The wait is almost over! Extensive renovations to the indoor pool at Warren Wilson College, including a brand new exterior structure, are nearing completion. The pool was originally expected to open in October, but construction delays pushed that date back. A grand opening celebration is now expected some time in early 2018.

The Warren Wilson College pool closed in 2014, and its fate remained uncertain due to lack of funding for the major repairs that were needed. But that all changed this year when the Buncombe County Board of Commissioners approved $300,000 to renovate the pool and construct a new building. An additional $200,000 of USDA funding was obtained, and a private donor stepped up to cover the balance.

The reopening of the indoor pool is welcome news to local swim teams, as well as the many Swannanoa Valley residents who look forward to having a place to swim right here in our own backyard. The pool is expected to have many open hours for public swimming. Residents will be able to purchase monthly, six-month and annual memberships. For the first time, pool memberships will also include access to the Warren Wilson gym and exercise facilities.

The new facility will be named the Rodney Lytle ’73 Pool, in honor of alumnus Rodney Lytle, who was a star basketball player during his years as a Warren Wilson student. Lytle went on to have a long and distinguished career with the college, serving in a number of roles, including stints as men’s basketball coach and Director of Alumni Relations.

Swannanoa’s Warren Wilson College recently made national news by announcing a new free tuition program. The historic initiative, which begins with the fall 2018 incoming class, guarantees a tuition-free education to every NC student who qualifies for federal or state need-based aid.

In addition to the program for NC residents, the college will offer full-tuition scholarships to 25 incoming students whose family income levels are equal to, or below, $125,000 per year. This competitive scholarship program doesn’t require residency, and is open to middle-income families who may not qualify for aid, but are unable to comfortably pay for college.

The free tuition programs were spearheaded by Warren Wilson’s new president, Lynn Morton. Morton worked with the college’s Office of Admissions to design tuition initiatives in the spirit of Warren Wilson’s tradition of diversity and educational access for all. To further this goal, the college has also eliminated the application fee for all students, effective immediately.

To learn more about the free tuition programs, please visit www.warren-wilson.edu/ncfree.

Warren Wilson College is also expanding its degree programs beginning with the 2018 academic year. Changes include the addition of majors in Economics and Expressive Arts Therapy, and the relaunching of the College’s music degree program,with an emphasis on traditional Appalachian music.

If you need help with jobs around the house or yard, Warren Wilson College’s Career Center may be able to connect you with a college student looking for work. Community members can post odd jobs, as well as full- or part-time positions, on the College’s email list that goes out to students. Students can assist with yard work, painting, small building projects, childcare, etc. Just email your listing to careers@warren-wilson.edu or call 828-771-3759.

(Photo courtesy of Warren Wilson College.)

Lynn M. Morton, who spent more than 25 years at Queens University of Charlotte, has been named the new president of Warren Wilson College in Swannanoa. Morton’s career at Queens University included serving as a professor, department chair, vice president of academic affairs and provost. She is Warren Wilson’s eighth president, and the first woman to lead the private liberal arts college. Morton, 59, replaces Steven L. Solnick, who is leaving Warren Wilson to become head of school at the Calhoun School in New York City.

Morton is a native North Carolinian; she and her husband Ric have a cabin in Black Mountain. She starts her new job at Warren Wilson on July 1. According to a recent Asheville Citizen-Times article announcing her appointment, Morton plans to begin her tenure with “an intense listening tour” that will include conversations with members of the community. The AC-T article quotes Morton as saying “I certainly didn’t think I necessarily had a good shot at [the job as president of Warren Wilson College], but I knew I would give it my best, because I couldn’t think of anything better.” We agree! Welcome to Swannanoa!