Three App State alumni inducted into Reich College of Education Rhododendron Society

Jul. 14—BOONE — Appalachian State University alumni William "Bill" Witcher (1974, 1987), Nakia Hardy (1998), and Tommy Wilson (1968) and were inducted into the Reich College of Education's (RCOE) Rhododendron Society last month at a brunch held at the Grandview Ballroom in Boone, North Carolina.

The RCOE established the Rhododendron Society in 1999, App State's centennial year. As the highest honor given by the college, the award honors alumni for their exemplary service to education and to their communities. The society recognizes RCOE graduates whose service as teachers, librarians, human service professionals or administrators has reflected great credit on themselves, the field of education and the university. Hardy, Wilson and Witcher joined a distinguished group of Rhododendron Society members, bringing the total to 77.

Society members give back to the RCOE through an annual scholarship, which is awarded to undergraduate and graduate students who are outstanding in their course of study.

William "Bill" Witcher received both his Bachelor of Music degree and his Master of Music degree from App State. His thesis, a correlation study of music instruction and brain development, was nominated for an outstanding thesis award. He has also completed further postgraduate study at Florida State University.

He taught in the public schools of Madison County, Virginia, and Thomasville City, Rowan County, and Iredell County — all located in North Carolina. In 2006, he retired from Caldwell County Schools, North Carolina, after 32 years as a band director. He also taught Advanced Placement music theory.

During his time at Hibriten High School, the band traveled to New York City, Atlanta, Georgia, and Toronto, Canada, participating in national/international music festivals and earning Superior ratings.

From 2006 to 2021, Witcher taught as an adjunct faculty member for App State's teaching brass method courses and served as the academic advisor for the Hayes School of Music. He was also on the staff of Cannon Music Camp, directing the Symphonic Band and teaching music theory.

In 2017, his peers and colleagues elected him into the North Carolina Bandmasters Hall of Fame. The American School Band Directors Association awarded him the coveted Edwin Franko Goldman Award in 2020 for his "outstanding and personal contributions to the school band movement."

Witcher is also a National Board Certified Teacher in Early Adolescence/Young Adulthood Music Education. Additionally, Witcher is a member of many organizations, helping introduce music to all ages.

Dr. Nakia Hardy has been impacting education for over 25 years. She began as a high school chemistry teacher and moved into administration with increasing responsibility. She has held positions in Alamance-Burlington Schools, Guilford County Schools, Rockingham County Schools and Durham Public Schools — all located in North Carolina — as well as Baltimore City Schools in Maryland.

Hardy is an award-winning educator. In 2000, she received the Guilford County Excellence in Science Teaching Award. In 2009, her work was recognized at the regional/state level as she was selected as the Central/Piedmont Region Principal of the Year for North Carolina.

Recently, Hardy was named the superintendent of Lexington City Schools in Lexington, North Carolina. She is "excited to partner with the Lexington City School Board and the community at large to ensure positive outcomes for all children, socially, emotionally and academically."

Tommy Wilson is known for his energy in teaching and coaching, as well as being a supportive leader to his teachers and students.

Wilson began his teaching and coaching career at West Henderson High School. He also taught and coached at Asheville High School before he moved to Hendersonville High School, where he served as the school's principal for 18 years. During his tenure, Hendersonville High School was named one of the state's top five high schools.

Wilson continues to be an active member and leader in his community. He served as president of the Kiwanis Club of Hendersonville and chairman of the Henderson County Board of Elections. He also played banjo in the Sassafras Band. In 2006, he was inducted into the Henderson County Education Foundation Hall of Fame.