Extraordinary Service: R. Winston Ely Named UVA Wise Volunteer of the Year

R. Winston Ely has been a part of the University of Virginia’s College at Wise (UVA Wise) community since he was studying at Clinch Valley College (CVC), from which he graduated in 1961. As an alumnus and employee, Ely has been a key part of the College’s growth and expansion, and he doesn’t see its trajectory changing any time soon. 

“UVA Wise has come a long way since I first began working there in 1974,” says Ely. “We have grown exponentially, and I love to see how it continues to grow. Broadening our scope of who is served and how they are served should always be forefront in our minds as the College continues to provide quality education and opportunity to students.”

A native of Lee County, Virginia, Ely played a key role in expanding student opportunities at the College and that’s just one of the reasons he was named the 2024 Volunteer of the Year Saturday evening. Every year, the Volunteer of the Year award recognizes extraordinary service which positively impacts the students, their families and the College, and Ely’s work on behalf of the institution was not only great but routinely inspires others.  

Ely began his career at CVC in 1974 and served as the Director of Cooperative Education and Placement Services. He finished his 40-year career as the Senior Campaign Advisor to the Chancellor. His work with generous donors has resulted in numerous scholarship funds, endowed professorships, construction of new facilities and a substantial increase in the College’s endowment. 

Even after retiring for the first time in 1991, Ely has continued to serve the College in numerous roles, placing teachers in the community and advancing the department. 

Ely and his wife, Tami, reside in Wise County, where they enjoy taking care of their farm. When they are not travelling, they love to spend time with their four children and granddaughter. In addition to being active at the College, they also volunteer at their church and attend local sporting events. 

“My favorite memory at the College was when the College decided to change the name. I feel like it put us on a new level and gave us the notoriety that was well deserved. I still have a hard time not thinking of the campus as Clinch Valley, but I am proud to call it the University of Virginia at Wise,” adds Ely. 

Ely has served on the Alumni Association Board of Directors and the Foundation Board as an employee. He also worked with The Dream Lives On Campaign, the Fulfilling the Dream Campaign and now serves in a volunteer capacity as an Honorary Member of the Honor the Future Campaign. 

“Winston is being recognized for his dedication and service to the College and it is well deserved. For as long as I have worked at UVA Wise, Winston Ely has been inspiring others to support the College. We are honored to have him on our team and to have the best advocate for our institution,” says Valerie Lawson, UVA Wise Vice Chancellor of Advancement and Alumni Engagement.