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Brenda Holcombe

Director of University Scholarships

Hometown: Grew up in Stone Mountain, GA, but call western North Carolina home now

Educational Background:  B.S. Therapeutic Recreation, Ä¢¹½¶ÌÊÓƵ(1994); M.S. Human Relations & Business, Amberton University (2008)

Professional background: Following graduation from Ä¢¹½¶ÌÊÓƵ, my first professional positions were at University of West Georgia in residential living then in undergraduate admissions.  My experience in admissions is what opened the door for me to return to my alma mater in January of 1997.  I worked in undergraduate admissions at Ä¢¹½¶ÌÊÓƵfor 11 years before transitioning into financial aid and then ultimately into my current role working with scholarships in 2012.

What I love about WCU: All of it! I never expected as a rising high school senior that Western would have such a significant presence throughout my life. The people. The place. The opportunities for sevice and involvement. The learning that happens inside and outside the classroom. All of these come together in a beautiful location to create a family and community that are truly special. 

Jennifer Thomas

Senior Assistant Director of University Scholarships

Hometown:  Charlotte, NC
Educational Background:  B.S. Communication, Ä¢¹½¶ÌÊÓƵ(2003); M.Ed. College Student Personnel, Ä¢¹½¶ÌÊÓƵ(2006)

Professional background: I began my career working at Southwestern Community College as Executive Assistant to the Vice President for four years before joining the financial aid team in 2008. Over the past 14 years at Ä¢¹½¶ÌÊÓƵI have been a Financial Aid Counselor, Assistant Director of Financial Aid, Study Abroad Advisor, and am currently Senior Assistant Director of University  Scholarships.  

What I love about WCU: Ä¢¹½¶ÌÊÓƵhas been my home since the summer of 1999 when I became a Catamount as a 1^st Gen ASP student. I have been either a student or employee continuously since my freshman year. I love our community and beautiful mountains and can’t imagine a better place to live and work.

Rachel Watkins

Assistant Director of University Scholarships

Hometown: I grew up in Metro Atlanta but made my way to the mountains as quickly as I could. Haywood County has been home for the last decade.

Educational Background: Young Harris College non-degreed alum, theatre major (1997-99), B.A. Wilderness Leadership and Experiential Education, Brevard College (2004)

Professional background: I have enjoyed a variety of interesting work experiences as my career path made its way to Ä¢¹½¶ÌÊÓƵ– from youth minister to community farm manager to chiropractic x-ray technician. Most recently I have served as Assistant to the Executive Director of Lake Junaluska Conference and Retreat Center, Program Director for the Haden Institute, and, just prior to joining the team in the University Scholarships Office, as Stewardship Coordinator for the Ä¢¹½¶ÌÊÓƵDivision of Advancement.

What I love about WCU: I love our setting in these mountains that have always felt like home to me, and I love WCU’s legacy of and ongoing commitment to academic excellence, affordability, and access. I’m proud of our positive impact on this special region of the world and absolutely delighted that I get to be even a small part of it all!