Davidson College trustees adopt blueprint for innovations on campus

By KATHERINE JOHNSON
DavidsonNews.net

After two years of study, Davidson College has adopted a new strategic plan that outlines initiatives to help the college flourish in the future, including diversifying and globalizing the curriculum and student body, creating a Center for Teaching and Learning, and increasing enrollment by 150 students. Read the full story

To the Editor:

Around Davidson columnist Brenda Barger recently suggested that we get rid of homeowners association covenants outlawing clotheslines (July 21 Around Davidson column). I think that’s a great idea, for reasons I explained here on Davidsonnews.net a while back. But don’t expect any help from the state legislature. According to news reports, a bill to protect North Carolinians’ right to dry died in the NC general assembly this summer. Read the full story

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A dying white oak that was among a group of three saved during construction of the Stowe’s Corner office building downtown was removed Thursday. Workers from Heartwood Tree Service had tried to save the tree, which they had deemed endangered before the construction began. Read the full story

This "green" home is under construction on Catawba Avenue. (David Boraks photo)

What makes a house certifiably “green”? A home tour in Davidson Saturday will answer that question by offering a glimpse at one of the state’s first homes built according to guidelines of the U.S. Green Building Council’s LEED for Homes program.

John Marshall Custom Homes Inc. of Davidson invites visitors to view the home at 233 Catawba Ave. on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Read the full story

Davidson Lands Conservancy has added a new component to its annual “Run for Green” fund-raising half-marathon and other running races scheduled this September. This year’s races, scheduled Sept. 19, will include a “Davidson Green Day” festival on the Village Green, with exhibits about sustainability. Read the full story

Tom Ross (Christopher Record photo)

In his nearly two years as president at Davidson College, Tom Ross has been taking a long, broad look at the college’s future, while reacting to financial troubles amid the economic downturn. President Ross spoke to DavidsonNews.net editor David Boraks on March 27, his 605th day in office, about his first couple of years on the job, environmental sustainability (including composting and solar power initiatives – see link below), town-gown relations and growth.

This is the second of two parts. In part 1 on April 2, President Ross talks about the effects of the down economy on Davidson’s finances – including a hiring freeze and pay freezes for staff – and long-term planning the college.

(Click play to start. Can’t see the button or hear the interview? CLICK HERE>)

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(MP3 format, 4 min. 10 sec.) RELATED LINKS … Read the full story

Here’s a roundup of news from elsewhere that touches on issues we face here in Davidson. First, a note from Hawaii raising the question: Should homeowners associations be allowed to ban backyard clotheslines, which could be an environmentally friendly alternative? Second, a story from Baltimore about what happens when a longtime privately-owned recreation club decides its land is worth more than its community-focused business. And finally, a Connecticut story about a group of teens who turned an overgrown lot into a Wiffle ball field – and ran into trouble with neighbors and lawyers. Click on the links to read and offer your comments below. Read the full story