1991
Attorney and author William Auman recently released his new book, Pioneer Paddles of the Colonial South, which explores 345 waterways and colonial-era wilderness adventure across the South. His award-winning novel, If Trees Could Testify…, was also recently released in audiobook format.
1992
Pamela Russell Ledesma ’92 recently earned her Ph.D. in Health Services from Walden University and is in her 33rd year working in the healthcare industry. Her research focuses on advocating for early childhood developmental assessments and interventions.
Stephanie Goodell ’92 recently began the Doctor of Business Administration program at Babson College and is expected to graduate in May 2029.
2006
Amber Shelton ’06 was named the 2025–26 Teacher of the Year at South Davidson Middle and High School. She has dedicated 20 years to education, including the past four years at SDMHS.
2008
David Johnson ’08 was recently appointed Administrator of the City of Chattanooga’s Parks & Outdoors department, bringing more than 15 years of local parks leadership experience to the role. A WCU parks and recreation management graduate, Johnson previously served as Chattanooga’s assistant director of parks and as a Tennessee Parks and Schoolyards program manager for the Trust for Public Land.
Ryann (Warlick) Carter ’08, of Charleston, SC, founded The Beauty Cabinet, a skincare app that helps users organize products, track results, and discover personalized recommendations based on their skincare goals. The app is available on the Apple App Store.
2010
Jennifer Gosey Walker B.S.Ed. ’10, B.S. ’10, M.S.A. ’17 was recently appointed principal of Pinnacle Elementary School in Rutherfordton, NC, after serving as an assistant principal and history teacher in Rutherford and Cleveland counties.
2011
Kelly G. Atkins ’11 was appointed President and Chief Executive Officer of a local bank in 2025 after serving as a county manager and later as the bank’s Chief Operating Officer. He credits his WCU education with providing the foundation for his career.
2015
Ramain Gohar was recognized as a 2026 40 Under 40 honoree by Virginia Business for his contributions to business consulting and economic development. He currently serves as Business Services Manager for the Virginia Department of Small Business and Supplier Diversity.
2018
Kayla McDaniel, an alumna of Western Carolina University and an attorney at Cranfill Sumner LLP, has been named to the 2026 North Carolina Rising Stars list for her work in Employment Litigation (Defense). She is among 17 firm attorneys selected for the 2026 North Carolina Super Lawyers and Rising Stars lists, which recognize top legal professionals in the state. For more information, visit Cranfill Sumner LLP.
2020
Maddie Murray ’20, a North Carolina children’s book author, recently published her debut picture book, In the Mountains, inspired by her time living in Western North Carolina.
2021
Evan Curry ’21 launched his private practice, Evan Curry Counseling PLLC, in Asheville in 2024, specializing in the treatment of ADHD, trauma, and anxiety.
2022
Rebecca Hart ’22 started a new role as Town Planner for the Town of Granite Quarry, North Carolina.
2023
Madison Pinit ’23 was recently promoted to Production Manager at the Niagara Bottling plant in Lancaster, Texas.