WCU Stories      May 5, 2023

By Marlon W. Morgan

For the third consecutive year, Business North Carolina magazine included Chancellor Kelli R. Brown of Western Carolina University in its Power List 2023 of the state’s most influential leaders.

The recognition comes in the current issue now on newsstands. The magazine made selections based on interviews with business and community members, research and reader suggestions, for candidates in categories for education, health care, economic development, finance and others.

Brown is the first permanent female chancellor of WCU, taking office in 2019. She has garnered attention for making the top priorities for the university as academic excellence and quality, economic development and regional engagement, and campus diversity and inclusive excellence. Business North Carolina noted that since her arrival, there’s been a continued student-centered focus and innovation in teaching.

Brown holds a doctorate in education from Southern Illinois University at Carbondale; a master of science and education in public health degree and bachelor of science degree, both from the University of Toledo in Ohio; and an associate in applied sciences degree in dental hygiene from Michael J. Owens Technical College in Toledo. 

Business North Carolina is a Charlotte-based monthly publication with print and online editions, along with daily newsletters.