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

Advancement

Lisa Adkins
Vice President for Advancement
Executive Director, Educational Foundation

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

Colby Denton
Communications Coordinator

A.S., Cleveland State Community College; B.S., Middle Tennessee State 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

Gretchen Parlier
Foundation Accountant

B.S., North Carolina State University; M.S., University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill

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

Cecile Duval
Program Specialist, Corporate & Fire Rescue

Certificate, Boston Conservatory of Music

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

Scott Schlicher
WIOA Case Manager

B.A., University of Wisconsin-Platteville

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

Brian Johnson
Automotive Systems Technology

A.A.S., Blue Ridge Community College; ASE/Master Certified Automobile Technician; ASE L1 Advanced Engine Performance; Ford Masters Certification; Mazda Master Certification; Honda Master Silver Level Technician

Christopher Peavy
Transportation Technologies

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

Dustin Penland
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
Electrical Engineering

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

Carol Wheeler
Mechanical Engineering Technology

B.S., University of Virginia; M.B.A., Salve Regina 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

Jared Schoenfeld
Interim Chair of Emergency Medical Science

A.S., Paul Smith’s College; Nationally Registered Paramedic; A.D.N., Excelsior 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

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

Teresa Orr Goldsmith
Print Shop Technician

A.A.S., Blue Ridge Community College

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

Courtney Summey
Staff Accountant, Payroll

B.S., Western Carolina 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

David Baldwin
Groundskeeper

Diploma, Edneyville High School

Daniel Barrett
IT Specialist

A.S., Laney College

Brooklyn Bishop
Administrative Assistant

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

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

Daran Dodd
Chief of Police / Director of Public Safety

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

Peter Hemans
Director, Construction Management

A.A.S., Horry Georgetown Technical College; A.A.S., Blue Ridge Community College

Christopher Henderson
Systems & Network Administrator II

B.S., Western Carolina University

Michael Hicks
Police Officer

A.A.S., Blue Ridge Community College

Robby Higgins
Groundskeeper

Diploma, Hendersonville High School

Jason Husk
Technology Coordinator

B.S., Strayer University

Jason Hutchins
Assistant Police Chief / Lieutenant

B.S., University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill

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

Cale Maybin
Assistant Director of Facilities

Diploma, Motorcycle Mechanic’s Institute, Orlando

Eli McCall
Grounds Supervisor

A.S., North Carolina State University

Shawn Moore
Groundskeeper

Diploma, Blue Ridge Community College

Marshall Morris
Construction Project Coordinator

B.A., University of Georgia

Alexander Power
Facilities Technician

Diploma, West Henderson High School

Derrick Richmond
Systems Administrator I

B.A., University of North Carolina-Asheville

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 II

A.A.S., Spartanburg Community College

Trey Smith
Facilities Supervisor

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

John Taylor
Facilities Technician

Diploma, Blue Ridge Community College

Brent Thompson
Media Services Supervisor

A.A., Blue Ridge Community College

Jenni Tweed
Events Coordinator

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

Robert Vaughn
Facilities Technician

Diploma, East Henderson High School

Jamie Warren
IT & Media Specialist

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

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
Electronic Resources Librarian

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

Victoria Burke
Administrative Assistant

A.A.S., Blue Ridge Community College

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

Jack Igelman
ACA Coordinator / Economics

B.A., Clemson University; M.S., Montana State University

Kevin Kvalvik
Instructional Designer

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

Christopher McLoughlin
Library Assistant

B.A., Furman University

Ali Norvell
Director, Library Services

B.A., M.L.I.S., University of North Carolina-Greensboro

Sarah Parlier
Director of Teaching & Learning

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

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

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

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

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

Scott Paxon
Biology

B.S., University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill; M.S., University of Oregon

Leslie Rhinehart
Chemistry

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

Sam Sonnier
English

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

Charlotte Taylor
Film and Video Production Technology

B.S., University of Florida; M.F.A., University of Iowa

Laura Tinney
Mathematics

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

Jennifer Treadway
Theatre

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
Cosmetology

A.A.S., Blue Ridge Community College

Andrea Craven
Human Services Technology

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

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

Rachel Adams
Nurse Aide

B.S., Western Carolina University; B.A., Wake Forest University

Danielle Bruckner
Allied Health Continuing Education

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

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

Deborah Henry
Director of Nursing

B.S.N., University of Vermont; M.S.N., University of Vermont; Ph.D., East Tennessee State University

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

Sheila Merrill
Program Specialist, Allied Health and EMS

A.S., Blue Ridge Community College

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

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
Receptionist

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

Amanda Buchanan
Director of Financial Aid

A.A., Coastal Carolina Community College; B.A., North Carolina State University; M.A., Liberty University

Robert Durstock
Success Coach

B.S., M.S., Northern Kentucky University

Wesley Feight
Counselor

A.A., Park University; B.A., The Pennsylvania State University; M.A., George Mason University; M.Ed., The Pennsylvania State University

Sydney Frank
NCWorks Career Coach, Henderson County

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

Emili King
Registrar Clerk

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

Misty Midgett
Innovative High School Liaison

B.S., Georgia Southern University; M.Ed., Lamar University

Kirsten Hobbs
Transfer Coordinator

B.A., M.Ed., University of South Carolina

Susan Jordan
Financial Aid Technician

B.S., Mars Hill University

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
Recruiter

B.S., Minnesota State University

Laura Simmons
Director, Enrollment Management and Student Life

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

Crystal Smith
Financial Aid & Veterans Coordinator

A.A., Anderson College; B.S., East Carolina University; M.A., Liberty University

Amanda Stansberry
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-Kale
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

Shannon Jones
Administrative Assistant

A.A.S., Blue Ridge Community College

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

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