1964
Michael W. Dixon ’64 retired in 1998 from a career in the denim industry and later became CFO of a retirement center, which grew significantly under his management. He continues to enjoy life and has three grand-daughters, one of whom is a nuclear engineer.
1977
Walter Teague ’77 was honored with the 2023 AIA North Carolina F. Carter Williams Gold Medal by the American Institute of Architects. This prestigious award recognizes Walter’s distinguished career and extraordinary accomplishments as an architect.
1978
Peter Givens M.A. ’78 has enjoyed an incredible 40-year career with the U.S. National Park Service, where he designed exhibits and represented the Blue Ridge Parkway in public settings. Now, he has authored an exciting novel, “An Enduring Voice – A Musical Journey,” that intertwines music, heritage, and family through a captivating narrative.
1982
C. Phillip Webb ’82 retired in 2022 after a distinguished 35-year career with the CIA, where he served in various roles including Imagery Scientist and senior Resource Analyst. He received the CIA’s Career Commendation Medal for exemplary service and has an Honorable Discharge from the U.S. Marine Corps.
1983
After a distinguished 38-year career in hospital executive financial leadership, Benny McDonald ’83 retired in November 2023. He’s now cherishing time with his wife, Paula Canada McDonald ’82, and their two grandchildren, grateful for the education that prepared him for an amazing career.
Eddie Burks ’83 has been re-elected to the Asheboro, NC City Council and was recognized with the Governor’s Award for Volunteer Service for his contributions to the community.
1987
As a Territory Account Manager for ViiV Healthcare, Kenny Burson ’87 is making an impact by promoting HIV prevention injections across the Charlotte metro and South Carolina.
1991
Thomas “Tommy” Perkins ’91 is back in action as the Athletic Supervisor for Tarboro Parks and Recreation, returning to a role he previously held from 2016 to 2020.
1992
Celebrating a huge milestone, Sharene Stewart Kirby ’92 and her husband J. Eric Kirby ’93 will mark 30 wonderful years of marriage on October 15, 2024.
Stephanie Goodell ’92 has launched a leadership coaching firm, Ripple and Flow Leadership, after completing Georgetown University’s Executive Coaching certification. She is now helping senior leaders enhance their skills and develop virtual training courses as a subject matter expert.
1993
With a passion for music education, Tina Ballard Barber ’93 has joined the faculty at Piedmont Classical High School in Greensboro, NC, as their new music director.
2000
Jeff Sykes ’00 returned to Jackson County with his family a few years ago after working as a news reporter and editor. He recently published his second book, a short story collection.
2001
Monica King ’01 joined Winthrop University as an instructor in the Richard W. Riley College of Education, Sport, and Human Sciences. She recently earned credentials as a Certified Family Life Educator, Human Services-Board Certified Practitioner, and Certified Family Peer Specialist.
2003
Shirley Leigh Bartles Prouty ’03 & ’06 and her husband, Michael Prouty, are celebrating the arrival of their first child, daughter Charlotte Reagan Prouty, born on May 9, 2024, in Pensacola, FL.
2005
Nicholas Kenney ’05, who earned his BM in Music Performance, was named Professor of Horn and Chair of the Department of Music at Southeast Missouri State University in February 2024. He and his wife, Lindsay, celebrated the arrival of their second child, Elliot, on June 14, 2024.
Carla Wilson ’05, ’10 has taken on the role of Co-Chair of the UNC Greensboro Staff Senate for the 2024-25 academic year, continuing her commitment to service and leadership.
Todd Herms ’05, ’06 has been appointed as Alexander County’s next County Manager, starting mid-August—a fantastic step in his career!
2006
After building a thriving family and career, Sarah James ’06 is now a regional asset manager overseeing nine properties valued at over $500 million in Upstate SC. She’s hoping her teenage daughter will carry on the Catamount legacy!
2007
Jackie Mulcahy ’07 just hit her one-year anniversary at BOXX Modular, Inc. as the Contracts Coordinator for the US Division, all while pursuing her Certified Commercial Contract Manager (CCCM) certification through Villanova University. She’s also proudly celebrating two years in remission from Hodgkin Lymphoma.
2009
A new addition to the Catamount family! Jessica Head ’09, ’22 and her husband Kristopher welcomed their son, Sutton Head, in June 2024.
2010
After earning a Master’s in Music Education from the University of Georgia, Nicholas Gattis ’10 is now shaping young musicians as the Director of Bands at Dawson County High School in Dawsonville, GA.
2011
Lauren Hendren Scott ’11 is making a difference as a School Social Worker, following her major in Social Work.
2012
Exciting news for Tiffany Wenard Sandlin ’12 and her husband Brian Sandlin ’12 as they welcomed their son, Beckett Oliver Sandlin, on May 29, 2024!
Ashley Anderson ’12 achieved her Ph.D. in Special Education from UNC Charlotte in May 2024 and now serves as an Assistant Professor at UNC Pembroke, where she prepares future educators and conducts research in the field.
2013
Rex Cable ’13 has switched careers and is now making a difference teaching high school math, in addition to serving as the head wrestling coach.
2014
As of June 2024, Daniel Clegg ’14 celebrated five years at ABC Supply Company, where he has held roles ranging from Inside-Sales to Administrative Assistant and Driver.
Walter Meads ’14 has been named College of The Albemarle’s Teacher of the Year. As Assistant Professor and Emergency Medical Science Program Coordinator, Walter’s exceptional leadership and dedication earned him a nomination for the North Carolina Community College System/R.J. Reynolds Excellence in Teaching Award.
2015
With an incredible journey, Michelle Gilbert Hobson ’15 and her husband William Hunter Hobson have welcomed their first child, a beautiful baby girl, in 2023 and are expecting another in 2025! Michelle works as a Payroll Analyst for Coca-Cola Consolidated, alongside her best friend and fellow alum Alexandria (Maynard) Reece ’15.
2018
Sara Bradley ’18 has been on an impressive journey since graduation, obtaining her Master’s degree at Montreat in 2020, landing a promotion to practice manager at a medical practice, and welcoming her first child in 2023.
Logan Morrison ’16 is over the moon after welcoming his first child, Henry J.W. Morrison, into the world. He’s also stepped into a new role as Assistant Director of Student Involvement at the University of Chicago, aiming to ensure every undergraduate finds the sense of belonging he cherished in Cullowhee!
Kayla McDaniel ’18 has been named to the 2024 North Carolina Rising Stars list, recognizing her as one of the top attorneys under 40 or with less than 10 years of practice.
Molly Grace Lovette ’18 was promoted from Senior Residential Life Coordinator to Assistant Director of Residential Life at Ohio Wesleyan University. She has been with Ohio Wesleyan since 2020 after earning her M.Ed. from Ohio University.
2021
Danielle Noblin ’21 has had a busy year, becoming a senior social worker with a nonprofit in Kentucky and celebrating the purchase of her first home.
Briana Capps ’21 is set to graduate with her Master’s in Legal Studies from the University of Tennessee in December 2024.
2022
Lauren Prusacki ’22 is advancing her career in interior design with a commercial architecture company in Jacksonville, Florida, and is excited to start her Master’s degree in architecture at the University of Florida this Fall.
Vanessa Wiles ’22 got engaged to her fiancé, whom she met while working together at the CFA on campus, and they recently welcomed a baby and bought a house! She’s also landed a new job, celebrating all the opportunities that have come her way since leaving WCU.
2024
It’s been a whirlwind for Katie Lee ’24, who landed her dream job after many applications and is getting married to the love of her life—whom she met during her RA days at WCU—this September.
Amber Goodwin ’24 recently started an exciting new position as a media assistant at Candor Elementary School.
Virginia Felton ’24 has recently accepted a position at the College of Charleston as the Assistant Director of Student Leadership and Fraternity & Sorority Life after earning her Master of Education in Higher Education Student Affairs.