HENDERSONVILLE – Blue Ridge Community College welcomed three new members to its Board of Trustees this summer, including Dr. Janice C. King, Alfred F. Platt, Jr. and Mike Hawkins. King and Hawkins will serve four-year terms, and Platt will serve for two years to complete the term of a recently outgoing member. The new trustees will help Blue Ridge accomplish its mission, vision and strategic goals toward workforce development and student success.

“Our community owes a debt to our new and returning trustees, as well as those who have recently completed their service,” said Dr. Laura B. Leatherwood, Blue Ridge’s president. “Thanks to them, our College remains a strong component in our region’s workforce pipeline, transforming lives through education and bolstering the industries that make our communities great.” 

Dr. King was appointed to the role by the Henderson County Board of Public Education, and both Platt and Hawkins were appointed by North Carolina’s governor.

King retired from the school system in 2021, having served in roles including teacher, principal, regional consultant and assistant superintendent. She earned her Doctorate in Educational Leadership from Western Carolina University in 2016.

Platt joins Blue Ridge Community College after retiring from more than 40 years in the field of architecture. He founded Brevard-based PLATT, a full-service architecture, construction, and interior design firm. Platt earned a Master of Architecture degree from North Carolina State University in 1975.

Hawkins is the president of Pisgah Enterprises, Inc., which owns and operates commercial and residential properties across Western North Carolina, including Brevard’s Pisgah Fish Camp seafood restaurant. Hawkins served as a Transylvania County commissioner for 12 years, and he holds an MBA from the University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill.

“We’re glad to welcome these accomplished individuals to our Board of Trustees here at Blue Ridge Community College,” said Chip Gould, the Board’s chairman. “Our College has a storied history of opening doors for those who live here. I have no doubt that our Board’s combined skill sets will greatly aid our strategic decision-making efforts as we continue to serve Western North Carolina, especially Henderson and Transylvania Counties.”

As the new academic year begins, several trustees were reappointed, including Dr. Brian Weaver, Nathan Kennedy, Mike Pressley and Kelly Leonard. 

Board Chairman John B. “Chip” Gould and members Vivian A. Bolaños, Catherine P. Childress, Dr. H. Clay Eddleman, Betty A. Gash, Mark A. Isabelli and James R. Rasmussen will continue their Board service alongside President Leatherwood.

Former trustees Steve Dozier, Dr. Jeremy Gibbs and Duke Woodhull recently completed their service to the Blue Ridge Community College Board of Trustees.