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Below you will find a member list of our Board of Trustees. Click a name to read their bio.

Ashburn, Mr. William "Wick" - Vice Chairman	Nichols, Dr. J. Wade
Blanton, Mr. Ed	Pearce, Mr. Hugo A. "Hap"
Bridgers, The Rev. Kirk P.	Pearson, Mr. L. Wayne - Treasurer
Brodie III, Mr. Willard O.	Prince, Mr. Marshall
Carter, Mr. Joel M.	Reid, Mr. Michael
Dukes, Mr. William B. "Bill"	Snyder, Mr. Frank S.
Fulmer, Mr. Carroll L.	Spotts, Mrs. Kathy
Gordy, The Rev. H. Julian	Surles, Mr. John Michael "Mike"
Gregorie, Mr. Philip P. "Shay"	Thacker, Ms. Betty Warren
Hart, Mr. R. Jonathan "Shot"	Vorpagel, Mr. David L.
Havird, Mr. Eddie P.	Walker, Mr. William P. - Chairman
Hudgens II, Dr. John H.	West, Mr. Billye
Jennings, Mr. Wirt H. - Secretary	West, Mr. Edward C. "Ed"

Ashburn, Mr. William "Wick"

William W. “Wick” Ashburn III, was born in Savannah, Georgia. He and his wife, Margie Manley
Ashburn, also from Savannah, have five beautiful daughters. One daughter is a graduate of Newberry
College, and two others are presently enrolled.

Wick received his Bachelor of Arts degree from Newberry College in 1965, and a Juris Doctor degree from the Walter F. George School of Law, Mercer University, Macon Georgia, in 1974.

He was in the active practice of law in Savannah as the senior partner in the law firm of Ashburn,
Beckmann, and Lewis, P.A. During this time Wick also served professionally as Judge Pro-Tem in the
Superior Court of the Eastern Judicial Circuit of Georgia.

While in Savannah, Wick served volunteered on the Board of Directors of Skytel Aviation, Inc., Ducks
Unlimited (serving also as President), and Montgomery Fire Department Inc. of Savannah (now Southside Fire Department).

In 1985, Wick and Margie moved to Highlands, N.C., where they own Coldwell Banker Ashburn Real Estate. Wick is a past member of the Board of Directors of the Highlands-Cashiers Board of Realtors
and Multiple Listing Service, and former Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Highlands Chamber of
Commerce. He currently serves as Vice Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Newberry College, and is a member of the National and North Carolina Association of Realtors, the Georgia Bar Association, and the Highlands Rotary Club.

Wick and Margie are active members of Community Bible Church in Highlands. They have also served on the Boards of the Southeastern Conference of CBMC (Christian Business Men’s Committee) and Vision Foundation, Inc.

Blanton, Mr. Ed

Ed Blanton joined Lutheran Brotherhood in August of 1986 as a District Representative in Columbia, S.C. In 1990, he joined Lutheran Brotherhood Management as an Associate General Agent. That same year, he attained his Certified Financial Planner (CFP) designation from the CFP Board of Standards in Denver, Colorado. In 1994, he became a General Agent, managing an agency that covered a large portion of the Southeastern United States. Currently, Mr. Blanton is a Managing Partner with Thrivent Financial for Lutherans. His Regional Financial Office supports over 100 Financial Associates serving over 200,000 Lutherans in Georgia, North Carolina and South Carolina.

Ed is a member of the National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors, the General Agents and Manager Association, National Association of Fraternal Insurance Counselors, and the Financial Planners Association. As a senior planner in the Regional Financial Office, he works with associates on advanced cases. Mr. Blanton is currently a LifeMap Financial P1anner through Thrivent Investment Management Inc.

Ed, his wife Beverly and two sons reside in Mt. Pleasant, S.C., and are active members of St. Matthews Lutheran Church. They enjoy boating, fishing, golf and skiing in their spare time.

Bridgers, Rev. Kirk P.

The Rev. Kirk P. Bridgers currently serves as a Minister at Peachtree Road Lutheran Church in Atlanta, Ga., where he has served since 1984. Bridgers graduated Cum Laude from Newberry College in 1974 and received his Masters of Divinity in 1979, from the Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary.

While at Newberry College he served as Chapel Assistant to former Chaplain Harry Weber and Senior Class President. He received the Freedom Foundation Award for R.O.T.C. and was named to Who’s Who in American Colleges and Universities.

Prior to his move to Atlanta, Ga. He served at Solomon Lutheran church in Greenville, Tenn., (1979-1983); and worked as a Revenue Officer for the U.S. Treasury, (1974-1975).

Bridgers in actively involved within the community, some of his past and current affiliations include: Guidance Coordinator Professional Leadership Committee, (Southern Synod, ELCA); Interagency Youth Council, Board of Directors, (Greeneville, Tenn.); Chairman World Hunger Appeal of Southeastern Synod ELCA; Chaplain Greeneville Police Department, (Greene County, Tenn.); Lutheran Church of America Commissioner on Religion in Appalachia; Interfaith Association of North Atlanta, Founder board Member; Vice-Chair, Board of Directors Atlanta Host; Chair, Denominational Steering Committee of Quest Atlanta; Chair, Board of Directors Quest Atlanta, (1996); Chaplain, on-call F.B.I Atlanta Division; Established and Founded Peachtree Road Lutheran Child Development Center, (1984); Georgia Salzburger society; ELCA Representation to Georgia Christian Council, Executive Board).

Brodie, III, Mr. Willard O. "Rusty"

Williard O."Rusty" Brodie III, graduated from Newberry College in 1977, with a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting. He has been a partner in Brodie, Summers & Wilkes, CPAs, LLP since 1980. He is a member of the SC Association of CPAs and AICPA and a member of Episcopal Church of the Redeemer where he served on the Vestry and Finance Committee. His civic organizations include: the Kiwanis Club of Orangeburg, Downtown Orangeburg Revitalization Association (Economic Restructuring Committee), and Advisory Board Member for the South Carolina Bank & Trust.

Rusty has been married to Cindy Brodie since 1979 and they have two daughters.

Carter, Mr. Joel M.

Joel M. Carter graduated from Brookland-Cayce High School in Cayce, S.C., in 1978. He continued his education at Clemson University where he received a Bachelor of Science from the College of Architecture in 1982; a Bachelor of Science in Building and Construction & Management in 1983; and an Overseas Study in Genoa, Italy through the College of Architecture in 1983.

Joel’s 23 years of architectural experience includes expertise in design, construction documents and job observation on all types of corporate, educational and church building facilities; as well as managing a staff of 16 architects, CAD technicians, designers and administrative personnel.

Joel has been a Registered Architect in the State of South Carolina since 1990, and a principal of Jumper Carter Sease Architects, formerly Drafts & Jumper Architects, since 1991.

His professional organizations include: American Institute of Architects Committee on Architecture for Education, AIA SC Board of Directors, 2002 - 2005; and AIA/AGC Joint Cooperative Committee, 1998 – present; former chairman 1999 – 2003.

In the community, he has been involved with the Cayce-West Columbia Lions Club, 1985 – present; Lexington Chamber of Commerce; St. Stephen Lutheran Church - Church Council Member, 1997 – 2000; Speakers’ Bureau for 2004 Bond Referendum – Lexington School District One; Task Force for Facilities Nomenclature, 2003 - Lexington School District One; and Lexington County Board of Adjusters, 2005 - present.

Joel enjoys sailing, fishing, hunting and traveling. He is a dedicated Newberry College and Clemson football fan. Joel is married to Dee H. Carter, MD, formerly of Rock Hill, S.C. They have one son, Tyler, who is enrolled at Newberry College.

Dukes, Mr. William B. "Bill"

William B. "Bill" Dukes was born in Columbia, S.C. He attended Dreher High School and graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree from The Darla Moore School of Business at the Universoty of South Carolina. He served four years in the United States Air Force, was promoted to captain in 1968, and received the Air Force Commendation Medal.

Mr. Dukes' career as a restaurateur is remarkable. He was the Senior Vice President of Steak and Ale Restaurants and is co-founder and joint venture partner of Longhorn Steakhouses in North and South Carolina. He is founder and joint venture partner of the Blue Marlin Seafood Restaurants in N.C., S.C., and Va. There are Steak and Ale, Longhorn Steakhouses, and Blue Marlin Restaurants in Columbia, SC. Additionally, Mr. Dukes is the founder of Willy's Grill located in The Vista in Columbia.

Mr. Dukes has been an active supporter of the University of South Carolina. He is past member of the USC Education Foundation and Executive Committee, and past member of the Alumni Council. He is a lifetime member of the Alumni Association and the Gamecock Club. He serves on the USC Executive Board for the Bicentennial Campaign.

Bill Dukes is a dynamic leader in professional and community organizations. He was chairman of the Regional Convention Center and Arena Study Committees, and now serves as chairman of the Regional Convention Center Commission. He has served on the board of directors for the Greater Columbia Chamber of Commerce, and serves on the board of The State Museum Foundation, the South Carolina Restaurant Association, and is an appointed member of the SC Department of Natural Resources Marine Advisory Committee.

Mr. Dukes and his wife, JoAnne, have two sons - Ryan and Matthew. They are members of Mountain Horeb Lutheran Church in Chapin, S.C.

Fulmer, Mr. Carroll L.

A self-employed businessman since 1953, Carroll L. Fulmer is an Officer and Director of the following corporations: Carroll Fulmer Holding Corporation; Carroll Fulmer Logistics Corporation; Fulmer Leasing Corporation; Carroll Fulmer Brokerage Corporation; Carroll Fulmer Management Co., Inc.; Magnolia Park West, Inc.; Bay Lake Estates of Mascotte, Inc.; Pact Real Estate Ga.; Pact Real Estate Calif.; Pact Real Estate N.C.; Sarann Corporation; TNK Trucking Corporation, and Pact Wireless Communications, Inc.

Mr. Fulmer is also a former board of director of the Transit Group, Inc. out of Atlanta, Ga.; a former board member of the Florida Trucking Association, and a former board member of the American Trucking Association. In addition, he is affiliated with the National Agricultural Transportation League, EOLA Masonic 201, Scottish Rite, and the Bahia Shrine Temple.

His religious and public service affiliations and activities include: former member and past president of the church council for St. Paul Evangelical Lutheran Church of Orlando; former board of directors for Orlando Lutheran Towers; current member of Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church in Clermont, Florida; past scout leader for the Boy Scouts of America; past Indian guide in Orlando, Florida; four-year term for the Orange County Zoning & Planning Board; member of the City of Orlando Naval Training Center; member of the board of visitors for the Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary; past board member for Orlando General Hospital; and former member of the City Advisory Board/AmSouth Bank.

Additionally, he served his country in the Naval Reserve from 1951-1959. He enjoys flying, fishing, hunting, and traveling; and has been married for over 50 years to the former Barbara Ann Boatwright.

Gordy, The Rev. H. Julian

A native of Newnan, Georgia, Julian Gordy served as pastor of St. Andrew Lutheran Church, Franklin, TN; ChristusVictor Lutheran Church, Ocean Springs, MS; and Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, Morristown, TN before his election as bishop of the ELCA Southeastern Synod in June, 2007. He received the A.B. in religion from Mercer University in Macon, Georgia n 1972 and the M. Div. from Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary in 1985.

A long-time proponent of ministries of mercy and justice, he was a founding member of the Bard of MATS, a uniquehome for homeless persons in Morristown, and of Samaritan Ministry f Jackson County, an ecumenical emergency relief agency on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. He has been involved in numerous community and church agencies and boards in Tennessee and Mississippi and was active in the founding of Lutheran Episcopal Services of Mississippi. He has served church agencies and institutions in a number of roles, most recently as Secretary of the Board of Trustees of Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary. Pastor Gordy has been a frequent leader of workshops on organizational structure, consensus decision-making, mission development and liturgical renewal.

Before attending Southern Seminary, Pastor Gordy worked in university and hospital administration and in housing restoration. He is married to the Reverend Dr. P. Morgan Gordy, pastor of Faith Lutheran Church in Lebanon, Tennessee. They have four children and five grandchildren. His hobbies include backpacking, sailing and woodworking.

Gregorie, Mr. Philip Porcher "Shay"

Born in Charleston, S.C., Philip Porcher “Shay” Gregorie was raised at Oakland Plantation in Mt. Pleasant, S.C. He attended Moultrie High School and graduated from Newberry College with a Bachelor of Arts degree in History in 1969. Gregorie serves as a USMC Communications Officer from 1973-1976.

His past business experience includes Gregorie Oil Company, Gasoline and Fuel Wholesale, (1976-1997); Gregorie’s Food Marts, Convenience Stores, (1984-1997); and Blimpie Carolina, Fast Food Franchises, (1992-1999).

Mr. Gregorie’s current business affiliations include: KOA Campground Franchise, Mt. Pleasant, S.C., (1995-present); Gregorie Land Company, Real Estate Holding, (1997-present); Buffalo Creek Land Company, Real Estate Development, (1997-present); Jack Flash, Inc., Car Washes, (2001-present); TDS of Charleston, LLC , (2002-present); Oakland Properties, LLC, (2004-present).

He and his wife, Bonnie Broadway Gregorie married in 1977 and have four children (Shay Jr., Emily, Rachel, and Kirk). They are a member of Christ Episcopal Church, and in his spare time Shay is a student pilot, plays some golf, and claims to be a crossword junkie.

Hart, Mr. R. Jonathan "Shot"

R. Jonathan "Shot" Hart has been associated with the law firm of Lee and Clark, P.C. since 1976. In 1982 he became a partner with the firm, and in 1989 he became managing partner of Lee, Black, Hart & Rouse, P.C. His specialized field of practice includes diverse areas of civil litigation on behalf of business and institutional clients, and representation of clients in commercial conflict resolution; workers compensation; employment discrimination law, Title VII; sexual harassment; class actions; products liability; ERISA claims; insurance defense litigation (including common carriers); commercial contract litigation; and land use planning matters. His criminal law representation is limited to representation required by order of the Federal District Court and the Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals.

Shot has also served as the Recorders Court Judge pro tem - Rincon, Ga.; Recorders Court Judge pro tem - Port Wentworth, Ga.; Georgia Special Assistant Attorney General (Georgia Ports Authority); attorney for Savannah/Chatham County Board of Education; and attorney for Chatham County Hospital Authority (1996-1999). Currently, he is the attorney for Chatham County, Ga. (1999 to present).

His publications and lectures include: Faculty Member with the Georgia Bar Association, Institute of Continuing Legal Education in Georgia; Author of Ethical and Practical Considerations of the Representation of an Employer and Insurer; Lecture presented to Workers' Compensation Section of the Georgia Bar Association; Author of Impact of the Americans With Disabilities Act of 1990 and Other Federally Related Legislation upon an Employer; lecture presented on subject at the Annual Meeting of the Workers' Compensation Section of the State Bar of Georgia on behalf of the Institute of Continuing Legal Education; author of Current Medical Issues in Workers' Compensation Programs; lecture presented on behalf of the National Business Institute (1992); author of Employer's Obligation for Accommodations under the Americans With Disabilities Act on behalf of the National Business Institute;
author of Preparation and Considerations of an Employer's Implementation of a Drug-Free Workplace Program; lecture in training series for implementation of a drug-free workplace program for employers on behalf of the Savannah Chamber of Commerce (1993-1994); author of The Care and Feeding of an Expert Witness; presented on behalf of the Institute of Continuing Legal Education in Georgia, Trial Advocacy Seminar, Georgia Bar Association (1993); lecture presented in Atlanta, Ga., to the State Bar of Georgia's Trial Advocacy Section; author of Subrogation Rights, Coordination of Medical Benefits in Changing Health Environment presented to the Savannah Claims Association in April of 1994.

Shot's professional memberships include: American Bar Association, Savannah Bar Association, State Bar of Georgia, South Carolina Bar Association, South Carolina Trial Lawyers Association, American Bar Association Section on Judicial Administration Division, American Bar Association Division of Labor and Employment Law, American Bar Association Section on Litigation, Georgia Bar Association Section on Environmental Law, Labor and Employment Law Section and Workers' Compensation Law Section, and Pro Bono work for Lawyers Referral Service.

He graduated from Newberry College in 1973, and the University of South Carolina School of Law in 1976. During his time at USC, he was a Research Assistant to Walter A. Reiser, Law Professor; assisted in the preparation of text materials and civil procedure involving South Carolina Code pleadings; and a research assistant for the compilation of cases to be used for publication of Wigmore on Evidence (1974-1976). At Newberry College, he was a recipient of a four-year full athletic scholarship and lettered three years Varsity football; a member of Blue Key Honor Fraternity; Senior Class President; Student Senate Representative;
President of Fellowship Christian Athletes; Student Representative to the Arts and Lecture Committee Curriculum and Faculty Evaluation Committee; and President of the Student Advisory Committee.

In the community, he is a member of the Salvation Army Advisory Board, Council person for Messiah Lutheran Church, former member of the Board of Newberry College Foundation, former member of YMCA Family Center Board, active participant for over 13 years in YMCA and other youth-related sports programs, active participant in the United Cerebral Palsy Association, and a member of the Civitan Club.

Havird, Mr. Ed Jr.

Ed Havird Jr., received his Bachelor of Science degree in Economics from Newberry College in 1976. He and his wife, Sharon Powers Havird (’82), have two children, Paul and Clark.

After graduating from Newberry College, Mr. Havird began working for Palmetto Propane and Ice and Havird Oil Company. He currently serves as president of the business.

In the community he has serves as president of the Batesburg-Leesville Chamber of Commerce, the Ponderosa Country Club, and the South Carolina Propane Gas Association. Mr. Havird presently serves on the Deacon Board at First Baptist Church of Batesburg and the SCANA Advisory Board. He is also a Mentor at the Batesburg-Leesville School.

Ed and Sharon are members of the Newberry College President’s Club, both having served on the Executive Committee. They have also hosted several socials for alumni and friends of the Midlands in their home.

Hudgens II, Dr. John H.

Dr. John H. Hudgens II, was the nineteenth person and the eighth alumnus to occupy the Office of the President at Newberry College. He assumed the role of interim president, June 1, 1999 after the retirement of Dr. Peter French. Dr. Hudgens was elected President of Newberry College in February of 2000.

A 1960 graduate of Newberry College, Dr. Hudgens’ commitment as an educator has spanned four decades. He began his career as a teacher and coach at Orangeburg High School in 1960, and became principal in 1969. In 1972, he entered Richland County School District Two as principal of Spring Valley High School. He spent 22 years in the district, serving the last nine as Superintendent of Education. During his tenure as superintendent, the district raised test scores, built three new schools, instituted full-day kindergarten, and maintained financial accountability. The district’s schools also won 43 state incentive awards, Blue Ribbon Awards from the U.S. Department of Education, and were recognized by Redbook magazine.

Dr. Hudgens earned a master’s degree in education from Clemson University in 1964, an advanced degree in education administration from the University of South Carolina in 1975, and a doctorate in education administration from USC in 1977. He served on the adjunct faculty of USC’s Graduate School of Education.

Dr. Hudgens’ many accolades include the 1996 Distinguished Service Award, a national honor from the American Association of School Administrators; the 1991 South Carolina Superintendent of the Year awards; and the 1994 Athena Award from the Columbia Chamber of Commerce. In 1993, he was one of ten superintendents selected by the British Council to participate in a study tour of Northern Ireland. He has been active in the South Carolina Association of School Superintendents, serving as president in 1992-1993 and chair of the organization’s Legislative Committee in 1991-1992. He has also served as president of the South Carolina Association of Secondary School Principals, board member of the South Carolina Council on Economic Education, and on the faculty of the South Carolina Superintendent’s Academy. He was one of 60 “effective principals” selected nationwide by the national Association of Secondary School principals. He has served as chair of ten Evaluation Committees in South Carolina for the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, and was chair of the SACS Liaison Committee for Secondary Schools and Commission on Occupational Institutions.

Dr. Hudgens was chair of the Education Division and a trustee for United Way of the Midlands. He was on the board of directors of the Northeast Area Chamber of Commerce; a board member of Columbia Area Junior Achievement; and a trustee of Cities in Schools – Columbia, Inc. He is past president of the Orangeburg Lions Club, the Dentsville-North Trenholm Lions Club and the Forest Acres Rotary Club. He served as an elder at Forest Lake Presbyterian Church.

Dr. Hudgens has been an alumni leader at Newberry College, serving as past president of the Alumni Association, past president of the Lettermen’s Club, former board member of the Indian Club, and former alumni representative to the Board of Trustees.

He is married to Martha Eargle Hudgens, Newberry College Class of 1961. They have two children and five grandchildren.

Jennings, Mr. Wirt H.

Newberry native by birth, Wirt H. Jennings, Jr., received his Bachelor of Science degree in mathematics and chemistry from Newberry College in 1949. Wirt and his wife Carrie Lucille Braswell married in 1947, and have three children.

Mr. Jennings, a retired marketing executive, has served in many capacities including: area representative to manager Thomas A. Edison Inc., (1949-1952); sales trainee Esso Standard Oil, (1952-1955); sales representative, (1955-1956); sales supervisor/assistant district manager Esso, Humble, Enco (1956-1964); District Manager Esso, Humble, Enco, (1964-1967); project coordinator Esso, Humble, Enco (1967-1968); national project coordinator, Exxon Company, (1968-1975); innovative project coordinator, Exxon Company, (1975-1980); project coordinator Memphis Region, (1980-1983); Marketing Coordinator Exxon Company, (1983-1985); and president Marketing Expeditors Inc., (1985-1993).

Wirt has served as president of the State of Alabama Petroleum Council, Birmingham, Ala. (1955); co-founder, president of the Cayce-West Columbia Jaycees, (1956); member founding board of directors for National Institute of Automotive Service Excellence, Washington, D.C., (1972-1974); president and ex-officio of Columbia Chapter Exxon Annuitants Club, (1995); Newberry County councilman, (1996); vice-president of AARP, Newberry, (1997); commander of Newberry College Home Guard, (1997); and chairman of Newberry County Republican Party, (1997).

In his spare time, Mr. Jennings enjoys fishing, hunting and playing golf.

Nichols, Dr. Julian Wade

A native to Newberry, S.C., Dr. Julian Wade Nichols received his Bachelor of Science degree from Newberry College in 1972. He and his wife, Paula, have two children.

After graduation he attended the Medical University of South Carolina, College of Dental Medicine in Charleston, S.C. where he received his Doctor of Dental Medicine in 1975. In 1980, he received his Certificate in Endodontics from the Medical University of Virginia, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Dentistry in Richmond, Va.

Licensed in South Carolina, Virginia, Arkansas, Kentucky, and Tennessee, Dr. Nichols has practiced and consulted throughout the Palmetto State. Currently he serves on staff at Grandstand General Hospital in Myrtle Beach, S.C. since 1982, where he researched, formulated and authored the emergency room protocol.

His professional affiliations include: South Carolina Association of Endodontists, Charleston Dental Society, Grandstand Dental Society, Pee Dee Dental Society, American Association of Endodontists, American Dental Association, South Carolina Dental Association, and Greater Columbia Dental Association.

Pearce, Mr. Hugo A. "Hap"

Hugo A. “Hap” Pearce has been a member of the of the law firm Burris, MacMillan, Pearce and Burris, PLLC in Charlotte, N.C., since 1995. He represents small businesses and individuals in North Carolina and South Carolina in all aspects of their business operations, including the acquisition and sale of properties, mergers, and civil litigation. He has been involved in the sale, acquisition, and financing of more than 250 hotels, commercial properties, and other businesses.

Hap was born in Charleston, S.C. In 1967, he received his Bachelor of Arts degree from Newberry College. While at Newberry, he was president of Kappa Alpha Order, member of State Student Legislature, and representative for Men’s Council. His honors include membership in the Blue Key Honor society and Who’s Who in American Colleges and Universities.

After graduating from Newberry, he attended the University of South Carolina School of Law in Columbia, S.C., where he received his Juris Doctorate in 1973.

He and his wife, Janice Davis Pearce, currently reside in Charlotte, N.C. They have three children and four grandchildren.

Pearson, Mr. L. Wayne

L. Wayne Pearson was the President and Chief Executive Officer of Low Country Savings Bank, Mt. Pleasant, S.C., from its organization in 1986 until it was acquired by Carolina First Bank in 1997. In addition to these duties, he was Vice Chairman of the Lowcountry Board of Directors. Prior to that time, Mr. Pearson was a Vice President for the Savings Division of Cooper River Federal Savings and Loan Association, North Charleston, S.C.

Mr. Pearson is a resident of the East Cooper Area of Charleston for thirty-five years. He is a 1970 graduate of Newberry College, Newberry, S.C.,where he received a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration.

He is currently serving his second four-year term as a Board Member of the State Board of Financial Institutions. He was appointed to this Board in 1990. From 1990 to 1998, he served as an Advisory Board member of the Community Financial Institutions of South Carolina. He is also serving his third term on the Newberry Col1ege Board of Alumni Managers.

Other activities associated with Newberry College:

President Club Member
Indian Club member
Alumni Chainman of the Annual Fund Giving
Member of the Alumni Board of Managers
Member of the Newberry College Parents Association
Founding member of NCAPAN (The Newberry College Alumni and Parents Association)

Personal: Married to Patricia Brehmer Pearson, 1969 USC - BA; 1972 USC Law (Patricia is one of the first 100 women admitted to the SC Bar Association)

Children: son, Lewis Wayne, Jr. chemistry major at Newberry College (Lewie) son, Patrick Carter Pearson Wando High School in Mt Pleasant (Carter)

Member of AU Saints Lutheran Church in Mt. Pleasant, SC

Prince, Mr. Marshall

Marshall Prince is the Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of South Carolina. He has served in that role since 1991. Prior to his position with the U.S. Attorney's Office, he served as the Assistant Attorney General for South Carolina; Judicial Clerk for the Honorable Matthew J. Perry, U.S. District Judge for S.C.; Staff Attorney for the S.C. Department of Social Services; as well as Assistant Solicitor for the Third Judicial Circuit in Sumter, S.C.

He is a member of the City Council Judicial Screening Committee, Leadership Columbia Advisory Committee, Board of Midlands Marine Institute, Columbia Lawyers Association, Columbia Kiwanis Club, and the Board of Big Brothers/Big Sisters. Prince is also a member of Brookland Baptist Church and serves as Treasurer of the Brookland Foundation.

Reid, Mr. Michael E.

Serving as the Process Engineer of Track for Norfolk Southern Corporation in Atlanta, Ga., Michael E. Reid has played a vital role in the planning and execution of the Norfolk Southern Infrastructure Capital and Expense Improvement Programs. These programs range in the $500-700 million range on an annual basis and included 4500-7000 employees. He is a member of the Roadmasters Association, American Railway Engineering and Maintenance of Way Association, and the AILG-Diversity Council of Atlanta, Georgia.

An active supporter of Newberry College, Michael is a former Board Member of the Family Association and worked with his wife to refurbish the Cromer Hall Lobby. He has also helped organize and sponsor two golf tournaments to raise money for the Kappa Alpha Chapter and Muscular Dystrophy Foundation and one golf tournament for the Newberry College Men's Basketball Program. In addition, he has organized and sponsored the endowment scholarship in honor of Martin Luther Denton.

Snyder, Mr. Frank S.

Frank S. Snyder is a 1970 graduate of Newberry College. He earned his Med from the University of South Carolina in 1974. He is the Vice President of Human Resources at Caraustar Industrial & Consumer Products Group in Fort Mill, S.C. He received the honors of "Young Man of the Year", Rock Hill , (1978) and "Executive of the Year", Rock Hill ,S.C., (1993). Snyder is a member of the Palmetto Club- United Way of Greater Rock Hill, on the Executive Committee for Christian Youth Basketball Association, and serves on the New House Construction Crew for Habitat for Humanity. He was a Deacon and now serves as an adult Sunday School Teacher at Oakland Baptist Church .

Snyder is a member of Newberry College Board of Trustees and Chairman of Newberry College Foundation Board of Visitors. He and his wife, Lynn, reside in Rock Hill , S.C. They have two children.

Spotts, Ms. Kathy

Kathy Spotts is a 1963 graduate of Newberry College. In 1982 she earned her master's degree from Radford University. For 25 years, Kathy taught school in Florida; Paris, France; North Carolina; and Virginia. In 1997 she retired from the Franklin County School System in Virginia. She also worked with Resort Real Estate in Virginia in Sales and as the Lodge Manager for four years.

A very active member of the community, Kathy is the President of the Newberry College Alumni Association, member of the Opera House Guild, President-Elect of the Hospital Foundation, member of the Literary Study Club, and member of the Creative Arts Club in Newberry.

She is married to Phil Spotts and has three children, two stepchildren, and nine grandsons. She and Phil are members of Central United Methodist Church where she serves on the Administrative Board.

Surles, Mr. John Michael "Mike"

John Michael "Mike" Surles is a 1966 graduate of Newberry College with a degree in Sociology. Currently, he is the president of Mike Surles and Associates (residential real estate appraisal and sales firm founded in 1980), president of Surles Real Estate Group, and the president of Surles Partners (a development and investment company).

A professional in his field, Mike has served as the director and president of the Charleston Trident Association of Realtors, director and president of the Charleston MLS Service, and as a GRI Senior Instructor for 21 years. In addition, he was named the Realtor of the year in 1987 by the Charleston Association of Realtors.

Active in his community, Mike is a member of All Saints Lutheran Church, a past member/chairman of the Board of Adjustment Town of Mount Pleasant, past chairman of the Mount Pleasant Planning Commission, past member of the Charleston County Election Commission, and past member of the Newberry College Foundation Board.

He is married to Judy Dobbibs Surles and together they have two children (Mark and David) and four grandchildren (Reid, Katie, Lilly, and David).

Thacker, Ms. Betty Warren

Betty Warren Thacker graduated from Newberry College in 1962 with an english degree and minor in history. She then went on to further her education at the University of South Carolina and Furman and then earned her masters of Guidance and Counseling from Clemson University in 1987.

Professionally, she has been with the Greenville County School District in South Carolina since 1962 and has served in a variety of roles including 7th grade teacher, English teacher, and Guidance Counselor. She has also been a member of Alpha Delta Kappa Teacher Society and the South Carolina Education Association.

A leader in the community, Betty has been very involved with Messiah Lutheran Church, the Simpsonville Garden Club, and the Greenville Council of Garden Clubs. Currently, she is the President Elect of the Greenville Council of Garden Clubs and the Recording Secretary for the Simpsonville Garden Club.

Vorpagel, Mr. David L.

David L. Vorpagel started his career with the Aid Association for Lutherans in April of 1964, as a District Representative in the Orlando, Florida area. He was appointed Management Assistant in the Florida Agency in 1979, and Assistant General Agent in Memphis, Tennessee, in 1982. David was appointed General Agent of the Florida Agency in 1983.

David has been the recipient of National Sales Achievement Awards and national quality Awards both as a District Representative and during his management career. David has been recognized with the Agency Builder Award of the year for 1991 and 1992, for the Aid Association for Lutherans. He has served as a leader on congregational and district levels as well as professional organizations.

David and his wife, Ruth, live in Pickens, South Carolina. He has retired from AAL and enjoys time with his children and grandchildren on their farm. David and Ruth have 2 daughters, Lisa and Sarah. Lisa is an alumna of Newberry College.

David is currently serving on the Newberry College Foundation Board of Visitors. He served on the Newberry College Board of Trustees from 1993 - 2002.

Walker, Mr. William P.

William P. Walker, Jr., is one of the most experienced trial attorneys in South Carolina. A lawyer since 1973, Billy Walker has represented clients in over 200 jury trials. He has considerable experience in all phases of complex personal injury litigation including burn trauma and electrical injury cases, construction litigation, products liability, various types of wrongful death claims, and serious motor vehicle personal injury cases. His practice is largely limited to complex cases involving burn injuries related to fires and explosions. He has litigated cases in many states including South Carolina, North Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Tennessee, Alabama, Mississippi, Arkansas, California and New York.

He is a sustaining member of the American Association for Justice, where he holds the Founders Club status. He is also a member of the South Carolina Trial Lawyers Association and the South Carolina Bar Association with previous service as an elected member of the House of Delegates. His professional life includes membership in the American Bar Association, American Judicature Society and the Civil Justice Foundation. He is also a member of two legal groups that are by invitation only, the Melvin Belli Society and the Southern Trial Lawyers Association. Billy Walker also served as President of the Lexington Economic Development Association, was former Chairman and is a current member of the Board of the Newberry College Foundation, and was elected to and serves as Chairman of the Board of Trustees at Newberry College founded in 1856.

Billy is also a frequent lecturer on various legal issues at seminars and conventions where he is invited to present writings on important topics and trial tactics.

Newberry College (B.A. 1969)
University of South Carolina (J.D. 1973)
Admitted to Bar, 1973, South Carolina
4th Circuit Court of Appeals (1978)
United States District Court for South Carolina (1974)
Supreme Court of the United States (1979)

West, Mr. Billye

A Newberry native, Billye West was born to John B. and Gertie Mays West on February 2, 1938. He attended Newberry County schools and graduated from Newberry High in 1956. He attended the Palmetto Military Academy and graduated as a 2nd Lieutenant in 1961.

Mr. West is the president of West Electrical Contractors of Newberry, Inc., and owner of both West Development Company (real estate development), and Mini –Warehouses of Newberry College.

He is a member of Carolinas AGC; SC Waterfowl, Newberry Quail & Dove Assn.; Newberry Business Alliance, Newberry County Development Board/Chamber of Commerce; Newberry Country Club; Newberry Moose Lodge;, ISBA - Newberry High School; former state president of Mechanical Contractors Assn. of S.C.; and former president of Midlands Area Mechanical Contractors Assn. of SC.

Billye and his wife Peggie have five children (Misty, Brandy. Tiffany, Billye II and Sabin) and are members of the First Baptist Church, Newberry, S.C.

West, Mr. Edward C. "Ed"

Edward C. West Jr. was born in Charlotte, N.C. He is a graduate from Myers Park High School in Charlotte. In 1965, Ed received his Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Administration with minors in psychology and geography from Furman University in Greenville, S.C.

Since 1979, Ed has served as the founder and president of the General Steel Drum Corporation in Charlotte, N.C. His past business experience includes Carlyle Company, Charlotte, N.C., outside salesman/summer employee, (1958 – 1963); L and W Sandwich Company, Furman University, founder and president, (1962 – 1964); Furman University, Greenville, S.C., part-time employee for maintenance department, (1963 – 1964); Carlyle Corporation, Charlotte, N.C., Vice President, Sales, (1964 – 1966); Savannah Steel Drum Corporation, Savannah, Ga., Director of Marketing, (1966 – 1968); Rheem Manufacturing Company, Savannah, Ga., District Sales Manager, (1968-1973); and Rheem Manufacturing Company, New Orleans, La., Southern Regional Sales Manager, (1973-1979).

Ed is a member of Tau Kappa Epsilon Fraternity, The Knights Eternal Social Club, the Carmel Country Club (Charlotte, N.C.) and a member of Christ Covenant Presbyterian Church. He is the former president of the Furman University Paladin Club (1989), former Chairman of the Board of the Steel Shipping Container Institute (1989-1992).

Ed and his wife have two children, and in his spare time he enjoys playing golf and being around his grandchildren.

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