(Danville, Va.) — Averett University laid off 11 employees this week and reduced one full-time employee to part-time status.

Cassie Jones, Averett’s Director of Marketing and Communications, confirmed the decision.

The layoffs happened on Monday afternoon and were blamed on a decrease in enrollment by adult students in Averett’s Graduate and Professional Studies program and an increase in higher-achieving students.

Jones said the decision was painful but is part of an effort to reorganize and make the university more efficient. The cuts represent a 2.5% reduction in the overall budget.

She said that half of the affected employees worked in the GPS program and rest are spread throughout the campus.

(Danville, Va.) — Averett University has again been recognized by U.S. News and World Report. The magazine has named Averett as the no. 17 best regional liberal arts colleges in the south, its highest ranking to date. Averett was also recognized as the seventh best university in the south for veterans and ranked ninth Southern regional college for best value. Only three Virginia schools made the “2018 Regional Liberal Arts Colleges” list.

(Danville, Va.) — A Danville teenager was shot in the chest Friday night.

Danville Police were called to SOVAH Health just before 10 p.m. after receiving a report of a gunshot victim. The 15-year-old was transferred to the hospital by private vehicle. He was later taken by helicopter to Carilion Roanoke Memorial, where he is being treated for a gunshot wound to the chest.

It was determined that the shooting occurred in the 500 block of South Woodberry Avenue.

Danville Police are continuing their investigation.