Cowee School Arts and Heritage Center names new director

Cowee School Art and Heritage Center’s Board of Directors welcomed Will Anderson as the next executive director, beginning July 1, 2026.

Anderson comes to Cowee School with more than 25 years of leadership experience serving as a senior executive in the finance, corporate management and nonprofit fields. Most recently, he served five years as the executive director for Hindman Settlement School in Hindman, Kentucky. He previously worked as a CEO in Alaska, where he led many economic development projects while also prioritizing the social and cultural health of the regions he served. He brings a unique blend of business skills combined with a background in the arts and a passion for strengthening and preserving cultural heritage.

“An extensive search for this position was conducted over several months led by a committee selected by the board of directors. It is with great pleasure that I speak for the full Board when I welcome Will as our new executive director. Will’s past experiences are a perfect fit with the mission of Cowee School, Arts and Heritage Center,” said Anne Hyder, chair of the Board.

Anderson earned bachelor’s degrees from Seattle Pacific University, where he studied both music and psychology, and Western Washington University, where he majored in accounting. He also earned a Master of Business Administration degree from Western Washington University, and a Graduate Certificate in Nonprofit Management from the University of Oregon. Anderson previously served as a trustee or board member of numerous nonprofit organizations including Alaska Pacific University, the University of Alaska Foundation, the Koniag Education Foundation, the Alutiiq Heritage Foundation, the Alaska Native Heritage Center, the Alaska Federation of Natives and the Beloit Art Center. Born in Kodiak, Alaska, Anderson is Alaska Native of Sugpiaq descent.

“I am extremely excited to work for an organization that is part of such a rich and vibrant community,” he said. “Cowee School has a very active and supportive board of directors, and I can see how its programming is so important to the region. I feel grateful to have been chosen to lead Cowee School.”

New members join WCU volunteer boards

Several members of the Western Carolina University community have been appointed to the university’s three primary volunteer boards supporting philanthropy, alumni engagement and athletics.

The WCU Foundation Board of Directors welcomed Beverly Barr, Michael Blackmon, Melanie Clark and Matt Martin. The Alumni Association Board of Directors appointed Carrie Carpenter, Kaileigh Naylor, Aaron Speyer and Dawson Spencer. The Catamount Club Board of Directors added Alex Crenshaw, Matt Magnus, Kirk Roach, Todd Roper and Ali Schreiber.

New members were approved during a series of meetings held throughout the spring and early summer.

“Our volunteer boards are critical to the Division of Advancement and our efforts to provide the engagement and philanthropic support necessary to ensure Western Carolina University can fulfill its mission,” said Ben Pendry, WCU vice chancellor for advancement. “We look forward to working with these dedicated leaders as we continue supporting our students, university and region.”

The appointments come as WCU nears the conclusion of its historic “Fill the Western Sky” fundraising campaign, which has raised support for academic programs, student engagement initiatives and Catamount athletics.

Pepsi-Cola of Whittier donates $6,000 to support SCC students

One of the most loyal and longest-running supporters Southwestern Community College students has had over the years is Pepsi-Cola Bottling of Whittier. Recently, Pepsi Area Manager Thomas Hibbs stopped by SCC’s Jackson Campus to make a donation of $6,000 to the SCC Foundation.

The gift serves dual purposes, as $5,000 allows Pepsi to become a Diamond-level sponsor for the 12th-annual Boots, Blue Jeans and Bling Gala, which will be held on Sept. 26 at Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort. All proceeds from that event support SCC student scholarships.

The remaining $1,000 of this donation was made to the Student Emergency Fund, which helps students experiencing an unexpected financial crisis.

To learn more about the gala or to secure your tickets or a table sponsorship, visit SouthwesternCC.edu/gala.

Haywood Community College hosts fundraiser for students

Get ready to shop for a cause at Soles Helping Souls, a one-of-a-kind fundraising event hosted by the Haywood Community College Foundation on Thursday, Aug. 6. This exciting evening combines fashion, fun and philanthropy to support the HCC Foundation Lavender Fund.

The event will feature over 300 pairs of ladies’ brand-name shoes in the box, such as Fly London, Taos, Born and more. These shoes are offered at a discount, with proceeds benefiting HCC students. This shopping experience is elevated, with local vendors offering handcrafted jewelry, artisan soaps, bath bombs and other boutique treasures. There will also be heavy appetizers and a cash bar.

Tickets are only $10 for general admission and $20 for VIP access, which grants early entry at 5:30 p.m. The event begins at 6 p.m. in the Hemlock Building on HCC’s campus. To purchase tickets, visit givebutter.com/soles-helping-souls2.