on behalf of the
Magazine staff
Dear Alumni and Friends Our College lost a true educator and friend when Chancellor David J. Prior passed away suddenly on Feb. 2, 2012. The initial shock that enveloped our campus, our colleagues at the University of Virginia, the state and the nation was replaced with deep grief as the realization of the loss hit home. Chancellor Prior was only here for a short time, but he made those years count. An ambitious yet successful building plan, economic development strides, student success, the robust celebration of the College’s “Fulfilling the Dream” campaign and a keen vision of what UVa-Wise could be are just part of Chancellor Prior’s legacy to our College and the region it serves. There was only one choice for the cover of the Spring 2012 UVa-Wise Magazine: Photographer Tim Cox captured an image of Chancellor Prior sitting in a classroom during the 2007 Chancellor for a Day event. It was one of Mr. Prior’s favorite duties, and he took great pleasure in trading places with a student to learn more about our student experience and to raise donations for a local food pantry. The photograph captures his sunny disposition, eagerness for learning and his sense of ease wherever he was on a given day. In this issue, the magazine features many photos of Mr. Prior during his seven years at UVa-Wise. The edition also highlights many of his accomplishments and portrays his infectious sense of humor. We hope the snapshots and the words spark fond memories of David J. Prior and his time on campus. This edition is dedicated in memory of our seventh Chancellor and in honor of his wife, Merry Lu, and their family, especially granddaughter Lucy Morrison Prior, who was born on May 8. UVa-Wise grew stronger under his watchful eye, and future generations will benefit from his stewardship.
Sincerely,
Kathy Still ’84 Magazine Editor
EDITOR Kathy Still ’84 ALUMNI EDITORS Pam Collie ’93 Cindi Sturgill ’09 PRINCIPAL PHOTOGRAPHY Tim Cox, Tim Cox Photo/Graphics MAGAZINE DESIGN Lanna Monday Lumpkins COVER PHOTO Tim Cox
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Darrell-Dingus Ely ’09 Joshua Justice ’07 Thomas Galyean Artemis Greer ’13 Lanna Monday Lumpkins Rachel Patton Kathy Still ’84 COLLEGE RELATIONS INTERNS Ashley Cvetnich ’12 Artemis Greer ’13 Brianna Mead CONTRIBUTOR Susan Mullins
Pam Collie ’93 Alumni Director
The UVa-Wise Magazine is produced by the Office of College Relations and the Office of Alumni Relations for alumni and friends of The University of Virginia’s College at Wise. Tell us what you think about The UVa-Wise Magazine. Email your comments, story ideas and alumni submissions to magazine@uvawise.edu or contact us by mail at The UVa-Wise Magazine, 1 College Avenue, Wise VA 24293 or by phone at 276-376-1027.