Emory & Henry University: A Legacy of Notable Alumni

Emory & Henry University (E&H), nestled in the Appalachian highlands of Southwest Virginia, has a rich history dating back to its founding in 1836. The institution has fostered a legacy of producing accomplished individuals across various fields. This article delves into the notable alumni who have left their mark on society, spanning politics, science, the arts, and beyond.

A Foundation of Academic Excellence

Emory & Henry’s liberal arts academic program is built upon a four-year core curriculum encompassing history, literature, and culture. The university offers a wide array of academic programs, including more than 50 bachelor's degrees and master's degrees in education and community and organizational leadership. This comprehensive approach to education has equipped graduates with the knowledge and skills necessary to excel in their chosen professions.

Trailblazers in Politics and Government

E&H boasts a distinguished line of alumni who have shaped the political landscape at both the state and national levels.

Toni Atkins (Class of 1984): Atkins is a prominent figure in California politics, having served as President Pro Tempore of the California State Senate. Her leadership and dedication to public service have made her a respected voice in the state's legislative body.
Morgan Griffith: Serving as a U.S. Representative for Virginia's 9th congressional district since 2011, Griffith is a member of the Republican Party and the Freedom Caucus. His representation covers most of Southwest Virginia, including the New River Valley and the Virginia side of the Tri-Cities.

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Henry Carter Stuart (Class of 1874): Stuart served as the 47th Governor of Virginia. His tenure coincided with World War I.
George C. Peery (Class of 1894): Peery also held the esteemed position of Governor of Virginia, further solidifying E&H's influence in state politics.
Campbell Slemp: Slemp was a farmer and Confederate officer in southwest Virginia who became a Readjuster Democrat after Congressional Reconstruction and served in the Virginia House of Delegates. He eventually joined the Republican Party and won election to the United States House of Representatives from Virginia's 9th congressional district and controlled federal patronage in the Commonwealth.
Israel O'Quinn: A Republican, O'Quinn was elected to the Virginia House of Delegates in 2011. He currently represents the 44th district, made up of the cities of Bristol and Galax, Grayson County, and parts of Smyth and Washington counties in the southwestern part of the state.
John Goode Jr.: Goode served in both the United States Congress and the Confederate Congress, and was a colonel in the Confederate Army. He was Solicitor General of the United States during the presidency of Grover Cleveland.

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Henry Bowen: Bowen was a Virginia lawyer, soldier, and politician from Tazewell County, Virginia. He served in the U.S. House of Representatives, first as a Readjuster, then as a Republican.

These alumni exemplify the commitment to leadership and public service instilled at Emory & Henry. Many government leaders at the state and local levels are also E&H graduates.

Pioneers in Science and Technology

Emory & Henry alumni have also made significant contributions to the fields of science and technology, pushing the boundaries of knowledge and innovation.

Eloise Leonard (Class of 1955): Leonard holds the distinction of being the first E&H graduate to be recruited to work at NASA during the space race. Her work at NASA contributed to the United States' success in space exploration. Eloise Johnson (Class of 1949) was the first of more than 20 E&H alums hired by NASA during the space race.
John Young (Class of 1955): Mentioned in the book Hidden Figures by Margot Lee Shetterly, Young worked for NASA and on the development of the Space Shuttle.

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E.C. Huffaker (Class of 1880): Huffaker worked with the Wright Brothers at Kitty Hawk, contributing to the early development of aviation.
Lindsey Hurd Layman (’08): Layman is an environmental engineer for Virginia’s only cement company, demonstrating expertise in environmental stewardship.
Ed Ripley (Class of 1987): Ripley is a Nuclear Metallurgist at Y-12 National Security Complex and a magician of world-renown.
Stephen Gunter (2004): is an engineer with Norfolk and Southern Railway.

Contributions to Arts, Literature and Culture

Adriana Trigiani: The movie Big Stone Gap (based on the best-selling novel by the same name authored by Adriana Trigiani) features a host of E&H alumni who served as extras in the film.
Tommy Britt (E&H Class of ’02): Britt discusses the history of death in the movies and his recently published work on this topic.
Rev. Paul Seay (’01): Seay is the co-author of a book on Christmas entitled, From Heaven to Earth: Christmas for old believers, new believers, and non-believers.

Athletics

Sonny Wade (E&H ’73): Wade had a stellar professional football career playing for the Montreal Alouettes, and was even once featured on a postage stamp.
Mike Young (Class of 1986): Young is the head men’s basketball coach at Virginia Tech.
Jarrell Christian (Class of 2009): Christian is an assistant basketball coach for Maine Celtics.
Glenn Roberts (Class of 1935): Roberts is credited as one of the inventors of the jump shot.

Leaders in Healthcare

Louisa Littleton (Class of 1939): Littleton was the first woman to intern at Charlotte Memorial Hospital and in 1951 opened an integrated private pediatric practice in Statesville, North Carolina. An annual award at the hospital is named for her.

Innovators in Business and Entrepreneurship

Chris Burnett (Class of 2008): Burnett owns his own business consulting firm in New York.
Joshua Reynolds (enrolled 1868-1870): Founder of R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company.

Notable Figures in History and Social Justice

Joshua Ross (1860): Ross was a member of the Cherokee Nation and a nephew of John Ross.
Arthur “Scrapper” Broady (Class of 1970): Broady was among Emory & Henry’s first African American students. The book’s main character, Katherine Johnson, had a nephew who graduated from Emory & Henry: Scrapper Broady is a member of the E&H Sports Hall of Fame who graduated in 1970.

A Tradition of Remembrance

The Emory & Henry community also remembers those alumni who have passed away. Recent memorial notices include: L. Adkins, Navy V-12; Byron Clark Groseclose, Class of ’55; Walter J. Carmoney, Jr., Class of ’58; Rick Burton, Class of ’78; Rev. Bill Mooney, Class of ’58; Paul David Spangler, Class of ’68; Ron William Davidson, Class of ’74; Phillip B. Reynolds III, Class of ’81; Eric Scott, Class of ’88; Rhonda Colley, Class of 2006; Harlan Pafford, Class of 1950; Lacie Lester Hart, Class of 1951; Nancy Hillman Sokol, Class of 1951; Rev. Sullins Lamb, Class of 1952; Gerald Sierchio, Class of 1952; Paul Tuell, reunion Class of 1952; Peggy Lee Jones Hina, reunion Class of 1958; Alma Dutton LeNoir, Class of 1960; Brenda Graves Goslee, Class of 1963; Dr. Trina Lane Austin Simpson, Class of 1964; Judith Huffman, Class of 1967; Bob Buchanan, Class of 1969; Sarah Butt Tester, Class of 1971; Gil Cofer, Class of 1943; David Trayer, Class of 1954; Sam Bratton, Class of 1955; Doris Mullins Southerlin, Class of 1956; Wilda J. Campbell, Class of 1958; Dr. George Vaughan, Class of 1959; Robert Cleveland Duncan, reunion Class of 1960; George Crump, Class of 1969; Linda Utz Koranek, Class of 1979; and Lisa Mellor Birzer, Class of 1993.

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