Faces of UNC Asheville
Anne Ponder
Chancellor
Chancellor Ponder is a native of Asheville and a lifelong educator. She earned her bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees in English from the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill. She began her academic career at Elon College (now Elon University) in North Carolina, where she was the first woman and first pre-tenure professor to receive the Daniels-Danieley Award for Excellence in Teaching. During her nine years at Elon, she taught English and communications, and founded the college’s Honors Program. >> More
Jane K. Fernandes
Provost & Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs
Jane Kelleher Fernandes joined UNC Asheville as Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs in July 2008. As an academic leader and educator of national prominence, her life's work—creating inclusive academic excellence in education at all levels—has taken her from Hawaii to the Atlantic seaboard. She earned a Master's degree and a Ph.D. in Comparative Literature from the University of Iowa. Her undergraduate degree is in French and Comparative Literature from Trinity College in Hartford, Conn. >> More
Elizabeth "Buffy" Bagwell
Vice Chancellor for University Advancement
Elizabeth “Buffy” Bagwell began as the Interim Vice Chancellor in June 2012, and was named Vice Chancellor for University Advancement by the Board of Trustees on December 3, 2012. In this role, Bagwell oversees the University Advancement division, which encompasses Major Gifts, Corporate and Foundation Relations, Family Business Forum, Alumni Relations and University Events, Annual Giving, Advancement Services, and External Relations. She brings to these areas a wealth of experience in matters of higher education, from fundraising and diversity issues to publications and event planning. >> More
Lucien “Skip” Capone III
University General Counsel
Lucien “Skip” Capone III is University Counsel with the University of North Carolina at Asheville and has held that position since April of 2010. Following a brief attempt at retirement in 2012, he rejoined the senior team in 2013. >> More
Janet Cone
Senior Administrator for University Enterprises & Athletics Director
Janet Cone joined UNC Asheville as Athletics Director in April 2004. Previously, she served as Associate Athletics Director at Samford University in Birmingham, AL. Samford, which has 4,500 students, competes at the NCAA Division I level and offers 17 men's and women's sports. >> More
Bill Haggard
Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs
Bill Haggard joined UNC Asheville as Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs in July 2006. Dr. Haggard came to UNC Asheville from Western Carolina University, where he had served for nine years as Associate Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs and for five years as Dean for Student Development. Earlier in his career, Haggard served as Asst. Dean of Students at FSU and Director of Youth Ministries at First United Methodist Church in Clearwater, F.L. >> More
John G. Pierce
Vice Chancellor for Finance & Campus Operations
John G. Pierce joined UNC Asheville as Vice Chancellor for Finance & Campus Operations in August 2008. Pierce comes to the position with more than 20 years of chief financial officer experience. >> More
Christine Riley
Chief of Staff
Christine Riley joined UNC Asheville in October 2005. Previously, she worked closely with UNC Asheville Chancellor Anne Ponder at Colby-Sawyer College. A New Hampshire native, Riley's responsibilities primarily involve people and planning. She currently oversees the Human Resources Department and the Communication & Marketing Department, and is overseeing the implementation of UNC Asheville’s strategic plan through her work with the University Planning Council. >> More