|
Young Harris College was founded by the Reverend Artemas Lester, a circuit-riding Methodist minister. During the College’s first year of existence, Judge Young L. G. Harris of Athens, Georgia, provided generous financial support, which enabled the mountain school to continue to operate. Originally known as McTyeire Institute, for the town in which it was located, its name was soon changed to honor its first great benefactor. The name of the surrounding village was later changed to Young Harris by an act of the Georgia Legislature.
From its beginning, Young Harris was more than just a school for young men and women of the mountains. Because of its academic standing and Christian tradition, the College attracted students from across Georgia, from the Southeast and, in due time, from foreign countries. Today the student body is drawn from over 100 counties in Georgia and from many other states and countries. Young Harris sends back to these places, in the words of one of its graduates, “… men and women able to serve their communities and their God, for in the mountain college of North Georgia, they found a place in society and a faith to live by.”
College Mission & Values
Young Harris College is a private, selective, predominantly residential institution that follows the “New American College” model of integrating the liberal arts and professional programs. Its campus is located in the mountains of northeast Georgia, two hours from Atlanta, and it provides educational programs there, online, and at partner sites throughout north Georgia. The College adheres to the Wesleyan tradition of higher education that seeks to develop both a trained mind and a warm heart. Students from all backgrounds are welcome at Young Harris.
Mission Statement
YHC is your warm-hearted community oflearners, transforming lives into passion and purpose.
This mission statement was developed by the Strategic Planning Task Force, an ad hoc team of trustees and administrators, and approved by the Board of Trustees on 7 September 2022.
Slogan & Motto
Young Harris College’s slogan is “Educate, Inspire, Empower.” The second element cif this slogan is derived from the College’s Latin motto, HIC IUVENTUS INCENDITUR, which can be translated in English as “Here youth are inspired.” The motto features in the College’s official seal.
Core Values
•!• Community- We value individuals and their unique contributions to the learning experience.
•!• Integrity - We are individually and collectively accountable, transparent, honest, and gracious.
•!• Innovation - We win and lead by embracing creativity and the ever-changing liberal arts.
•!• Legacy- We are committed to the timeless Wesleyan tradition of cultivating trained minds and warm hearts.
•!• Responsibility- We collaborate to advance a free society, stewarding resources in a fiscally responsible manner to make today and tomorrow better.
•!• Diligence - We prepare our students for meaning professional success.
Vision Statement
Young Harris College will be a liberal arts institution of recognized excellence, comprised of a vibrant community of learners.
EDUCATE: Young Harris College seeks to be recognized in the Southeast as an institution that, through its liberal arts education, encourages students to be intellectually curious. The College will educate the whole person through a comprehensive program of classroom, residential, and extra-curricular experiences. Faculty and staff will be active lifelong learners, and the College will support their intellectual and professional development. The College will examine its processes and learn not only from itself, but also remain involved with the academy at-large. The College will embrace emerging technology and pedagogical innovations.
INSPIRE: Young Harris College will be inclusive in character, providing opportunities for the development of faith through study, worship, and service. The College will take advantage of its mountain setting, incorporating the heritage and natural environment in both academics and student programming. The College will provide diverse educational, recreational, social and cultural experiences for its students and the surrounding community.
EMPOWER: Young Harris College will prepare its students to exercise mature and independent moral judgment in an ever-changing and diverse world. The College will challenge students to find and develop their particular talents, skills, and abilities. The College will provide opportunities for students to interact with others from diverse backgrounds, thus preparing them for responsible citizenship. The Young Harris College experience will exemplify environmental awareness, stewardship, and service to the community.
|
