Administration, Faculty, and Staff

Office of the President

Laura B. Leatherwood
President

B.S., M.S., Ed.D., Western Carolina University

Lorri Allison
Director of Human Resources

B.A., Appalachian State University; M.S., Western Carolina University

Teisha Baynard
Human Resources Specialist

B.S., North Greenville University; M.B.A., Western Carolina University

Victoria Beauregard
Human Resources Specialist

A.A., Blue Ridge Community College

Tammy L. Pryor
Executive Assistant to the President

A.G.E., Blue Ridge Community College

David Stegall
Chief of Staff

B.S. University of North Carolina-Charlotte; M.S., Gardner-Webb University; Ed.D., Appalachian State University

Advancement

Lisa Adkins
Vice President for Advancement
Executive Director, Educational Foundation

B.S., Texas A&M University; M.S., Western Governors University

Emily Gill
Marketing & Communications Specialist

B.S., Winthrop University

Virginia Hamson
Administrative Assistant, Educational Foundation

B.A., California State University-Northridge

Richard Keen
Visual Media Coordinator

B.S., Appalachian State University; M.F.A., University of North Carolina-Greensboro

Jeanne Metzger
Website Coordinator

A.A.S., Blue Ridge Community College; B.F.A., Georgia State University

Susan Malloy
Foundation Accountant

B.S., Murray State University

Benjamin D. Rickert
Director of Marketing & Communications

B.F.A., University of Michigan; M.A., Michigan State University

Economic and Workforce Development / Continuing Education Division

Scott Queen
Vice President for Economic and Workforce Development / Continuing Education

A.S., Alamance Community College; B.S., M.S., University of North Carolina-Greensboro; Ph.D., Wingate University

Francisco Arreol-Muro
Environmental Health & Safety Specialist

A.S., Pamlico Community College

Shanda Bedoian
Director, Business, Corporate and Customized Training

B.S., Indiana University

Jason Chappell
Director, NCWorks & HRD

B.S., Appalachian State University

Kerby Placak
Program Specialist, Corporate & Fire Rescue

B.S.B.A., Montreat College

Michael Farmer
Environmental Health & Safety Specialist

A.S., Chowan University

Mary C. Gaylord
Program Specialist, Continuing Education

B.A., University of North Carolina-Wilmington

Daniel Harris
Program Specialist, NCWorks Career Center & HRD

B.A., Florida Atlantic University

Stacy Hill
Employability Lab Instructor

A.A.S., Blue Ridge Community College; B.B.A., Montreat College

Jerry Johnson
Operations Manager

A.A.S., Blue Ridge Community College

Shawn McCallister
Advanced Manufacturing Instructor

A.A.S., Western Piedmont Community College; B.S., M.S., Western Carolina University

Allen McCullough
Director, Environmental Health and Safety Institute

A.A.S., Blue Ridge Community College; B.S., Western Carolina University

Sheila Merrill
Program Specialist, Allied Health/EMS

A.A.S., Blue Ridge Community College

Ginger Hutcherson
WIOA Case Manager

A.S., Community College of the Air Force; B.S., Southern Illinois University; Teaching Certificate, Western Carolina University

Anne Smith
EHSI Administrative Assistant

Diploma, Walter Johnson High School

Benjamin Smith
Director, Small Business Center

B.S., University of Alabama-Tuscaloosa

Kelli Stewart
Apprenticeship Coordinator

B.S., Western Carolina University

Joseph Tew
Business Development Specialist, NC Military Business Center

B.S., University of North Carolina-Wilmington

Paula Wynn
Program Specialist, Personal Enrichment

A.A.S., Blue Ridge Community College

Advanced Technologies Department

Joe Shook
Dean, Advanced Technologies
Chair, Transportation Technologies

A.A.S., Greenville Technical College; B.S., Western Carolina University; M.A.Ed., Gardner-Webb University

Matthew Broome
Welding Technology Faculty Coordinator

A.A.S., Blue Ridge Community College; American Welding Society CWI & CWE Certified

Andrew Campbell
Welding Technology

A.A.S., Blue Ridge Community College

Jeremy Hall
Automotive Systems Technology

A.O.S., Universal Technical Institute-Houston

Christopher Valle
Transportation Technologies

Certificate, Wyotech Fremont; ASE Master Automotive Certification

Christopher Peavy
Transportation Technologies

Certification, Automotive Technician, Universal Technical Institute; ASE Master Automotive Technician (A1-A9) Certifications

Benjamin Land
Welding Technology

A.A.S., Blue Ridge Community College

Adam Riddle
Automotive Systems Technology

A.A.S., Blue Ridge Community College, ASE/Master Certified Automobile Technician; ASE L1 Advanced Engine Performance

Jason Rogers
Computer-Integrated Machining Technology

A.A.S., Haywood Community College

Kevin Spradlin
Computer Integrated Machining Technology

B.S., Lee University; M.Ed., University of Tennessee-Chattanooga

Eric Stephens
Automotive Systems Technology

A.A.S., Blue Ridge Community College; ASE/Master Certified Automobile Technician

Sharon Suess
Chair of Engineering and Advanced Manufacturing Technology

B.S., University of North Carolina-Asheville; M.R., Engineering, North Carolina State University

Gary Thomas
Electronics Engineering Technology

A.A.S., Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College

Carol Wheeler
Mechanical Engineering Technology

B.S., University of Virginia; M.B.A., Salve Regina University; M.R., Engineering, North Carolina State University

Zackery Zollner
Brewing, Distillation & Fermentation

A.A.S., Blue Ridge Community College

Public Safety Training Department

Philip Hosmer
Dean of Public Safety Training

B.S., Appalachian State University; M.S., Fayetteville State University

David Hensley
Law Enforcement Training Coordinator

Certificates, Polk Community College-Winter Haven, Southwestern Community College

Marcy Parsons
Program Assistant, Law Enforcement Training

A.S., Keiser University

Virginia Plyler
EMS Clinical Coordinator

A.A.S., Blue Ridge Community College

Casey Silvers
Fire and Rescue Training Coordinator

A.A.S., Blue Ridge Community College

Elaine Hamrick Thompson
Criminal Justice

B.A., University of North Carolina-Greensboro; J.D., Campbell University School of Law

Daniel Wesley
Emergency Medical Science Coordinator

B.S., M.H.S., Western Carolina University

Finance Division

Carolyn W. Alley
Associate Vice President for Finance / CFO

B.S., University of North Carolina-Asheville; M.B.A., Western Carolina University

Jay Konstantaras
Print Shop Specialist

B.S., Appalachian State University

Sharon Howell
Purchasing Technician

B.A., Gardner-Webb University

Margo Pugliese
Accounting Technician, Student Accounts / Cashier

A.A., Nassau Community College

Jessie Rogers
Director, Finance

B.S.B.A., Western Carolina University

Melissa Baron
Staff Accountant, Payroll

B.A., North Greenville University

Connie P. Williams
Accounting Specialist / Student Accounts Coordinator

A.A.S., Blue Ridge Community College

General Administration Division

R. Chad Merrill
Vice President for General Administration

B.A., University of North Carolina-Asheville; M.A.Ed., Ed.D., Western Carolina University

Amy Allison
Administrative Assistant

A.A.S., Blue Ridge Community College

Brett Bailey
Facilities Supervisor

Diploma, Ilion High School

Daniel Barrett
IT Specialist

A.S., Laney College

Riley Belue
Administrative Assistant

A.S., Spartanburg Methodist College; B.S., Southern Wesleyan University

Marshal Blanton
Facilities Technician

Diploma, Hamilton Vocational Technical and Adult School (FL)

Erick Bolyard
Media Services Technician

B.A., University of North Texas

Barry Brown
Director, Facilities & Plant Operations

Diploma, West Henderson High School

Jason Burrell
Groundskeeper

A.A.S., Catawba Valley Community College

Christopher Corbett

Facilities Technician

Diploma, Edneyville High School

Christopher White
Chief of Police / Director of Public Safety

B.S.B.A., Brevard College; BLET, Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community college; M.B.A., Liberty University

Corey Easton
IT Specialist

B.S., State University of New York-Brockport

Jessica Harrell
Director, Planning, Research and Institutional Effectiveness

B.A., North Carolina State University; M.A., Ph.D., Emory University

Christopher Henderson
Systems & Network Administrator

B.S., Western Carolina University

Pamela Cannon
Police Officer

Diploma, Stonecrest Preparatory; Detention Officers Certification and BLET, North Carolina Justice Academy

Stephen Coon
Police Officer

A.S., Blue Ridge Community College; BLET, Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College

Karla Jimenez Davila
IT & Media Specialist

A.A.S., Blue Ridge Community College

Heather Goede
Web Services Specialist

A.A.S., Blue Ridge Community College

Jason Husk
Technology Coordinator

B.S., Strayer University

Mark Jackson
Facilities Technician

Diploma, Polk County High School

Cindy Kirkman
IT & Media Specialist

A.A.S., Blue Ridge Community College; B.A., University of Phoenix; M.A., East Carolina University; M.A., Appalachian State University

Leah Knowles
Distance Learning Specialist

A.A.S., Blue Ridge Community College

Nathan Marshall
Maintenance Technician

A.A., South College

Brittany Maybin
Police Officer

Firefighter Level I & II, EMT-Basic, DOCC Certification and BLET, Blue Ridge Community College

Cale Maybin
Assistant Director of Facilities

Diploma, Motorcycle Mechanic’s Institute, Orlando

Shawn Moore
Groundskeeper

Diploma, Blue Ridge Community College

Marshall Morris
Capital Construction Coordinator

B.A., University of Georgia

Alexander Power
Facilities Technician

Diploma, West Henderson High School

Chris Sellers
Police Officer

A.S., Hinds Community College; BLET, Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College

John Shaw
Maintenance Technician

Diploma, Poly Tech Adult Education

Richard Sheppard
IT & Media Specialist

A.S., Blue Ridge Community College

James Simmons
Systems & Network Administrator

A.A.S., Spartanburg Community College

Trey Smith
Facilities Supervisor

A.S., Wake Technical Community College; B.S., M.B.A., Western Governors University

Jonathan Tankersley
Police Officer

BLET, Blue Ridge community College; A.S., Blue Ridge Community College; B.S., Fayetteville State University; M.S., University of North Carolina-Wilmington

John Taylor
Facilities Technician

Diploma, Blue Ridge Community College

Brent Thompson
Media Services Supervisor

A.A., Blue Ridge Community College

Robert Vaughn
Facilities Technician

Diploma, East Henderson High School

Jarrett Vernon
IT & Media Specialist

A.S., Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College

Amy Williford
Director, Information Technology

B.A., University of North Alabama

Steven Young
Chief Information Officer

B.S., University at Buffalo; M.S., Carnegie Mellon University

Instruction Division

Katherine Allen
Vice President for Instruction

B.S., Appalachian State University; M.Ed., Arcadia University; Distance Education Certificate, East Carolina University

Anthony Baltiero
Director of Library Services

B.A., Ashford University; M.A., University of San Francisco; M.S., Kent State University

Jane Ellis
Administrative Assistant

B.A., Vanderbilt University; M.A., Western Carolina University

Amy Cohn
Administrative Assistant

A.S., Delaware County Community College

Wanda Gant
Student Success Center Coordinator / Transitions English

B.A., University of North Carolina-Asheville; M.A., Western Carolina University

Kevin Kvalvik
Instructional Designer

B.A., Appalachian State University; M.S., Harvard University

Christopher McLoughlin
Library Assistant

B.A., Furman University

Julia Haverstock
Electronic Resources Librarian

B.A., Guilford College; MLIS, San Jose State University

Sarah Parlier
Director of Teaching & Learning

B.A., Bradley University; M.S., Ph.D., Illinois State University

Jamie Warren
Instructional Designer

B.A., Brevard College; Master of Music, University of Tennessee-Knoxville

Adult Education and Literacy Department

Robin Norris Paulison
Dean of Adult Education and Literacy

B.A., M.Ed., East Stroudsburg University

Erin Dula
Adult Education and Literacy Instructional Coordinator

B.A., University of Colorado-Boulder; B.A., Metropolitan State University of Denver; M.E., Lesley University

Amani Duncan
Adult Education and Literacy Instructional Coordinator

B.S., University of North Carolina, Asheville; MAT, Western Carolina University

Belinda C. Frantz
Data Specialist

Diploma, East Henderson High School

Grace Sollé
Adult Education and Literacy Instructional Coordinator

B.A., Westmont College, Santa Barbara

Arts and Sciences Department

Deborah Dewitt
Dean of Arts and Sciences

B.S., North Carolina State University; M.S., University of North Carolina-Greensboro; Ph.D., Kensington University

Rachel Austin
Psychology / Sociology

B.A., University of South Carolina Upstate; M.S., University of North Carolina-Charlotte; M.S., University of North Dakota

Laura Baylor
Chair of Arts & Sciences

B.A., M.A., University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill; Ed.D., Western Carolina University

Aaron Bernard
Art

B.F.A., Michigan State University; M.F.A., Savannah College of Art and Design

Joshua W. Bledsoe
Speech

A.A., Catawba Valley Community College; B.S., Appalachian State University; M.A., University of North Carolina-Greensboro

David Blevins
Mathematics

B.S., M.S., Western Carolina University

Ashley DeCoux
Biology

B.S., University of Southern Mississippi; Ph.D., University of South Alabama

Jennifer Ferrell
Psychology Instructor

B.S., Sam Houston State University; MAT, Appalachian State University

D. Russ Foster
History

B.A., University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill; M.A., James Madison University; Ed.D., North Carolina State University

Lisa Grosso
English

A.A., Palm Beach State College; B.A., M.A., Florida Atlantic University

Annelise Hagedorn
Social Science Coordinator / Sociology

B.A., University of North Carolina-Asheville; M.A., Ph.D., Pennsylvania State University

Jennifer Hardin
Student Success Tutor and Advisor / Transitions Math

B.A., University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill; M.Ed., Mars Hill University

Benjamin J. Hardy
Faculty Chair, Transylvania County Campus / English

B.A., University of North Carolina-Asheville; M.A., Appalachian State University

Zenia Washington Holder
Psychology

B.A., University of North Carolina-Greensboro; M.S., Fayetteville State University

Jonathan Hulse
Biology and Science Labs

B.S., Frostburg State University; M.S., West Virginia University; M.S., Miami University

Benjamin Kearns
Mathematics

B.A., East Carolina University; M.L.S., University of South Carolina; M.S., Western Carolina University; Ph.D., North Carolina State University

Ethan Kilgore
Physics

B.S., Eastern Kentucky University; M.S., Clemson University

Rachel Marsom
English

B.A., University of North Carolina-Asheville; M.A., Northern Arizona University; M.F.A., Georgia College

Rachel Meriwether
Horticulture Technology

B.S., University of Louisiana; M.S., Auburn University

Faith Miller
Mathematics

B.S., M.S., Appalachian State University

Aaron Murdoch
Speech & Communications

B.S., Florida State College; M.A., University of Central Missouri

John Norvell
Mathematics

B.A., University of North Carolina-Asheville; M.S., Nicholls State University

Jennifer Parrack-Rogers
College Transfer Advising Coordinator / English

A.A., Washtenaw Community College; B.S., Eastern Michigan University; M.A., University of North Carolina-Wilmington

Mary Roldan
Chemistry

Vocational Degree, Universidad de Salamanca; B.S., Clemson University; M.S., Furman University

Lauren Royal-Woods
Biology Instructor

B.S., MAT, Western Carolina University

Sam Sonnier
English

B.A., M.A., McNeese State University

Morgan Perkins
Film and Video Production Technology

B.A., University of North Carolina, Wilmington; MLA, University of North Carolina, Asheville

Laura Tinney
Mathematics

A.S., Isothermal Community College; B.S., University of North Carolina-Asheville; M.S., Nicholls State University

Jennifer Treadway
Theatre/ACA Coordinator

B.A., Berea College; M.F.A., Louisiana State University

Connie Vera
Spanish

M.A., Universidad Laica Vicente Rocafuerte de Guayaquil; M.A., Appalachian State University

Katherine Winkler
English

B.A., Oral Roberts University; B.S., Auburn University; M.A.Ed., Western Carolina University

Business and Service Careers Department

Brenda Blackburn
Dean of Business and Service Careers

B.S., Indiana Wesleyan University; M.S., University of Alabama

Lori Allen
Cosmetology

A.A.S., Haywood Community College; B.S., M.A., Liberty University

Vanessa Capps
Office Administration

A.A., Blue Ridge Community College; B.A., Mars Hill University; M.B.A., North Greenville University; Ed.D., Western Carolina University

Rey Castillo
American Sign Language

A.S., Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College; B.S., Western Carolina University

Shelah Combs
Early Childhood and School Age Education

A.A., Hillsborough Community College; B.A., M.Ed., Winthrop University

Darlene Y. Cope
Service Careers Coordinator

A.A.S., Blue Ridge Community College

Andrea Craven
Service Careers Coordinator

B.S., University of North Carolina-Greensboro; M.S., Western Carolina University

Rose Fichera-Lening
Interpreter Education

B.A., Gardner-Webb University; M.A., Western Oregon University

Kathryn Gould
Business Administration & Digital Marketing

B.S., Berea College; M.S., Western Carolina University

Jana Hosmer
Chair of Business Programs / Accounting

B.S., M.S., Appalachian State University; Certified Public Accountant

Ben Kish
Business Administration / Marketing

B.S., The Ohio State University; M.B.A., Case Western Reserve University

Ashley Larach
Accounting

A.S., Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College; B.S., University of North Carolina-Pembroke

Daniel Rickert

Information Technology Faculty Coordinator

B.S., University of Michigan; M.S., Walsh College

Nicholas Roberts

Business Administration & Finance

B.S., University of South Florida; M.B.A., Webster University

Tonya Stephens
Information Technologies

B.S., Lees-McRae College; M.S., University of Phoenix

Hope Turpin
American Sign Language

B.S., Salem College; M.S., Gallaudet University

Melanie Wilkins
Early Childhood Education

B.S., Grace College; M.S., University of Dayton

Health Sciences Department

Leigh Angel
Dean

B.S.N., M.S.N., Western Carolina University

Michele James
Nurse Aide

A.D.N., Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College

Danielle Bruckner
Allied Health Continuing Education

B.S., Western Governors University; M.B.A., Western Carolina University

Karen Cochran

Associate Degree Nursing

B.S., National-Louis University; M.S., Gardner-Webb University; Ph.D., University of North Carolina-Greensboro

Robyn Dixon
Associate Degree Nursing

B.S., Western Carolina University; M.S.N., East Carolina University

Bridget Gibbs
Associate Degree Nursing

B.S., University of North Carolina-Asheville; M.S.N., Gardner-Webb University

Amy Szoka
Director of Nursing

A.S., Tunxis Community College; A.S.N., Daytona State College; B.S., Charter Oak College; B.S.N., University of Phoenix; Ph.D., Grand Canyon University

Justin Hargrave

Clinical Nursing

B.A., University of Michigan; B.S.N., Ohio University; M.L.S., University of Pittsburgh

Stephanie Kanupp
Surgical Technology

Diploma, Blue Ridge Community College; A.A.S., Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College

Teresa Locke
Associate Degree Nursing

A.A., Northwest Mississippi College; B.S., University of Alaska; M.S.N., South University

Lynde Mickey
Associate Degree Nursing

B.S., Queens University of Charlotte; B.S.N., Tennessee Wesleyan College; M.S.N., University of North Carolina-Charlotte

Joy Oliver
Associate Degree Nursing

B.S.N., University of Akron; M.S.N., East Carolina University

Michele Poarch

Allied Health

Certificate, Caldwell Community College

Heather Stewart
Director, Allied Health

A.D.N., Pitt Community College; B.S., East Carolina University; B.S.N., Western Carolina University; M.S.N., Western Carolina University

Student Services Division

Kirsten Bunch
Vice President for Student Services

A.A.S., Blue Ridge Community College; B.S., Mars Hill College; M.A.Ed., Western Carolina University

Wendy Bartlebaugh
Registrar Clerk

B.S., Appalachian State University; M.P.H., University of North Carolina-Greensboro

Julie Brackett
Administrative Assistant

A.A.S., Blue Ridge Community College

Jacob Bradley
Assistant Registrar

A.A.S., Blue Ridge Community College

Sierra Conley

Receptionist

B.S., Carson-Newman University

Jonathan Grunder
Director of Financial Aid

A.A., Santa Fe (FL) Community College; B.A., University of North Carolina-Asheville; M.S., Northcentral University

Crystal Bradshaw
Success Coach

B.S., Gardner-Webb University

Carla McGirt
Counselor

B.S., University of North Carolina-Charlotte; M.S., Winthrop University

Sydney Frank
NCWorks Career Coach, Henderson County

A.A., Spokane Falls Community College; B.S., George Fox University

Kate Illian

Recruiter

B.S., Eastern University

Emili King
Registrar Specialist

A.A., A.A.S., Blue Ridge Community College

Abigail Robertson
Innovative High School Liaison

B.S., Clemson University; M.A.Ed., East Carolina University; Teaching Certificate, Appalachian State University

Lucas Rose
Transfer Coordinator/Counselor

B.S., Loyola University; M.S., Harvard University

Susan Jordan
Financial Aid Technician

B.S., Mars Hill University

James Knighton

A.A., Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College; M.A., University of North Carolina-Asheville; M.Ed., University of North Carolina-Wilmington

Max Mauney

Assistant Director of Financial Aid

B.F.A., University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill

Marcus Roberson
NCWorks Career Coach, Henderson County

B.A., Brevard College

Sara Schumacher
Registrar

A.A., Blue Ridge Community College; B.S.B.A., Western Carolina University

Cearra Selbrade
Counselor

B.S., Minnesota State University

Laura Simmons
Director, Enrollment Management and Student Life

B.S., M.A., Appalachian State University

Amanda Hull
Success Coach

B.A., Appalachian State University

Erin Stevenson
Coordinator of Student Life & Wellness

A.A., Blue Ridge Community College; B.S., Northern Arizona University

Angela Uhl-Kalev
Director, Disability Services

B.A., Malone College; M.Ed., Clemson University

Transylvania County Campus

Glenda McCarson
Associate Vice President for Transylvania County Campus

A.A.S., Blue Ridge Community College; B.B.A., Montreat College; M.A.Ed., Western Carolina University

Michele Handy
Librarian, Student Success Center Coordinator

B.A., Florida State University; M.A., Appalachian State University; M.L.I.S., University of North Carolina-Greensboro

Nicole Alligood
Administrative Assistant

Paralegal Technology Diploma, Pitt Community College; B.S., East Carolina University

Patricia Lail
Facilities Technician

Diploma, Fort Myers High School

Stacey Pedersen
Receptionist

A.A.S., Blue Ridge Community College

Alan Reems
Facilities Supervisor

Diploma, Brevard High School

Robert W. Rhodes
Student Services Coordinator

B.A., Lenoir-Rhyne University

Ricky Searcy
Facilities Technician

Diploma, Pickens High School

Joshua Jones

Automotive Systems Technology, Schenck Job Corps

A.S., Blue Ridge Community College

William King
NCWorks Career Coach

A.A., Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College; B.S., University of North Carolina-Asheville

Alex Williams
Culinary Arts, Schenck Job Corps

A.A.S., Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College; B.S., University of North Carolina-Asheville