We’re approaching a week since the first indication that Helene could be coming to the High Country. I’m guessing most of us had no idea that the storm would have the impact we now can see. When I first moved to Boone, I lived across the street from Mr. Guy Shirley; he was in his 80s, grew up in Deep Gap, and ran a filling station on “Greasy Corner” in Boone. I enjoyed chatting with him because he knew (and wanted to talk about) the area's history. One day, he spoke to me about the flood of 1940. He told me about the water washing away bridges, homes, and the railroad lines through the county. It was hard to imagine that type of devastation. But over the past few days, we have all encountered that same impact, and it’s been horrible. I know the damage ranges across the counties, but many folks have lost their place to live, and some are still without power or connectivity (likely both). There are folks without clean water and folks who are not sure about family and friends across the impacted areas. We are also worried about our students and what will happen next. It is a lot to process.
Interim Chancellor Norris and her leadership team (of which I’m a member) have been meeting every day, working on plans for the university, and making sure we do our best to help folks who need assistance. We have challenges right now. I know I feel some uncertainty, and I’m sure we all want to know about “a plan.” We will continue to provide information as we know it. It’s important that if you have access to the internet you help to keep others appraised if you can. University Communications has a website on the App home page that gives information about where to get assistance, volunteer opportunities, and ways to help those who need assistance. Please pass this information on as soon as possible to your faculty colleagues, staff colleagues, and students.
I’m sure some of you are thinking about Covid times. I know I’ve had a chance to think back to that time (it seems a long time ago). Thinking about that time and now this extraordinary time, what strikes me is the resilience our students, staff, and you had then, and I know you will now. This is a time when we all need to try and do the best we can in the circumstances that we have now. We will need to be supportive of our students and each other.
We know now that university classes will not resume before October 16. We will continue to monitor conditions so that when we do open, we will be ready to move forward with the semester. Please continue to be in touch with your chairs/dean for up-to-date information. We know this semester will be one that we won’t forget and will probably be one that will be discussed in the future, much like the Flood of 1940. Take good care of yourselves and your family, friends, and pets. I’m thinking about all of you and wish you well during these trying times.