Staff Senate has launched an ‘Exploring the WNC Mountains’ series to celebrate the 2024-2025 Campus Theme: WNC Mountain Life. This series aims to honor the vibrancy, resilience, and spirit of the Western North Carolina mountains, along with its people, wildlife, and local businesses, especially in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene.
Meet Kyle Pifer: Deputy Athletic Director at WCU
Kyle Pifer has been making a significant impact at Western Carolina University (WCU) for just over four years. As the Deputy Athletic Director, Kyle’s journey to the mountains of North Carolina is both inspiring and rooted in a desire for new challenges and opportunities.
Kyle moved to the mountains of North Carolina the same time he joined WCU. After spending over 20 years in the Pacific Northwest, the opportunity to work with WCU’s current Athletic Director, Alex Gary, who was a colleague at Oregon State University, was too good to pass up. Kyle embraced the challenge of improving the department and starting a new chapter in his career.
Kyle’s love for the outdoors is evident in how he spends his weekends. With three daughters, two of whom are avid soccer players, Kyle and his family are often found on the sidelines of soccer fields across the region. These moments not only bring joy to his children but also allow the family to explore North Carolina and meet new people. Kyle cherishes these times, knowing they won’t last forever, and he and his wife are savoring every minute.
Living in Haywood County, Kyle and his family have discovered several local favorites. In Sylva, they enjoy the muffuletta at Lulu’s, while in Waynesville, Frog Level is a go-to spot, especially since Kyle’s oldest daughter works there. When in Buncombe County, White Duck is a must-visit for its delicious food. The family also loves attending shows at the Haywood Area Regional Theater (HART), making the most of the vibrant local culture.
Kyle is passionate about preserving the natural beauty of the mountains. He emphasizes the importance of cleaning up after oneself and others, a lesson he learned while working around Mt. Rainier National Park right after college. The principle of “pack it in, pack it out” is something he believes could greatly benefit the region.
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