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Two Burke County champions of NCSSM-Morganton – Johnnie Carswell and Kathy Bailey – were recognized by the school at a leadership reception in Morganton on Sept. 19 for their help in bringing the North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics to Morganton.
Carswell, who will be retiring from the Burke County Board of Commissioners in November, committed fully to advocating for the western campus, never missing an opportunity to herald the merits of Morganton as its home. NCSSM’s Chancellor, Todd Roberts, lauded Carswell as “a steadfast champion for the institution. He’s gone to bat for us many, many times locally and at the state level. We would not be standing here today without him.”
Bailey, who has just retired from UNC Health Blue Ridge, shepherded a $5 million philanthropic gift to the school from the organization. When announced at NCSSM-Morganton’s groundbreaking in 2019, it was the largest single donation to the school in the school’s history. Kevin Baxter, Vice Chancellor & Chief Campus Officer for NCSSM-Morganton, said of Bailey, “She has been there for the school every step of the way to reinforce on behalf of the region the commitment that this community had to the School of Science and Math.”
UNC Health Blue Ridge operates the Student Health Clinic at NCSSM-Morganton, which is also available to faculty and staff. It will be based in the Student Wellness and Activities Center, now under construction, which is being named in honor of UNC Health Blue Ridge in recognition of its gift.
NCSSM is truly grateful for the faith these friends placed in us. We applaud their leadership and wish them well in their retirement.