(Danville) — Averett University will phase out six degree programs as they try to match their offerings with the market.
In a statement Thursday afternoon, Averett President Doctor Tiffany Franks announced they will no accept no new students in their bachelor’s degree programs in Art, Chemistry, Math, Modern Languages and Religion, as well as their master’s degree program in Criminal Justice.
Those are programs with low or no enrollment. Students currently enrolled in those majors will still be able to get their degrees.
Franks says they’ve also been exploring a new, unified direction for their Music and Theatre academic programs. They will merge those into a combined performing arts major. She says this will still offer foundations of the arts as part of Averett’s liberal arts general education program, with pathways for students interested in musical theatre, vocal music and more.
“Averett faculty began a program assessment process during the 2023-2024 academic year, taking a deep dive into the university’s more for 40 majors, minors and special programs,” Franks says. “Through the lens of meeting regional workforce needs, we have examined ways we can graduate students with the specific competencies employers are seeking.”
Franks says the decision came after an effort to realign their academic offerings with demand, while building on their strengths in applied liberal arts. She says this will mean a more focused structure for Averett’s academic programs in the future.
“Higher education as an industry is facing unprecedented challenges, including the need to adapt current business models to different types of modern learners and address a significant demand for career preparation,” Franks said.