Averett University And Lifespire of Virginia Sign Partnership Agreement

RICHMOND, Va. — Averett University and LifeSpire of Virginia launched the first-ever educational partnership for LifeSpire of Virginia in a ceremony June 7 at Lakewood, a LifeSpire of Virginia continuing care retirement community in Richmond’s west end.

Averett University President Tiffany Franks and LifeSpire of Virginia’s President and CEO Jonathan Cook signed an agreement that includes a three-pronged partnership between the school and LifeSpire of Virginia’s four continuing care retirement communities.

Dr. Tiffany Franks, President of Averett University, signs a partnership agreement with LifeSpire of Virginia, as LifeSpire of Virginia President and CEO Jonathan Cook looks on.

The partnership allows employees of LifeSpire of Virginia to earn their degree at Averett with scholarships awarded by Averett, LifeSpire of Virginia residents to attend college-level lectures right where they live and Averett students to serve as interns at LifeSpire of Virginia.

Cook praised the agreement as a step forward in positioning LifeSpire of Virginia communities as employers of choice across Virginia.

Marcello Ouhali (Left), a nurse in Lakewood’s skilled nursing facility, talks with Stacy Gato, Averett University’s vice president for enrollment management, about scholarship opportunities with Averett as LifeSpire of Virginia President and CEO Jonathan Cook looks on.

“We are excited to partner with Averett to offer these opportunities,” Cook said. “Averett prepares their students to make a difference in the world. LifeSpire of Virginia helps team members achieve their full potential and believes that providing educational opportunities is a key piece of that process.”

Franks agreed, “LifeSpire of Virginia and Averett University both value and encourage lifelong learning, a commitment to intellectual growth throughout one’s entire lifetime. We hope that LifeSpire of Virginia employees and its residents will be excited about the opportunity to become a part of the Averett University family.”

LifeSpire of Virginia President and CEO Jonathan Cook (Right) shakes hands with Dr. Tiffany Franks, Averett University President at the conclusion of the signing ceremony between the two organizations.

The partnership builds on the organizations’ shared mission and values as members of the Baptist General Association of Virginia. LifeSpire of Virginia employees automatically qualify for Averett scholarships once they meet admissions criteria. For each undergraduate course taken, Averett will award a $250 scholarship and a $350 scholarship for each graduate course taken.

In addition, Averett will offer residents of LifeSpire of Virginia communities the option of attending Averett University lectures and courses at home – right in their own community – beginning at Lakewood and expanding to LifeSpire of Virginia’s other communities in Culpeper, Daleville, and Newport News. The program will launch in the fall 2019 and LifeSpire of Virginia residents will be able to choose from classes in religion, communications and criminal justice/sociology.

Averett students will also benefit directly from this partnership, with opportunities to intern at LifeSpire of Virginia in the areas of business, communications and accounting.

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About Averett University

Since 1859, Averett University has grown and developed into a dynamic institution that serves students of all ages, offering more than 30 undergraduate majors, minors and special programs, along with five graduate programs with a number of concentrations. Dedicated to preparing students to serve and lead as catalysts for positive change, the University’s historic main campus is embedded in the heart of Southern Virginia with regional campuses throughout Virginia and online. Averett enrolls a diverse student body, and boasts an alumni network that spans the globe.

About LifeSpire of Virginia

LifeSpire of Virginia operates four continuing care retirement communities and one continuing care at home program in Virginia: The Culpeper in Culpeper, The Glebe in Daleville, The Chesapeake in Newport News and Lakewood and Lakewood at Home in Richmond. For 70 years, LifeSpire of Virginia has provided compassionate, quality care to senior adults in a faith-based environment.

Contact: Danielle Staub (434) 791-5681
Email
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Contact: Ann Lovell (804) 521-9192
Email: 
[email protected]