Lindsey Wilson College

LWC Returns to the Classroom, New Campus Renovations for the Start of Fall 2021

COLUMBIA, KY - Lindsey Wilson College began the semester on Monday with classroom seating at full capacity. For some incoming students, this was the first time in nearly 18 months they have been in an in-person instructional setting. 

“You are beginning college in a very unique time” said LWC Vice President for Academic Affairs Trish Parrish during Saturday’s kick off ceremony held in Biggers Sports Center. “For many of you this may be the first time you have returned to a true physical classroom in over a year.”

Vice President for Student Services and Enrollment Management Dean Adams says that in order for the academic year to progress with any normalcy, everyone must work together to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 and its variants. 

“As of Wednesday morning, we have nearly 51 percent of our on-campus students vaccinated,” said Adams. “Everyone that has arrived on campus has provided either proof of vaccination, a negative COVID test, or a doctor’s note stating they have been released from care after a coronavirus infection.” 

LWC has partnered with the Adair County Health Department, Adair Drug and North Century Pharmacy to provide vaccination clinics for students interested in getting the COVID-19 vaccine.

First-Year Experience advisor and LWC alumnus Zach McCrary says that he is looking forward to the new school year and hopes that it will be a different experience than the previous two semesters. 

“We’re still wearing masks for safety, but it’s nice to see people in-person,” says McCrary. “Most of our interactions have been done virtually either over the phone, by text or through a computer screen. It’s great to be in the same room with these guys.” 

Elementary school friends and Louisville freshmen Maia Sapp and Jade Latarte said that applying for college during the pandemic made things slower than usual and a bit “scarier.” 

“I first became interested in LWC after applying for the Begley Scholarship. After I was selected for the program, I asked Jade to come here with me,” said Sapp, who intends to study psychophysiology. “I applied to a lot of colleges and COVID made the process scary but Lindsey Wilson was a really good option for me and helped me through every decision I had to make.” 

When the new students arrived, they were greeted with campus improvements. Over the summer, members of the college’s plant staff completed several remodeling, cosmetic and landscaping projects.

“Our campus improvements reinforce Lindsey Wilson’s long-term vision and commitment to excellence,” said LWC Vice President for Administration and Finance Mark Coleman. “Despite the difficulties of the current moment, we are dedicated to providing a comfortable and safe living environment for our students. These newly renovated spaces will make an impact on our mission and purpose for years to come.”  

Part of the campus facelift included the renovation of Phillips Hall, one of the original three buildings that date to Lindsey Wilson's founding in 1903. Phillips Hall received new carpet, ceiling tiles and lighting throughout the dorm; the remodel of four bathrooms; and new sinks, backsplashes, wardrobes and smoke detectors in each room. Phillips Hall is reserved for female freshmen students. 

“I’m super excited about the new bathroom renovations,” said Women’s Resident Director Shelby Herchenrader. "They look so great, the material looks like marble and it is all very sleek and modern.”

LWC President William T. Luckey Jr., extended a warm welcome to the fall 2021 students and wrapped up the kick off ceremony by encouraging the new class to support each other and finish together.  

“One thing I’ve learned in my 61 years is that life is so much easier when you make good decisions," Luckey said who is in his 24th year as president of the 118-year-old liberal arts college. "You’re off to an incredible start in deciding to enroll at Lindsey Wilson College but the decision I want you to commit to is to do more than just attend LWC -- I want you to finish. Love each other and take care of each other because that is what families do. Welcome to this family and your new home, Class of 2025!”

For more:

  • Click here to see a photo blog from LWC's fall 2021 move-in event. 
  • Click here and here to view a Flickr album from LWC's fall 2021 welcome back week. 
  • Click here to learn about the admissions process at LWC or call 270-384-8100. 
  • Click here to apply to LWC. 
  • Click here to see more from LWC News.