NCICU - Key Persons
Dr. Hope Williams joined NCICU in 1986 and has served as president since 1992. She is an advocate on state and federal public policy issues, represents independent higher education with other education sectors, seeks scholarship and program support for students and campuses, and fosters collaborative partnerships among campuses. She received her postsecondary degrees from Duke University, NCSU and UNC-Chapel Hill.
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- Business Development Specialist
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- Special Projects / Intern
Alexis A. Thompson is a native of Fayetteville, North Carolina. She is in her senior year at Campbell University where she is majoring in Communication with a concentration in Pre-Law and a minor in Community Leadership and Engagement. Before attending Campbell, Alexis went to Berean Baptist Academy in Fayetteville. Alexis is on track to graduate in May 2024. At school, she serves as the 2023-2024 Student Body Vice President, a devoted member of Lam bda Pi Chi: Communication National Honor Society, and engages in many other organizations. She has also received honor awards ranging from the Dean's List (3.5 GPA or higher for the academic semester) to several scholarship awards. Her experience at Campbell has been instrumental in developing her passions for legislation, and community engagement, as well as diversity and inclusion. Alexis is excited and humbled to serve as a 2023-2024 NCICU Special Projects Intern.
Job Titles:
- Director of Research ( Grant )
Carolyn Mata previously worked with our sister organization, the Georgia Independent College Association, from 2010 until 2018 and has been with NCICU since 2016. She earned a B.S. in Elementary Education from The University of Central Florida, an M.Ed. in Education from Rollins College, and an M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction from The University of Central Florida. In addition, she holds master's and PhD degrees in Sociology from Florida State University. In her role as Director of Research, Dr. Mata is responsible for keeping abreast of state and national studies on higher education and providing statistical and analytical support for a variety of research projects to emphasize the importance and value of independent education. She also is the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) state coordinator for NCICU's 36 institutions. She currently serves as a national IPEDS Educator.
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- President / Johnson C. Smith University
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- Associate Director of ICFNC
- Director / Independent College Fund of North Carolina
Colleen Kinser joined the Independent College Fund in July 2009 as Associate Director of ICFNC. She managed the gift-tracking process, donor database and fundraising reporting and worked extensively with financial aid directors. Kinser took on the role of director of ICFNC in May 2017. As director, she provides stewardship for current donors, cultivates new donors, as well as researches and writes grant proposals. Prior to working at NCICU, she worked in the Institutional Advancement office at Meredith College for 4 years. Colleen earned both her B.A. and MBA at Meredith College.
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- President / Queens University of Charlotte
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- Director of Special Projects, the Digital Learning Initiative, and Science of Reading Project Co - Manager ( Grant )
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- President / Livingstone College
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- President / Brevard College
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- President / William Peace University
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- President / Cabarrus College of Health Sciences
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- President / Saint Augustine 's University
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- President / Warren Wilson College
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- President / Catawba College
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- President / Davidson College
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- President / Barton College
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- President / University of Mount Olive
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- President / N.C. Wesleyan University
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- President / Lenoir - Rhyne University
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- President / Louisburg College
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- President / Lees - McRae College
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- President / Campbell University
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- Chairman / President / Meredith College
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- President / Guilford College
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- President / Greensboro College
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- President / Montreat College
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- President / Shaw University
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- President / Wingate University
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- President / Pfeiffer University
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- President / Methodist University
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- President / Salem College
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- President / Wake Forest University
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- President / St. Andrews University
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- President / Duke University
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- President / Gardner - Webb University
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- President / Belmont Abbey College
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- VP of Strategic Partnerships
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- Executive Assistant
- Office Manager
Gwenn Hobbs has worked for NCICU for 25 years. She serves as Office Manager, coordinates the president's schedule and correspondence and manages the NCICU database. Gwenn also provides accounting and human resources administrative support for the office. She holds an Associate of Arts degree from Peace College and a BA in Psychology from North Carolina State University.
Vicki joins NCICU from North Carolina's Department of Public Instruction where she served in a variety of increasingly responsible IT roles since 2008. Her most recent position was IT Team Lead, ensuring uninterrupted operational system availability for the critical statewide application for the Exception Children Division. In addition to maintaining NCICU's IT needs and representing NCICU on the development of the State Longitudinal Data System, Vicki works with IT directors on our 36 campuses. Vicki earned a B.S. in Computer Science from University of Central Texas with a concentration in Psychology, an A.A.S in Computer Programming and Analysis from Central Texas College, and is PMP certified.
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- President / Mars Hill University
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- Assistant Director / Independent College Fund of North Carolina
Lexie Daniels joined NCICU in March of 2022 and serves as the Assistant Director of the Independent College Fund of North Carolina. Prior to joining NCICU, Lexie worked both in corporate planning, as well as with North Carolina Public Schools. As the Assistant Director of ICFNC she coordinates scholarship administration to students, accounts for annual scholarship donations, and helps to manage donor relations. Lexie holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from William Peace University.
Marcel Anderson joined NCICU to oversee the iBelong mentoring grant. Previously, Marcel taught in the field of High School Special Education as a Case Manager. Marcel was inspired to create a mentoring program. He founded Accelerating Men Inc. in 2014, a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization created to help educate, train, and cultivate African- American young men to accelerate in their identity, build their self-esteem and character and show them how to live a healthy lifestyle. Marcel received his B.A. in Psychology from Saint Augustine's University and his Master's in Human Behavior from Capella University.
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- Interim President / Chowan University
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Job Titles:
- Science of Reading Project Co - Manager ( Grant )
Patsy L. Pierce has a master's degree in Speech-Language Pathology and a PhD in Special Education and Literacy from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She worked as a speech-language pathologist for over 20 years in early intervention, public schools, and residential facilities. She also served as NC's Early Intervention Program's Services Director, as a consultant to the state's pre-K and exceptional children's services, and as a legislative analyst for the NC General Assembly. Dr. Pierce worked with several national Head Start practice centers such as the Family Literacy Center and with the international Open Society Foundation's early childhood initiatives.
Phil Kirk serves as NCICU's senior advisor on community relations, including business, government and public relations. Phil was President/CEO of North Carolina Citizens for Business and Industry (NCCBI), the state chamber of commerce, and was Publisher of the North Carolina Magazine for 16 years. He was Chief of Staff for Governors Holshouser and Martin, as well as for U.S. Senator Jim Broyhill; and twice served as Secretary of the NC Department of Health and Human Resources. A graduate of Catawba College, Phil also served for 20 years on the Meredith College Board of Trustees.
Job Titles:
- Director of Programs and Special Assistant to the President
Rebecca Leggett joined NCICU in 2015 after a lengthy career in independent higher education at William Peace University where she served most recently as Director of Visitor Services. Previously, she also served in an operations role in areas such as purchasing, accounts payable, telecommunications and postal services. She holds a B.A. degree in English from Gardner-Webb University and has conducted graduate study in American Literature.
Savannah Willette is a senior at Elon University where she is currently obtaining a degree in Policy Studies with a minor in Communications. Outside her work with NCICU, Savannah is a John M. Belk Impact Fellow, an opportunity that has allowed her to continue her passion for education policy and advocacy in North Carolina. After graduation, Savannah intends to pursue a career that combines her interest in public policy, education reform and communications.
Job Titles:
- Senior Advisor
- Senior Advisor ( Grant )
Steve Brooks serves NCICU as a senior advisor on a number of issues involving collaboration with other sectors of higher education in North Carolina. Prior to joining NCICU, Steve was executive director of the State Education Assistance Authority for nearly 18 years and, prior to that, was employed at two NCICU institutions - Louisburg College and Wake Forest University - for a combined 20 years. Steve received his undergraduate, masters, and doctoral degrees from UNC-Chapel Hill.
A native of Sampson County, North Carolina, Sarah Strickland graduated from North Carolina State University in May 2022. She is a second-year student at Campbell University Norman Adrian Wiggins School of Law. Sarah is a member of the Campbell Law Review and is a McIntyre-Whichard Legal Fellow.
Marilyn earned her undergraduate degree from North Carolina Central University and her master's and doctoral degrees from Atlanta University.
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- President / Bennett College
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Job Titles:
- Vice President for Government Relations and General Counsel
Tom West joined NCICU in November 2014 and serves as vice president for government relations and general counsel. Prior to joining NCICU, Tom was a partner at Poyner Spruill LLP for over 17 years and, prior to that, served North Carolina as an administrative law judge for 11 years. Tom received his undergraduate degree from UNC-Chapel Hill and his law degree from Duke Law School.
Job Titles:
- Director of Information Technology