Alumni Association Board of Directors
About the Alumni Association Board of Directors
The Alumni Association Board of Directors advises the Chancellor and University leadership on matters relating to alumni and their lifelong connection to Ģý — and helps bring resources and advocacy to the University from alumni and friends near and far.
Interested in serving on the board?
Learn more about the process and complete the nomination form. You can submit an application at any time to be considered for the next election cycle. Have questions? Email alumni@unca.edu.
2025–2026 Board Leadership
Chair: Cindy Appleby ’94
Past-Chair: Steve Tuttle ’81
Secretary: Tim Hussey ’18
Michael McNamee, Director of Alumni Engagement, Ex-Officio
Committees
Chair, Kelly Pierce ’80
Mission
The goal of the Alumni Connections Committee is to engage past, present, and future Ģý alumni in the happenings of the University. Alumni play a critical role in the success of our students, as well as the university. Making connections, creating networks, and amplifying diverse voices to catalyze success is at the core of the Alumni Connections Committee mission. Therefore, the committee acts as a conduit for new ideas to bring alumni closer to their alma mater by organizing and supporting University events and initiatives, as well as alumni-specific activities. These activities include but are not limited to aiding in the planning of Homecoming and Family Weekend, as well as finding creative ways to update traditional Ģý events in order to accommodate more alumni engagement.
Chair, Alan Coxie ‘97
Mission
The Philanthropy Committee is composed of dedicated alumni who are committed to building financial capacity for the institution we love. As students, we benefited from the support of alumni who came before us, and as a committee, our goal is to continue that legacy and help Ģý achieve its vision to become one of the premier liberal arts and sciences colleges in the world. That can only happen with financial support – to help fund scholarships for deserving students, to support ground-breaking academic research, and to improve our community both regionally and globally. To achieve these goals, committee members are expected to participate in monthly meetings, act as advocates for Ģý in their communities, and to support Ģý’s advancement office on an ongoing basis.
Chair, Virginia Haynes ’82
Mission
The committee considers issues relating to the interaction between Ģý students and Alumni. Specifically, members of the committee work closely with the Student Alumni Association (SAA) to offer support through participation in programs and advocacy that facilitate meaningful connections between students and alumni. This committee also assists with the University’s Office of Admission and Financial Aid to support the recruitment of students to the University. Members also work with the University, including the Career Center, in promoting opportunities for Alumni to assist Ģý students through career exploration, internships and cooperative education experiences, career networking, and mentoring opportunities.
Interested in learning more about the work of these committees? Contact alumni@unca.edu.
Better Know the Board
Alumni leaders like Andrea Wills Jackson, Kelly Pierce, and Steve Tuttle exemplify the lasting connection Bulldogs maintain with Ģý. Through service on the Alumni Association Board of Directors, they give back by supporting students, strengthening alumni engagement, and helping guide the university’s future. From mentoring and philanthropy to volunteering and advocacy, each brings a unique perspective shaped by their time on campus and their continued commitment to the Bulldog community.
“Come back to campus for a visit and just walk around and remember what a special place Ģý is!”
“Reach out to the Alumni Relations Office and find ways to become engaged — there are so many great opportunities!”
“Visit campus during Homecoming Week and attend as many events as possible.”
Ways to Support Ģý
You Can Make a Student's Education Better.
Whether you help fund a scholarship for a student-athlete, provide support for campus computer labs, or endow a professorship, your support makes Ģý one of the nation’s top-ranked public liberal arts and sciences universities. Your support opens doors to a Ģý education for future students.
