Each year the University of North Carolina at Asheville recognizes alumni who have made outstanding contributions to the University, their communities, or fields of endeavor. Because of the exemplary nature of their achievements, recipients represent the very best of the UNC Asheville experience and serve as role models for the entire University community. The awards are presented annually during Homecoming. The ceremony will be held in conjunction with the Bulldog Athletics Hall of Fame. Below are our prestigious 2024 winners:
The Order of Pisgah Award for Alumni Achievement
Named in homage to Mount Pisgah, one of the area’s tallest peaks and the campus’ visual center, the Order of Pisgah recognizes one or two alumni (degreed or non-degreed) for outstanding achievement in their fields of endeavor.
Christopher Kane ’13
Christopher is the chief politics reporter and White House correspondent for the Washington Blade, the oldest LGBTQ newspaper in the United States. He has published over 500 byline news reports and analytical stories covering Capitol Hill, federal government agencies, and the Supreme Court, along with the White House — where he represents one of only 49 news outlets with a permanent seat in the James S. Brady press briefing room of the West Wing. He has interviewed multiple U.S. leaders, including former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and dozens of other members of Congress serving in both the House and Senate. Recently, he profiled six senior members of the Biden-Harris reelection campaign from their headquarters in Delaware. Prior to joining the Washington Blade, Kane had a distinguished journalism career covering healthcare and antitrust investigations with a focus on life sciences and pharmaceutical companies. An avid amateur cook and baker, he also publishes a food column with new dishes each week, all photographed by his husband Dan Balinovic.
Thomas D. Reynolds Alumni Award for Service to the University
Son of the University’s founder and graduate of the Class of 1937, Thomas D. Reynolds spent sixty years as one of the University’s strongest promoters and most active volunteers. This award recognizes one alumnus/a (degreed or non-degreed) each year for exemplary service to UNC Asheville.
Kenya Edwards ’00
Kenya’s leadership and dedication have been instrumental in making positive changes at UNC Asheville. As a student in the Class of 2000, Kenya actively participated in various student organizations and served as a Head Resident Assistant.
Even after graduating, Kenya has continued to support and serve the university as an alumna. She was a member and eventually became the Chair of the Alumni Association Board of Directors during the challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite the limitations of in-person meetings, Kenya worked tirelessly to keep alumni engaged and connected.
In addition to her involvement with the Alumni Association, Kenya also served on the Department of Management and Accountancy Advisory Board. Her valuable insights and guidance helped shape and improve the department’s curriculum and programs.
Furthermore, Kenya contributed her expertise as a member of the University Task Force on Building Renaming. This task force was responsible for evaluating and recommending changes to the naming of university buildings, ensuring an inclusive and respectful campus environment.
Currently, Kenya serves on the UNCA Foundation Board, where she plays a vital role in supporting the University’s fundraising efforts and strategic initiatives. Her commitment and dedication to UNC Asheville continue to make a transformative impact on the university community.
Mullen-James Social Justice & Equity Impact Award
Established in 2022, this award is given annually to a member of the UNCA Community in honor of Dr. Dee and Dr. Charles James, and Dr. Dolly Jenkins-Mullen, and Dr. Dwight Mullen. These four professors dedicated their personal and professional careers to social justice, equity, and inclusion within their fields. The award is presented to those alumni, students, or initiatives in which, through their actions, advocacy, and/or collaborative partnerships have demonstrated a true commitment and dedication to systems change work either at the University or broader community level.
J. Hackett ’02
Joseph T. Hackett, known locally as J Hackett, has had an incredible community impact by forming and leading a wide variety of businesses and ventures: Black Wall Street-AVL, The Grind Coffee Shop, Grindfest, and Green Opportunities. Hackett is dedicated to making Asheville a business and tourist destination for BIPOC (Black Indigenous People of Color). J has stayed involved with UNCA and served as a guest speaker at numerous events to offer inspiration to our next generation of leaders. He is a great example of someone who overcame challenges to become a successful entrepreneur and community servant leader.
Francine M. Delany Alumni Award for Service to the Community
A member of the class of 1966, the University’s first baccalaureate class, and the University’s first African-American graduate, Francine contributed a lifetime of service to Asheville and the surrounding community in support of childhood education. This award recognizes one alumnus/a (degreed or non-degreed) for exemplary service to their community, state, or nation.
Kristina Hyatt ’12
Kristina is passionate about bringing healthy dental hygiene education to her community and the nation. She is a former Miss Native American USA, and used her national platform to promote healthy dental habits. This included traveling extensively and speaking to young audiences about the importance of taking care of their teeth. She has also written a children’s book, Shelby Goes to the Dentist, to help children feel more comfortable in that setting. She has been affectionately dubbed the “Native ToothFairy.” She also is active in her local community and serves on the Cherokee Central Schools Board of Education.
Roy A. Taylor Distinguished Alumnus or Alumna of the Year Award
Named in honor of the University’s first valedictorian, founder of its first Alumni Association, and distinguished member of the United States Congress, the Roy A. Taylor Distinguished Alumnus or Alumna Award is the highest award given to an alumnus/a and recognizes those graduates of UNC Asheville and its predecessor colleges for extraordinary achievement.
Veronica Johnson ’88
Veronica is the Emmy-award-winning Chief Meteorologist at 7NEWS WJLA-TV in Washington D.C. She was inducted into the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences “Silver Circle,” in recognition for her achievements in the broadcast industry, which includes work at The Weather Channel and WABC in New York City. She was the first meteorologist hired by Sinclair Broadcast Group when the company started its first newscast in 1991 at WBFF TV in Baltimore.
She holds the American Meteorological Society’s prestigious Television Seal of Excellence and Rare Fellow award, and served as the Chair of the AMA’s Board of Enterprise Communication where she facilitated science information between researchers, academia, government, and public sector groups. She was the emcee for Senator Barack Obama’s Special Task Force on Climate Change in 2007 and worked on Washington DC’s Joint Center Advisory Committee on Climate Change 2008-2013. She was promoted to her current Chief Meteorologist position in 2022, becoming the first woman and first Black woman to hold this position.