Contact University Scholarships Office

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, WCU (1994); M.S. Human Relations & Business, Amberton University (2008)

Professional background: Following graduation from Western Carolina University, 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 WCU for 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, WCU (2003); M.Ed. College Student Personnel, WCU (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 WCU I 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: WCU has 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.

Lindsay Jacaruso

Assistant Director of University Scholarships

Hometown: Lynchburg, VA

Educational Background: BA Psychology, Christopher Newport University (2010), M.Div. Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary (2013)

Professional background: I am a pastor in the Presbyterian Church USA and started my career serving churches in Texas, Michigan, North Carolina, and Minnesota before a welcome return to the mountains of North Carolina where I became a Catamount as the Assistant Director of University Scholarships here at WCU in Spring of 2023.

What I love about WCU: I grew up in the blue ridge and started dreaming about being back in proximity to the mountains the moment I moved away. I love being able to assist students in their academic endeavors in the wonder and magic of the western NC mountains! I consider it a privilege to live and work and build community here.