JennieV. Sorrells
Project Director
jdsorrells@wcu.edu
My name is JennieV. (no the V doesn't stand for anything) and I LOVE Project Discovery!
I am from Western North Carolina and live in Haywood County with my adventure crew,
which includes my husband, an awesome kiddo and two hound dogs. Like many of you,
I was the first in my family to earn a college degree. I studied Spanish and Philosophy
during my time at Western Carolina University and have a Master's in Development Practice
from Emory University. I love playing outside in the mountains, whether that is hiking,
running or riding my bicycle. I have had wonderful adventures all around the world
but have found that there is nothing like home. I make a mean apple pie and a mean
tomato biscuit, but don't worry, they get along with everyone. I am thrilled to be
a part of the Project Discovery Team at WCU!
Kallie Kressly
Outreach Counselor
kkressly@wcu.edu
I'm originally from Durham, NC but am currently living in Asheville, NC with my sweet
cat Gizmo! Although I was born and raised in the Triangle, Western NC quickly became
my home when I attended Appalachian State in Boone for my Bachelor of Social Work.
After getting to help students pursue their college and career dreams for 2 years
in Avery County, NC and receiving my Master of Social Work here at Western Carolina
University, I am super excited to be a part of the Project Discovery team and combine
my passion for working with students with my love for the outdoors! I love to spend
my free time reading, cooking, hiking, checking out nearby rivers and waterfalls,
crafting, and playing with Gizmo. I am grateful to be able to grow and learn as a
part of the Project Discovery team!
Alex Rector
Outreach Counselor
arector@wcu.edu
I began my career in education as a humble math teacher, working in public schools
in Buncombe County NC. As a classroom teacher, I saw the need for students to have
greater academic and career advice to support and encourage them along their journey.
This opportunity gap initiated my path to working in higher education. Through both my graduate coursework and my positions as an Academic Advisor, Career
Advisor, and College Access Counselor, I have been able to learn about theory and
gain experience in a variety of positions that assist students in both discovery careers
and succeeding along their educaitonal pathway. I met Project Discovery at a Wilderness
First Responder Re-Certification course in 2020 and was thrilled to be able to join
the team in 2022! I live with my wife and dog in Cullowhee and enjoy being able to access the best hiking,
biking, and rafting Western North Carolina has to offer!
Ellie Brittain
Outreach Counselor
ebrittain@wcu.edu
Hi! Nice to meet you! I am originally from Robbinsville, NC and was a part of the
Project Discovery program in Middle and High School. I graduated from UNC Greensboro
with a Bachelor of Social Work, making me the first in my family to graduate with
a college degree. It is a privilege to now be a part of the Project Discovery team.
I currently live in Franklin, NC with my two cats, Twyla and Tilly. I like to spend
my time reading, taking walks, drinking coffee, listening to music (mostly Taylor
Swift), and thrift shopping. I can’t wait to keep on learning and adventuring with
Project Discovery!
Virginia Lunsford
Administrative Support Specialist
vlunsford@wcu.edu
Originally from Australia I now live cocooned by the Blue Ridge Mountains which remind
me of the Blue Mountains in NSW, Australia. I'm an avid kayaker, hiker and outdoor
enthusiast my new home is one giant backyard for me, my husband, and two Australian
Labradoodles. My background is in Education, Transport and Accounting. I am passionate
about supporting this amazing team in the important and necessary work they do and
am so grateful to be part of WCU Project Discovery-Talent Search.