their families discover that they are not alone here. They are surrounded by friends, mentors, and a campus family who create a home for one another.

One of the defining qualities of a true home is the way it shapes hearts toward service. This season, our students once again stepped out to bless the wider community, offering their time and talents in meaningful ways. Our students are providing crafts and games to Elkins-area children at the community tree lighting celebration. Led by our Student Government Association as well as Staff Council, food is being both collected and purchased for the community food pantry sponsored by our friends at Davis Memorial Presbyterian Church. Our Greek organizations are sponsoring gifts for local children through the Angel Tree Project, and faith-based student organizations are supporting Operation Christmas Child. These acts of service show that home is not a place we keep to ourselves—it is something we share.

That spirit of togetherness shines brightly at the annual Community Christmas Parade where a few hundred of our student-athletes join Lisa and me as we make our way down Randolph Avenue. We walk this parade route in unity, representing D&E with pride and joy, reminding the greater community that our campus home is an essential part of the heartbeat of our town.

The campus community will soon be gathering for my most beloved tradition of the season: the Service of Lessons and Carols. This evening of worship draws members of the campus and Elkins community together as one family. Inside the Robbins Memorial Chapel, filled with familiar carols and sacred readings, we celebrate the true meaning of the Christmas season.

At its core, Christmas is about giving—giving gifts, giving time, giving ourselves. This spirit of giving naturally flows from God’s gift bestowed to us: Emmanual, God with us. The coming of the Baby of Bethlehem reminds us that we find our true home in Him, and through Him we learn what it means to love, serve, and welcome others.

As we embrace this holy season, I am deeply grateful for the home we share on this campus. It is a home built on faith, strengthened by community, and brightened by generosity. It is a place where students discover who they are and who they are called to become. It is a blessing to celebrate the holidays together in a campus we proudly call home.

May your Christmas be filled with peace, joy, and the warmth of home—here and wherever this season finds you.

The journey continues…

Chris A. Wood
President
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Now in the tenth year of my presidency at ����vlog����, I ask your indulgence for a personal reflection in this edition of my “Reflecting Along the Journey” column. As we prepare for the uniquely American holiday of Thanksgiving, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude for the honor and privilege of serving as the 15th president of D&E.

The journey Lisa and I have shared with our many friends and acquaintances who are part of the extended D&E family—in Elkins and beyond—has been a true blessing. Residing among these mountains of our beloved home state continues to feed our spirits and soothe our souls. As I reflect on this past decade, my attitude of gratitude extends to several groups I greatly respect and deeply value.

First, I am honored to work with a Board of Trustees and an Alumni Association composed of volunteers who love this institution and give generously of their time, counsel, and financial resources.

Second, the College faculty are not only experts in their fields—they are also dedicated and caring teachers who pour themselves into the lives of our students.

Third, the College staff are the unsung heroes. This institution could not function without their conscientious and professional work, always placing the care and well-being of our students at the forefront.

Fourth, I have been blessed to come to know many of our alumni and the numerous friends of the College who recruit new students, provide financial support, and whose love and pride for ����vlog���� never waver.

Another group has secured a particularly special place in my heart. Day in and day out, I am blessed to interact with our students—young people who inspire me with their thirst for knowledge, desire to serve, and drive to succeed. My optimism and hope for the future come directly from these young men and women who are preparing to be the next generation of leaders in our communities and nation. I give thanks for them daily and for the hope they represent.

In 1904, a visionary group of faith leaders founded a Presbyterian institution that would emphasize the liberal arts and be dedicated to a values-based education for all who journeyed upon its hallowed grounds. One hundred and twenty-one years later, I remain grateful for their vision and faithfulness, which continue to shape and inspire the D&E community.

Recognizing the life-changing power of gratitude, and as we pause as a nation to give thanks later this month, our cornucopia of blessings truly overflows. Chief among these, I offer thanks for a small, distinctive college in the Appalachian Highlands of Randolph County—a college that has transformed, and will continue to transform, the lives of students past, present, and future. ����vlog���� provides an educational experience marked by distinction and excellence. That is truly worthy of our thanksgiving.

May our attitude of gratitude permeate our lives—not only on Thanksgiving Day, but each and every day we are blessed with life and breath.

The journey continues…

Chris A. Wood
President
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Last month in this column, I reflected on how our students experience “home” at D&E. This month let us celebrate the irresistible pull our campus still has for alumni.

Kelsey Young graduated from D&E in 2014. Last month, Kelsey Young, Ph.D. joined our faculty. When she first traveled from her Woodbridge, VA home at age 17 to visit our campus, she was instantly smitten. As an exercise science major, she quickly found mentors in Drs. Mary Ann DeLuca and Jennifer Riggleman. As their student, advisee, and work-study, Kelsey realized early in her college journey that she wanted to return one day to work alongside these two influential professors. Eleven years later, Dr. Kelsey Young has indeed returned home to D&E—where dreams really do come true.

In her own words: “Coming back to D&E feels like coming home to my own story. It is where my dreams first took shape and where I found belonging. Now, stepping back onto this campus, I feel the joy of giving back to the place that helped make me who I am.”

Kelsey’s return also reflects her enduring passion for learning, a passion first sparked at D&E. She shared: “I am a lifelong learner. I was told a long time ago, we are given an opportunity every day to learn something new, and we should never take it for granted. ‘The day you stop learning is the day you die.’”

I am deeply grateful to Dr. Young for returning to her alma mater and welcome her home. Here, she will inspire and mentor countless students, just as she once was inspired. As I was taught in my own home: to those who are blessed, much is expected, and they, in turn, are called to be a blessing.

October 10th to 12th all D&E alumni are invited “home” for Homecoming 2025. Members of the Class of 1975 will mark their 50th reunion, alongside many others who will return to reminisce, renew old friendships, make new ones, and experience the familiar and the new on a campus that continues to shape lives.

Like Kelsey, generations of Davis & Elkins sons and daughters hear the call to return. Once again, in these picturesque Allegheny Mountains, family members gather, stories intertwine, and journeys intersect. As the wise saying reminds us, you can indeed come home again.

And at D&E, when you do, the welcome is always waiting.

The journey continues…

Chris A. Wood
President
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Harper-McNeeley Auditorium was filled for the baccalaureate service on the eve of commencement. The highlight of this worship service is the hooding ceremony, where each graduate selects a faculty or staff member to place their academic hood on their shoulders. This individual represents someone who has had a profound impact on the student’s journey—a mentor, guide, and source of support. Among our community, it is one of the highest honors.

Time and again—over 150 times—I watched as a graduate walked across the stage, their academic hood draped over one arm. Standing behind them, their chosen mentor placed the hood over their head and gently adjusted the regalia, ensuring it was just right. This moment, rich with tradition, speaks volumes. And yet, the most powerful moment was still to come.

Over and over, I witnessed graduates—now robed in academic pride—turn with a broad smile to embrace their professor, coach, or staff member. Some embraces were long and tearful, others quick and full of laughter, but every single one radiated pride, gratitude, and shared celebration.

I believe that embrace is the very reason ����vlog���� exists.  With the power of a relationship on full display, it is the quintessential moment that encapsulates four years of a high quality transformative educational experience.

Our professors and staff do more than teach or guide—they walk alongside students through challenges and triumphs. These bonds go far beyond roles and titles. We are a college where people know your name, but more importantly, they know your story. They care deeply about your success and your growth.

This connection is part of our culture. Yes, our small size helps, but it is our intentional focus on personal relationships that makes the difference. The emotions in that embrace represent years of encouragement, learning, and support.

In that embrace, we celebrate not just an ending, but the joy of the journey. Every student arrived at D&E from a unique background, and here they found opportunity—opportunity to learn, grow, and discover their purpose. They met faculty and staff who changed their lives. They built friendships with classmates from nearby towns and distant countries who broadened their horizons.  They engaged new perspectives, challenged assumptions, and encountered timeless truths.  Their time here has shaped who they are and who they will become.

Now their journey continues. New places and new experiences await. Yet Davis & Elkins will always be a part of who they are—just as each of them will always remain a part of Davis & Elkins.

It may have been only an embrace, but within that simple act lay the story of a shared journey, of transformation, and of deep, abiding connection. I will never forget the story it told—and will continue to tell for generations to come.

As this “Reflections Along the Journey” column takes a summer break, I hope each of us can find moments of joy, rest, and renewal in the weeks ahead.

The journey continues…

Chris A. Wood
President
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Leona Gemmel and Alina Vallentgoed are psychology majors and student-athletes. Alina hails from Assendelft in the Netherlands, and Leona grew up in Bonn, Germany. They met during orientation for international students and quickly struck up a conversation. Later that day, Leona called Alina to ask if she would like to walk together to the Icehouse party. That simple invitation marked the beginning of a meaningful friendship—formed 4,000 miles from home.

While athletics first drew them to this small liberal arts college nestled in the Appalachian Highlands, both say the decision to cross the ocean for college was about more than sports. They came to D&E for academics and competition, but also to grow in English fluency, experience American culture, and build networks that will benefit their future careers.

In a recent conversation, both expressed deep gratitude for the D&E faculty and staff who supported their transition and invested in their success. Special thanks were expressed to Jacques Guillembet, Director of International Student Services, for all his support. Their teammates, they shared, have become close friends. Alina cheered from the sidelines at Leona’s tennis matches, and Leona returned the favor, traveling to Wheeling to support Alina at the Mountain East Conference Cross Country Championship at Oglebay Park.

Leaving their families behind was one of the hardest parts of their journey. Alina is one of identical triplets, and Leona had only flown alone once before flying to the U.S. She said goodbye to her parents and two younger siblings, landed in Pittsburgh at midnight to discover her luggage had not left Germany, and finally arrived at D&E at 3:00 a.m. to meet her roommate. Despite the challenges, both said it took only a few weeks before they began to feel at home on campus. Admittedly, they are still adjusting to American food—and eagerly await their next chance to enjoy a home-cooked meal from their moms.

When asked about their favorite memories from the year, Leona mentioned their daily walks across campus. Alina described sitting on a bench below Halliehurst, gazing out at the mountains while sharing life’s ups and downs. These quiet conversations are the moments they cherish most; simple, yet deeply meaningful memories that will stay with them for a lifetime.

Like all our international students, Alina and Leona bring courage, curiosity, and a global perspective that enriches our community. Lisa and I feel fortunate to have crossed paths with these talented, thoughtful, and gracious young women.

There are many more twilight evenings ahead—side by side on that Halliehurst bench, for our international and domestic students alike. There, they contemplate writing the next chapters of their continuing journeys.

Chris A. Wood
President
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As the saying goes, “everything old is new again.” And indeed, something old and beloved makes a triumphant return. After a 16-year hiatus, Tau Kappa Epsilon (TKE)—a social fraternity for men—is back on the ����vlog���� campus. Rechartering and ready to thrive, the Alpha-Psi Chapter originally founded at D&E in 1946, now becomes the campus’ fifth social Greek organization to promote community.

This comeback tale was not written by chance. It was authored by a spirited band of students who saw a gap and decided to fill it with energy, intention, and tradition. “Our group felt there was something missing in Greek life on campus,” said senior Sam Rached, a leader in the effort. “We wanted to be the change we wished to see. After a lot of thought, we realized TKE matched our vision and values perfectly.”

TKE brings more than matching shirts and Greek letters. It offers a built-in support system that fosters leadership, personal development, and genuine brotherhood. Like our other four Greek fraternities and sororities, members gain access to mentorship, professional networks, and a sense of belonging. Perhaps one of TKE’s most significant traits is its commitment to service. Since 2009, TKE has partnered with St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, raising millions to support lifesaving care and research. That philanthropic spirit is baked into the D&E chapter’s mission as well—service with purpose and heart. Recently, TKE brothers sponsored a successful casino night on campus raising funds for St. Jude.

The excitement to welcome TKE back to D&E is not just among the brothers. With more than 300 TKE alumni, they have welcomed this return with open arms. Among the most enthusiastic is Board of Trustees member Lou Stark ’76. “Having TKE on campus is yet another important step in strengthening our cocurricular and Greek Life offerings at D&E,” Stark shared. “I’m thrilled that this fraternity, which meant so much to many of us, will once again help shape the student experience.”

Nationally, TKE has more than 250,000 members nationwide, standing tall as one of the country’s largest fraternities. Here at D&E, 30 students are now in the process of becoming full-fledged brothers. A highlight in their journey came on February 21, when they traveled to New York for the TKE National Conference—a milestone moment for the new chapter.

Greek life continues to breathe spirit, leadership, and unity into campus culture. From the addition of two sororities in 2017, the rechartering of Alpha Sigma Phi in 2021, to TKE’s revival, the tradition is alive and evolving. At its core, it is about more than social events; it is about cultivating leadership, building lifelong bonds, giving back, and growing together.

The journey continues…

Chris A. Wood
President
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