Advancement & Alumni
Welcome to the Office of Advancement at Concord University
The Concord University Office of Advancement works to seek out and develop ways to engage individuals, groups, organizations, the business community and others by encouraging partnerships and worthwhile channels between those who wish to contribute to Concord through gifts of time, talent and/or finances. Either through the receipt of a gift or through involvement, supporting the University provides a return on investment for our donors, creating deep and lasting ties to the University – as well as to the students we serve.
Our goal is to communicate efficiently with the more than 23,000 alums across our country and around the globe. The Office of Advancement is responsible for the Concord University quarterly magazine, all interaction with media, including press releases, online publications, social media and the general management of the University’s image.
We strive to highlight the accomplishments of our students, faculty and staff as well as the successes of our alumni. We truly believe the Mountain Lion family is the foundation to Concord’s 150 year history and the lifeline to everything our University has in store for its future.
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Summer 2023
Winter 2022
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Archived Publications
- Summer 2022
- Fall 2021
- Spring 2021
- Winter 2020
- Noteworthy Fall 2020 Special Edition
- Summer 2020
- Spring 2020
- Fall 2019
- Noteworthy Fall 2020
- Summer 2019
- Spring 2019
- Noteworthy 2019
- Fall 2018
- Summer 2018
- Spring 2018
- Fall 2017
- Noteworthy 2017
- Spring 2017
- Fall 2016
- Summer 2016
- Spring 2016
- Special Edition 2016
- Fall 2015
- Summer 2015
- Spring 2015
- Fall 2014
- Spring 2014
- Spring 2014
- Fall 2013
- Spring 2013
- Winter 2013
- Fall 2012
- Summer 2012
- Spring 2012
- Winter 2012
- Fall 2011
- Summer 2011
- Fall 2010(pdf)
- Summer 2010(pdf)
- Spring 2010(pdf)
- Winter 2009(pdf)
Campus E-News
September 2023: Hannah Morgan ’17
Hannah Morgan recently joined the New River Gorge Regional Development Authority and will be leading the Business Capacity Services team of the West Virginia Hive. Previously serving the Carilion Clinic in Roanoke, VA, her graduate studies increased her motivation to return and serve her home state of West Virginia. Hannah will be managing multiple projects and administering the WV Hive Business Hub along with several other duties in this role. Congratulations, Hannah!
August 2023: Kari Vicars ’05
Kari Vicars ’05 recently began her appointment as principal of Shady Spring High School in Shady Spring, WV. Her career in education has spanned across 18 years in a variety of roles. Roles including the WV Department of Education Coordinator of Social Studies, principal of Summers County High School, and others. Congratulations to Kari on her new role!
July 2023: Lisa Richards ’89
An educator for the past 24 years in a variety of different settings, Lisa Richards ’89 is now a published author. Her children’s book, Follow Your Heart: How Owllen Discovered his True Calling, is set to be released next month. Congratulations Lisa on this accomplishment!
June 2023: Johnathan Frazier ’15
Johnathan Frazier has been named Community Chief Executive Officer of Addiction Recovery Care’s Bellefonte Campus. In this role he will be overseeing the daily operations of the campus. Johnathan joins the ARC with 20 years of experience and looks forward to meeting the needs of the community. We wish Johnathan the best of luck in this new role!
May 2023: Dr. Kevin Siers ’93
The Franklin County School Board has named Dr. Kevin Siers as the school division’s next superintendent. He has served in several leadership positions in education including assistant principal, principal, and superintendent. A Concord graduate and military veteran, Siers will begin this new position effective July 1. We wish Kevin the best of luck in this new position!
April 2023: Morgan Bragg ’07
Sergeant Morgan C. Bragg ’07 with the Beckley Police Department graduated as a member of the 285th session of the FBI National Academy in Quantico, Virginia. Since 2008 he has held the positions of: patrol officer, domestic violence officer, and detective. Bragg is currently the Chief of Detectives and serves as the agency’s only certified polygraph examiner and as the supervisor of the BPD Crime Scene Unit. Fewer than one percent of officers nationally have the opportunity to attend this prestigious program.
March 2023: Willa Handy ’16
Willa Handy ’16 was recently featured by The Ohio State University’s Office of Equity, Diversity, and Global Engagement for her work in education. Nearing completion of a Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) program, Willa has served students in multiple capacities for over 10 years. Inspiring students with positive relationships, we look forward to seeing the impact Willa continues to make in the lives of our youth!
February 2023: Josh Stephens ’12
Dr. Josh Stephens ’12 has recently opened his own practice, Alpha Therapy, in Fort Chiswell, VA. His practice focuses on treating patients for physical therapy, sports rehab, and preventative rehab needs. Prior to opening his own clinic, he worked with Bluefield Regional Medical Center and Princeton Community Hospital in Mercer County, WV. Congratulations to Josh on this achievement!
January 2023: David Woodard ’03
David Woodard ’03 has been named President of the Virginia School Boards Association. He has served on the Tazewell County School Board since 2008 and is the first person from the county to be named president. Participating on various boards and previously serving terms as chairman of the school board, David has committed to providing exceptional service to the area and state of Virginia. Congratulations and best of luck, David!
December 2022: Deirdre Cline ’86
Deirdre has been named West Virginia Department of the Arts, Culture and History’s Superintendent of the Year! She became a classroom teacher more than three decades ago, worked as an assistant principal, principal, and assistant superintendent. Deirdre is the superintendent of Wyoming County and is the county’s first female schools superintendent.
November 2022: Delnora Reed ’96
Delnora, a native of Princeton, WV, is a singer/songwriter in Nashville, TN who has been excelling in her music career throughout the year. She was recently nominated for Album and Vocalist of the Year by the Josie Music Awards held at The Grand Ole Opry in Nashville on October 23. Over the summer, she won the Inspirational Country Music Awards New Artist of the Year and Inspirational Song of the Year. Delnora was also on the cover of Christian Power Source magazine for the September 2022 issue.
October 2022: Pamela Fink ’03
Pamela “LeeAnn” Fink has been named the 2022 Administrator of the Year by the West Virginia Health Care Association (WVHCA) while serving as the Executive Director of Mercer Nursing & Rehabilitation Center, in Bluefield, WV. Pamela’s dedication to her community, residents, and profession has spanned across several years. Congratulations to Pamela on this well-deserved award, thank you for making a difference in the lives of many in our region!
September 2022: Henrietta Skeens ’88
As a 1988 Business Administration graduate of Concord and a CPA, Henrietta Skeens was recently appointed as Chief Financial Officer of UP Health System – Marquette. Henrietta’s experience in multiple accounting firms and serving in a number of CFO roles has prepared her for this new appointment. Congratulations, Henrietta!
August 2022: Ashley Wheeler ’17
The month of August brings the highly anticipated West Virginia State Fair and this year Ashley Wheeler ’17 was announced as the winner of the First Annual State Fair of WV Official Art Contest. Ashley’s artwork ‘Lucky Duck’ which showcases a young boy holding a duck with the scenery of the fair in the background is featured as the official print of the State Fair. Congratulations to Ashley on this achievement!
July 2022: Dr. Jason Gardner ’01
Congratulations to Dr. Jason Gardner on being named as the new superintendent of the Mooresville Graded School District in Mooresville, NC! Since graduating from Concord in 2001 with a bachelor’s degree in elementary education, Dr. Gardner has served in a variety of roles across the span of 20 years in public education that has prepared him to lead Mooresville Graded School District. We wish Jason the best of luck in this new role!
June 2022: Norma Acord ’10
Congratulations to Norma Acord on being named Teacher of the Year for Wyoming County Schools for the 2021-2022 school year! Norma is a 2010 graduate of Concord with a degree in Studio Art and has taught at Wyoming East High School for the past three years. The one ceramics class at Concord that influenced her decision to pursue art has now touched the lives of many students in Wyoming County. We are Concord Proud of the many educators making a difference in their communities!
May 2022: Riley Fitzwater ’21, ’22
Fellow Mountain Lion, Riley Fitzwater, will be pursuing a professional basketball career after signing with BC Triple Threat in the Netherlands. The team competes in the highest level in the Netherlands as part of the Women’s Basketball League. Riley becomes the first Concord women’s basketball player to sign a professional contract once exhausting eligibility in the Maroon and Gray. Congratulations Riley, we look forward to cheering you on from Athens!
April 2022: Jennifer Polk ’10
Congratulations to Jennifer Polk on being sworn in as an Assistant Prosecuting Attorney for Mercer County. She says she could start by working in magistrate court, and possibly doing abuse and neglect cases. The past six years Jennifer served as a law clerk for Judge Wills. We wish Jennifer the best of luck in this new role as she serves the citizens in our local area!
March 2022: Chance Raso ’15
The March alumni spotlight features Chance Raso ’15 on his recent appointment as a Special Projects Coordinator with the NRGRDA. Raso was a former park ranger at the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve and has joined the New River Gorge Regional Development Authority (NRGRDA) to bolster its outdoor recreation capabilities and support coordination of gateway community projects.
February 2022: Erin Ellis-Reid ’15
Congratulations to Erin on her recent appointment as Oak Hill’s new Community and Economic Development Coordinator! In this role Erin will be seeking grants, engaging the community, and identifying ways to further promote and grow the city of Oak Hill. We wish Erin the best of luck in this new adventure!
January 2022: Robby Moore ’03
January’s alumni spotlight features Robby Moore ’03 for his recent exhibit at Carnegie Hall celebrating February’s Black History Month. Robby is one of three artists who is featured in the exhibits that run through March 25. Robby is the Executive Director of the Beckley Arts Center and co-founded Treehouse Arts Ensemble in WV where he currently serves on the Board of Directors.
To read more about Robby and the Carnegie Hall exhibits, click here!
