.jpg)
Wlaf1450TOP PHOTO: Lincoln Memorial University President Dr. Clayton Hess guest spoke at the South Campbell County Rotary Club luncheon on Tuesday.
By Charlotte Underwood
LAFOLLETTE, TN (WLAF) – Lincoln Memorial University President Dr. Clayton Hess guest spoke at the South Campbell County Rotary Club luncheon on Tuesday.
Hess came to LMU as a freshman in 1977 from Virginia. He worked his way through college and after graduation, went to work for the university. “When I graduated on a Saturday, I had to be at work on Monday, ” Hess said.
He began his career at LMU as the assistant director of admissions, director of testing and director of career planning and placement.
He has spent the last 41 years in different positions at LMU, including occupying the role as president since 2017. He has helped grow the college on multiple levels throughout the years.
Hess spoke about college programs offered at LMU and the growth the university has experienced over the years.
The school’s largest program now is in medicine, with two locations, one in Harrogate and one in Knoxville. LMU had 1,830 students enrolled in the medical field last fall, making it among the largest in the state.
“The university remains a school of opportunity, and it is my desire that it remains so,” Hess said.
The school opened a college of dental medicine last fall and will continue to grow that program.
LMU also has one of the highest placement rates for veterinary medicine. According to Hess, the college will be growing this program in January as interest in veterinary school programs continues to grow. About 85 percent of LMU’s veterinary science students are female.
“Our mission at LMU is to provide opportunities for students that otherwise might not have opportunity, especially here in the Appalachian region. We are training them and putting these students back into these communities where they are needed,” Hess said.
He said he was “most proud” that LMU gives preference to students in the Appalachian region.
“We intend to do that with all of our programs so they can return to these communities. At LMU, there is opportunity for students from this local region who want to get a first class education,” Hess said. (WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED – 11/16/2022-6AM)