By Tom Lotshaw
Western Carolina University announced today that it has hired Christy R. Agner, of Raleigh, to serve as its external relations director and deputy chief of staff. Agner will begin working in the roles Feb. 1.
Melissa Canady Wargo, chief of staff for the university, said she is thrilled to welcome Agner.
“Christy has an extensive and proven background in government and external relations that she will be able to leverage in communicating the good word about WCU and its needs,” Wargo said. “She will be a full-throated advocate for WCU with both the General Assembly and with our congressional delegation. Her many years and connections in Raleigh will stand her in good stead as she advances the university’s legislative priorities. In addition, I am fully confident that Christy’s knowledge and enthusiasm will allow her to forge strong connections in our community both on and off campus.”
Agner is originally from Rowan County. She is a graduate of NC State University.
Agner previously worked as a rural adviser for the North Carolina Governor’s Hometown Strong cabinet agency, focused on ensuring small, remote and rural communities have access to state agency programs and services. Agner also previously worked as deputy secretary of advocacy programs for the N.C. Department of Administration and as legislative liaison for the N.C. Department of Justice and the N.C. Department of Administration.
Agner said she’s excited to bring her experience and skills in advocacy, management and partnership building to WCU as one of the state’s NC Promise schools offering reduced student tuition to make a quality education more accessible. “I love the fact that WCU is providing such an affordable, exceptional education offering so many degrees and skills, and serving so many first-generation college students,” she said.