Longwood University announces new music building and strong enrollment growth

The Prince Edward County Board of Supervisors meeting on May 13, 2025, featured a significant update from Longwood University, presented by Justin Pope, who highlighted the institution's positive momentum and upcoming developments.

Pope expressed pride in Longwood's current standing amidst challenges in higher education, noting the excitement surrounding the upcoming graduation weekend, which has been strategically scheduled to coincide with Mother's Day weekend to boost local tourism and economic activity. He emphasized the anticipated influx of visitors to the area, which is expected to benefit local businesses.

A major highlight of Pope's address was the announcement of a new $80 million state-funded music building set to begin construction at the start of the new school year. This facility will serve as a hub for Longwood's music program and a community performance space, promising to enhance cultural offerings in Prince Edward County. The project is expected to take two to three years to complete.

Pope also shared encouraging news about enrollment, projecting that Longwood will welcome its strongest freshman class since before the COVID-19 pandemic, indicating a positive trend for the university's future.

In addition to academic updates, Pope recognized Chip Jones, a Longwood alumnus, who has been appointed as the new school superintendent for Prince Edward County. He expressed enthusiasm for building a strong partnership between Longwood and the local school system, emphasizing a collaborative approach to education.

Lastly, Pope addressed the recent departure of head basketball coach Griff Aldridge, who accepted a position at the University of Virginia. He introduced Ronnie Thomas as the new head coach, expressing confidence in Thomas's ability to lead the team and represent Longwood University positively.

Overall, the meeting underscored Longwood University's commitment to growth and community engagement, setting a hopeful tone for the future of both the institution and Prince Edward County.