Knowing your worth is gratifying. Having the world recognize it is affirming.
Two recently published reports affirm what alumni and friends of Davis & Elkins College have long known. Nevertheless, it is always gratifying when independent sources validate what we have believed all along.
The first report comes from U.S. News & World Report’s annual “Best College Rankings.” D&E ranked 26th in the category of “Best Regional Colleges in the Southeast,” moving up one spot from the previous year and continuing a multi-year climb in the regional rankings. We also ranked 11th in the category of “Social Mobility,” which recognizes how effectively a college helps economically disadvantaged students graduate and advance to an improved socioeconomic position. Last year, we ranked 15th in this category.
These rankings signify progress toward excellence. As author Brian Tracy reminds us, “Excellence is not a destination; it is a continuous journey that never ends.” With gratitude for the advancements of the past, we remain committed to continually improving our ability to provide a transformative educational experience for the students who set foot on these hallowed grounds, today and for generations to come.
Recognizing that a college’s impact is measured not only by the lives it changes but also by the communities it strengthens, a second report was published in early October measuring the economic impact of Davis & Elkins College on Elkins and northcentral West Virginia. In 2025, the combined direct and indirect economic impact of this institution reached $63.8 million. These figures extend well beyond the footprint of campus, encompassing institutional operations, employee payroll, student and visitor spending, capital improvements, and the long-term workforce contributions of our graduates. In short, Davis & Elkins College contributes significantly to the economic well-being of this region and the quality of life of its residents.
Collegiate excellence, coupled with community impact, are two accomplishments worth celebrating throughout the D&E family and the wider northcentral West Virginia community. With gratitude for where we are and for all those who helped bring us here, we look forward to even greater possibilities and more meaningful ways to impact our town, county, region, and state. After all, innovation and transformation build upon what is already good, creating opportunities for something even better.
But perhaps the greatest significance of these two reports is what they tell us about the relationship between Davis & Elkins College and the region we call home. Our success is not measured solely by national rankings, the number of graduates we produce, or the dollars we contribute to the local economy. It is also measured by the businesses we support, the workforce we help prepare, the opportunities we create, and the lives we inspire. When D&E succeeds, our communities benefit. And when our communities prosper, D&E is stronger. This is a shared journey, a shared responsibility, and a shared opportunity. Together, we are building something that reaches far beyond our campus boundaries—a stronger college, a stronger region, and a brighter future for generations to come.
The journey continues….
