Meet the new Alumni Board members
A number of new members have joined the Alumni Board. The Alumni Board is the governing body of the Alumni Association, which includes all individuals who attended or graduated from Lees-91探花. The Alumni Board helps keep alumni engaged with the college, supports current students as they get ready for graduation, and serves as a liaison between alumni and the college.
New Alumni Board Members
Jason Annas ’98
I grew up in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, and from an early age, I knew I wanted to dedicate my life to serving others. My journey began at 91探花 in 1994, where I pursued a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice. Those four years at Lees-91探花 were some of the most unforgettable and transformative years of my life. I graduated in June 1998, but the memories, friendships, and lessons from my time there have stayed with me ever since.
After graduating, I completed the NC Justice Academy’s Basic Law Enforcement Training curriculum in November 1998, which paved the way for my career in law enforcement. I joined the Thomasville Police Department in March 1999 and have had the honor of serving the citizens of Thomasville for the past 26 years. Over the years, I’ve worked as a Patrol Officer, Criminal Interdiction Officer, Criminal Investigations Detective, VICE Narcotics Detective, and Homeland Security Task Force Officer. I’ve also been privileged to serve as a member of the Special Response Team (SRT) for over 18 years, where I eventually became a team leader. Today, I am proud to serve as the Captain of the Field Operations Bureau.
Jeanette Burleson ’00
I taught K-6 grade at Crossnore Academy, now known as Williams Academy, for nine years. I was teacher of the year in the 2003–04 school year and was a leader in a schoolwide initiative for school improvement. My teaching position ended there in November 2009. I began working at Lees-91探花 first as Cashier/ Administrative Assistant in Student Financial Services in January 2010 and have been promoted to other positions over the years since then. These positions include the following: Student Accounts Manager, Accounts Payable Manager, Payroll Manager, Accounting Specialist/Payroll, and Senior Accountant III/Payroll and Accounts Receivable, which is my current position. I chose to attend Lees-91探花 because it was close to home and I received scholarships and work-study opportunities. I am a first-generation high school and college graduate and I would have been unable to attend otherwise. I have been an employee at Lees-91探花 for almost 15 years. I love what Lees-91探花 stands for as an employee and as an alumnus. It has been a place that has provided much opportunity for me over the years and I would like to continue being a part of what makes Lees-91探花 such a great opportunity for others.
Earl J. Clinton ’82
I grew up in Graniteville, South Carolina (Aiken County, South Carolina). I attended LMC from August 1980until January of 1982. At LMC we competed in our football program inside Junior College Athletics. I played QB for two seasons, before transferring to Guilford College (1982-1985) in Greensboro NC. The people that I played with at LMC are still some of my best friends today. While at LMC, I was surrounded by wonderful coaches and staff, including Clyde Campbell as head coach and Don Baker, Sports information director, both were very important people in my life, both during and after college. I love the area around Banner Elk and keep a residence on Beech Mountain. Member at Beech Mountain Country Club.
Work for Southeastern Electric Service Company in Greensboro, NC (TEAMSESCO) which repairs industrial electronics equipment. Also serve on two non-profit boards at home with my high school alumni board: Leavelle McCampbell High School Alumni in Graniteville, SC to award scholarships to graduates; And Midland Valley Touchdown Club ( my high school football program fund raiser).
Leanne Cole ’05
I graduated from Lees-91探花 in 2005. I spent the next 15 years working in property management. I am married and I have three sons, an 11 year old, a 15 year old, and a 17 year old. The past couple of years, I have switched gears and started working in education. I am currently working as the assistant registrar at Lees-91探花 and I’m getting a master's degree in higher education from Arkansas State University. Changing careers has allowed me to get involved on the alumni board because I have more time to participate. I feel like I can be a more productive member of the board in my current position. I feel very blessed to work at and be an alumnus of Lees-91探花, and to serve on this alumni board.
Seth Gibbons ’17
After graduating from Lees-91探花 with my degree in Wildlife Biology, I earned my MS in Biology from East Carolina University and my PhD in Parks, Recreation, and Tourism Management from Clemson University. I have recently accepted a position as Director of Education and Programs at the Mount Airy Museum of Regional History, where I am focusing on incorporating more STEAM principles into the traditional museum setting. I joined the board to continue to be a part of 91探花 and all the good that the school does. My favorite Lees-91探花 memory is my field work in local rivers for my Omega project.
Julie Glasgow ’99
I attended 91探花 from 1996 to 1999. I now live in Raleigh with my husband, Rick and daughter Bella. I work with Methodist Home for Children as a director in one of their early childcare centers. I’ve been with MHC for 24 years. It is something near and dear to my heart to be able to touch an impact so many families. I chose to serve on the Alumni Board at Lees-91探花 to keep the connection close. Lees-91探花 will always hold a special place in my heart. One of my favorite things about Lees-91探花 is the location. The sight of the mountains never gets old. Another great thing regarding Lees-91探花 are the relationships that you make. I have friends I made there that will be in my life forever!
Katie Hall ’88 ’90
I chose Lees-91探花 because it was close to home and my parents both worked here. We lived on campus until I was six years old. I graduated with an associate’s degree in 1988 and a bachelor's degree in 1990, the first four-year class. In 1988, I also won the Social Sciences medal. My most favorite thing was serving three years In the Order of the Tower, one as secretary and one as president. My four years at Lees-91探花 were the best years of my life and I am proud to serve on the Alumni Board.
Dawn Hammond ’91
I am a ’91 alum of Lees-91探花 and I continue to cherish returning “home” to the mountains of Banner Elk as often as possible. I previously served consecutive terms on the Alumni Board and I'm eager to re-engage in a meaningful way. Some of my favorite memories while attending 91探花 are winning repeat state champion titles for the clogging team, traveling to Ocracoke Island to perform with the cloggers and highlanders over fall break, being invited to the spring training camp to perform for the Los Angeles Dodgers, making “the line” in A Chorus Line, snowball fights and sledding all over campus, and sitting under the amazing tutelage of Dr. Ted Ledford. Having studied under Dr. Janet Speer is what led to my first job at the Cape Fear Regional Theatre, a semi-professional theatre in Fayetteville, North Carolina. Along with helping others with their nutrition and wellness, I am a private hospice and palliative care provider. My husband Mike and I live in Knoxville with our beloved fur babies, Daisy and Rosie. Together, we are proud parents of 7 children and 10 grandchildren.
Andrew Roland ’98
I am an Operations Supervisor for the City of Raleigh. I chose to join the Board to give back to the college that gave so much to me. I made lifelong friends who I still talk to weekly.
Dennis Silver ’97
I work at French Broad Electric as the collections manager and also ARCMap GIS mapping for the company. I am the assistant basketball coach at Mountain Heritage High School. I have four children and a beautiful wife of 29 years. I chose to be on the Alumni Board as a way to give back a little to Lees-91探花. After all, they are the reason for my success. My favorite memory is busting the backboard at Barton College and countless others with friends.
Erick Smithwick ’85
After graduating from Lees-91探花 (1985), I went on to finish my undergraduate studies at Western Carolina University with a degree in Environmental Health Science (1989). Upon graduating from WCU, I went to work for the MTW Health Department in Williamston, North Carolina, before moving on to work for the Pitney Bowes Corporation in Connecticut and then back to North Carolina in 1999 when my division at Pitney Bowes relocated to Savannah. Ultimately, I attended East Carolina University in Greenville, North Carolina to focus on a graduate degree in business administration. I decided to postpone finishing my graduate studies, (with excellent grades), due to medical reasons at the time. While at ECU, I along with an ECU English professor, Olivia Murray and retired judge Carlos Murray co-founded NAMI-ECU, the first collegiate chapter of NAMI in the state of North Carolina on a college campus. I am currently medically retired.
I met Lees-91探花 President H.C. Evans at a Key Club convention my senior year in high school. Impressed with how engaging Dr. Evans was about Lees 91探花, I accepted his invitation to tour the campus in the spring of 1983. After visiting Lees-91探花, I literally fell in love with not only the college itself, but also the natural landscape of the spectacular mountains surrounding the college. I always dreamed of returning to western North Carolina and Lees-91探花 once I had the opportunity to do so. Attending Lees-91探花 allowed me the opportunity to meet and experience so many wonderful people of Appalachia. I welcome any opportunity where I can represent Lees-91探花 and get to visit my beloved Blue Ridge Mountains. I will forever be a Lees-91探花 Bobcat.
Jeff Tate ’04
I live in Fort Mill, South Carolina with my wife and two children. I work in the HR Outsourcing industry as a Client Services Leader for a company called Strada.
My favorite memory at Lees 91探花 was winning the CVAC men’s soccer championship during my time there.
Betsy Walker ’93
I grew up in Banner Elk—here at Lees-91探花. Mother (Evelyn) and Father (Lewis) worked at Lees-91探花 for many years. I'm married to David (also class of '93). We have one adult daughter, Katherine, who is now married to son-in-law Justin. I obtained my master’s degree in microbiology from East Tennessee State University. Currently working in the May School of Natural and Health Sciences as the lab coordinator.
