UNC Asheville Alumni Association

09/03/2026

Alumni Spotlight: Jason Leveille '24!

Jason recently joined WTAP as the Weekend Meteorologist and reporter coming from central North Carolina. He graduated in 2024 with a degree in Atmospheric Science, concentrating in Broadcast Meteorology. Congratulations, Jason! And we can't wait to watch 📺️

Jason Leveille joined WTAP in August 2024 as the Weekend Meteorologist before moving to the Evening Meteorologist in July 2025.

08/28/2026

For this we are highlighting alum Tristan Leisten '25, who is currently 8 months into his term of service with the Peace Corps in rural Nepal. He is working as an English Education Volunteer and teaching English to grades 4-7.

08/25/2026

Things are moving at Ramsey Library! 🚧📚

University Librarian Brandy Bourne ’98 gives us a look at the work underway to create a more accessible, functional, and welcoming entrance to the library.

The project is part of several campus improvements happening across UNC Asheville, all designed to better serve our community now and for years to come.

And yes, Ramsey Library is still open while construction continues!

08/21/2026

For this we're excited to spotlight Brenna Killian '20, first generation college graduate, law school grad, and lawyer:

"After graduating from UNC Asheville, I attended Lincoln Memorial University Duncan School of Law to pursue my goal of becoming an attorney. As a first-generation college student, first-generation law student, and now a first-generation attorney, reaching this milestone has been especially meaningful. I passed the Tennessee Bar Exam and was admitted to practice law in the State of Tennessee this past October.

Today, I practice family law in Knoxville, Tennessee, where I represent clients in matters involving divorce, child custody, adoption, termination of parental rights, juvenile law, and other family law issues. I am grateful for the opportunity to advocate for individuals and families during some of the most important and challenging moments of their lives.

UNC Asheville played an important role in my journey by providing a strong educational foundation and encouraging me to pursue opportunities that once felt out of reach. Looking back, I'm grateful for the experiences, mentors, and community that helped shape the path that led me to a career in law. I'm excited to continue serving my community and to see where this journey leads next."

07/11/2026

🏆Congratulations, Henry Patten ‘19!

Champions at The Championships, once again 🏆

Harri Heliovaara and Henry Patten claim their second Gentlemen’s Doubles Trophy after defeating Marcelo Arevalo and Mate Pavic 7-6(4), 7-6(3) on Centre Court 🇫🇮🇬🇧

06/18/2026

Congratulations to Dr. Kevan Frazier '92, who won the Chamber of Commerce President's Award in recognition of his extraordinary leadership and service to the Asheville community.

"An entrepreneur, educator, historian and civic leader, Frazier has dedicated his career to strengthening Asheville through business development, education and community engagement. He is the founder of Asheville by Foot and Well Played Board Game Café and serves as executive director of Western Carolina University’s Programs in Asheville. Most recently, Frazier was a key leader in the creation of the Asheville Downtown Improvement District, serving as chair of the steering committee that guided the effort to implementation. His ability to bring people together around a shared vision and his unwavering commitment to Asheville’s future makes him a model for all business leaders in our region."

Congratulations, Kevan!

The President’s Award is given at the discretion of the Asheville C...

05/29/2026

Happy , everyone! Today we are celebrating alumna Jody McNiel '99, who was recently named Operations & Outreach Specialist for Transylvania County. Read more here: https://www.wncbusiness.com/2026/05/05/571137/jody-mcniel-named-operations-outreach-specialist-for-transylania-county-tda

Congratulations, Jody!

05/28/2026

Alumni Business night at Lakeview Putt & Play was a great success! Thank you to owner Leslie Blaylock '92 for hosting. We were joined by many local alumni friends, our men's soccer coaches, and of course, Rocky 🐾💙⛳️

Curious about other alumni owned businesses? Check out our alumni owned business directory: https://go.unca.edu/giving/business-directory/

05/22/2026

Happy , everyone! Today we are celebrating Albert Chow '25, who was recently selected as one of 8 fellows for the 2026 NC DPH Fellowship cohort. He will serve as a Program Analyst for the Local and Community Support section, housed within the NC Division of Public Health (DPH), beginning in July 2026. The NC DPH Fellowship, a partnership between the NC Division of Public Health, North Carolina Institute for Public Health (NCIPH), and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), is North Carolina's flagship early-career public health fellowship program to fill high-needs roles in the state and to develop successful governmental public health careers.

More about the NC DPH Fellowship can be found in the fellowship site: https://www.ncphpathways.org/dph-fellowship

Congratulations, Albert!

05/15/2026

Happy , Alumni! Today we are celebrating Henry Patten '19, UNC Asheville Men's tennis alum, captured the doubles title at the Mutua Madrid Open. Teaming up with Harri Heliovaara, the pair delivered another standout performance to claim the championship in Madrid, Spain. Read more about this major win here: https://wlos.com/news/local/unc-asheville-graduate-patten-earns-madrid-open-doubles-title-atp-tour-wimbledon-australian-open-director-athletics-janet-cone-intercollegiate-association-global-stage-bulldog-heliovaara