After nearly eight months of service as interim president, Louise Fincher has been officially appointed as the twenty-third president of Emory & Henry University in Emory, Virginia. The institution enrolls over 1,300 undergraduate and 250 graduate students, according to the most recent federal information. Women represent 54 percent of the undergraduate study body.
In 2014, Dr. Fincher joined the Emory & Henry community as founding dean of the School of Health Sciences. Six years later, she assumed the title of senior vice president. During her tenure, she oversaw the development of four graduate health science programs and the renovation of the former Smyth County Community Hospital to become the university’s Health Sciences Campus in Marion, Virginia.
With over three decades of leadership experience, Dr. Fincher has worked in both higher education and healthcare settings. At the University of Texas at Arlington, she served as chair of the department of kinesiology and founding program director of the university’s athletic training education program. From 1998 to 2000, she was president and chief executive officer of the Joe W. King Orthopedic Institute in Houston, Texas.
“From her first day at Emory & Henry, Lou has led with compassion, integrity, and a deep sense of purpose that has inspired our campus community,” said Ann Sluder, chair of the university’s board of trustees. “Her thoughtful leadership, inspiring vision, and genuine care for our students, faculty, and staff have made a lasting impact.”
Dr. Fincher holds a bachelor’s degree from Stephen F. Austin State University in Texas, a master’s degree from Indiana State University, and a doctorate from the University of Alabama.