South College reopens Asheville campus following Hurricane Helene

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

October 16, 2024

South College has reopened its Asheville campus after Western North Carolina (WNC) was devastated by flooding and storm damage due to Hurricane Helene and is continuing donation efforts across South College’s educational footprint

With the restoration of services for power, water and internet, the campus reopened Oct.14 to faculty and staff with students also having access to the building. In-person classes resumed on Wednesday, Oct. 16, for undergraduate students and Monday, Oct. 21, for the current Physician Assistant (PA) Studies graduate students.

“Being able to welcome everyone back to campus is a big step forward,” South College Asheville President Dr. Danielle Kwasnik said. “We are immensely grateful to everyone involved in the restoration of our city for the effort and work that has been done and is still being done to bring some sense of normalcy back to our community. The relief efforts will continue, and South College will be a part of that recovery.

“The safety and well-being of our students is our highest priority. In the days immediately following the storm, our staff initiated outreach efforts to ensure that all faculty, staff and students were accounted for. Our Student Services department is fully committed to addressing the individual needs of those affected, including students who have been displaced due to condemned off-campus housing or who have lost vehicles. I am truly humbled to witness our campus community come together in such a remarkable way to support one another”.

Asheville and WNC bore the brunt of the storm on Sept. 26 with overwhelming flooding and unprecedented destruction with some towns nearly wiped out. The need for assistance for the area is ongoing and long-term.

Donations efforts at our other campuses included the delivery of items such as water, diapers, formula, gloves for debris cleanup, pet food and cleaning supplies. These items are being distributed to faculty, staff and students.

In addition to Asheville, South College has campuses in Knoxville and Nashville, Tennessee; Atlanta, Georgia; Indianapolis, Indiana; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and Orlando, Florida, as well as Online and Competency-Based Education.

“South College campuses have come together to help those affected in Asheville,” South College Chancellor Steve South said. “The devastation has affected our faculty, staff and students, and we are committed to helping the area recover.”

About South College
South College serves more than 12,000 students and is proud of its more than 17,000 graduates. The institution offers academic programs at multiple levels, including professional certificates and associate, bachelor’s, master’s, educational specialist and doctoral degree programs via campuses in Knoxville and Nashville, Tennessee; Asheville, North Carolina; Atlanta, Georgia; Indianapolis, Indiana; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and Orlando, Florida, as well as Online and Competency-Based Education. South College focuses on ensuring high standards and quality educational offerings, maintaining multiple authorizations and accreditations.

South College’s programs span diverse fields such as business, criminal justice, dental hygiene/assisting, diagnostic medical sonography, nursing, occupational therapy, paralegal studies, physical therapy, radiography, respiratory therapy, physician assistant studies, pharmacy and surgical technology. The institution is dedicated to preparing students with the skills and knowledge needed for the professional opportunities ahead of them. For more information, visit south.edu.