Averett University cuts additional majors amid financial struggles

DANVILLE, Va. (WDBJ) - Averett University is going have fewer academic options for students to choose from in efforts to make a comeback and strengthen its most popular programs.

Two majors, two minors, and a concentration are being cut starting this fall.

Communications and Political Science majors will now only be available as minors.

Averett University President Thomas Powell, who took over in May, says the move is due to little to no enrollment in those programs, staff shortages, and financial struggles.

“We’re going to have the discipline we need to live within our means,” said Thomas Powell, Averett University President. “We need to know who we are and put some limits on that. I think when you take a look at some of the financial challenges we still have, we just don’t have the resources for it.”

In April, Averett University filed a lawsuit against its former Chief Financial Officer and investment firm for allegedly spending around $20 million of the school’s endowment without approval.

Powell hopes the cuts will help the school get back on track financially in the long term and strengthen the remaining programs.

The plan is to eventually cut the nearly 30 majors down to the most popular 8 to 10 programs like Aviation, Nursing, and Business.

“Right now, I have a charge to keep our doors open and to help us solve some of the severe financial challenges we have. So, in the future, I’ll be looking at other programs that make sense for workforce development as well as having a good life here in Danville,” added Powell.

These cuts are in addition to other program cuts announced last year which included four bachelor’s degree programs like Art and Math, and a master’s degree program in Criminal Justice.

Powell says the changes will not impact any faculty jobs.

“We know we have a crisis. We’re facing it. We’re not hiding it from anybody and if I’m going to solve it, I’m going to need a lot of help, especially from alumni. That’s my job as a leader here is to remind everybody that we’ve got good bones, so we can’t give up on it and we’re not going to close down,” said Powell.

The impacted programs will not be available to new students starting this fall, but current students studying those majors will still be able to complete their degrees.