Written by Michelle Metzler
For a college with a very small endowment and student population, we have overly sufficient resources. Ellison library has over 100,000 volumes with an equal number of e-books, as well as academic journal subscriptions and an extensive interlibrary loan system. All online resources are accessible through the network anywhere on campus. Devries Athletic Center has a pool, basketball courts, two soccer fields, two tennis courts, a weight room, cardiovascular equipment, and a structure for paddling equipment. Our 700 acres of forest has more than 25 miles of trails, including along the Swannanoa River. The cow fields, garden, and farm are beautiful and functional, and students are continually impressed by the stunning scenery all around them.
Gladfelter serves as the student union and houses the mail room, both Cowpie Café and the Gladfelter cafeteria, and the bookstore. There are several academic buildings, each with an individual atmosphere. The science wing has a view of the garden from a hallway that utilizes passive solar energy and is designed to look like an owl from the air. Two buildings on campus are LEED gold-certified. Orr Cottage boasts geothermal heating and air, recycled windows and doors, and was built by students using Wilson lumber. The EcoDorm houses a composting toilet, is surrounded by a permaculture garden, and has solar panels on its roof. All campus energy use is offset by wind and solar.