E. Clorisa (Clo) Phillips is a historian and writer, with almost four decades in higher education leadership. In addition to her William & Mary B.A. in government, Clo has a master’s degree and PhD from the University of Virginia, where she received a doctoral research award for her work in the Special Collections Library.
Clo’s career includes thirty years at UVA as: assistant dean of admissions; director in human resources; director of university special projects; and, for ten years, associate provost. Her leadership experience in special projects includes acquisition and incorporation of major gifts of real estate and art, and negotiation and planning of international ventures. As associate provost, Clo was academic affairs liaison to state government, oversaw implementation of state and federal initiatives in academic areas, and led institutional accreditation. Upon her UVA retirement, Clo became president of Virginia Intermont College, and later continued accreditation service and consulting.
In a new chapter, Clo explores intersections of individual lives and historic moments, to reveal overlooked or commonly unknown stories. Her recent essays have appeared in major publications. Clo is near completion (summer 2025) on a book that guides readers through uncovering and sharing family stories that intersect with history. In a longer-term book-in-progress, Clo explores her Georgia ancestors’ seven generations in the context of historic growth and change. Her work utilizes the National Archives, Library of Congress, Georgia Archives, and Georgia Historical Society.
Clo has had board service in these organizations: Virginia Council of Independent Colleges; NAIA Appalachian Athletic Conference; Virginia College Fund; Southern Association of Colleges & Schools (SACS) Commission on Colleges; and chambers of commerce and United Ways. She also sat on TIAA’s National Advisory Council and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation’s Committee on Recognition.
Presently, Clo is in her second three-year term on W&M’s Society of 1918 Steering Committee. Her other memberships include: Military Writers Society of America; National Council on Public History; Georgia Historical Society; and Library of Virginia.