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After flying solo initially, retiring coach Bob Conkling sees ISU gymnastics soar

When Bob Conkling arrived as Illinois State’s women’s gymnastics coach, he wasn’t looking 20 years into the future, or even a week ahead. There was no time for that. Conkling was the program’s only coach in 2005 and constantly on the go. He had no assistant coach to help train ISU’s existing athletes or recruit […]

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When Bob Conkling arrived as Illinois State’s women’s gymnastics coach, he wasn’t looking 20 years into the future, or even a week ahead. There was no time for that.

Conkling was the program’s only coach in 2005 and constantly on the go. He had no assistant coach to help train ISU’s existing athletes or recruit new ones.

“I knew that I had some work to do,” Conkling said. “You really do need at least a minimum of two coaches with four different events. I knew that had to happen soon.”

Overnight would have been nice. It didn’t come that quickly. Yet, progress was made and ultimately, help arrived.

“We worked really hard with the administration to start bumping up the program and trying to get assistant coaches,” Conkling said. “Now we have two full-time, paid assistant coaches. I really feel like these last four or five years that we’ve had that … that is when we’ve really increased and done a lot better.”

Megan Harrington just completed her sixth year as a full-time assistant and Kendra Combs her second. They helped Conkling hit the finish line of his 20-year Redbird tenure in style.

He announced his retirement after a season in which ISU won its second Midwest Independent Conference championship in three years and third overall under Conkling. He was named the league’s Coach of the Year for the third time.

He leaves the program better than he found it.

A man poses in front of a red wall that says WGLT
Bob Conkling is retiring after capping a 20-year run as Illinois State women’s gymnastics coach with two conference championships in the past three years.

“It was a good year for me to retire,” he said. “I turned 65 this year. There were just a lot of things that fell in place. It was my 20th year, which is really good retirement wise with ISU. I just felt like, ‘Leave on a high note.’”

A Rockford native, Conkling racked up more than 100 wins and had 33 gymnasts qualify for the NCAA Regionals. He saw 44 of his athletes win conference individual event or all-around titles, with six named MIC Gymnast of the Year. The Redbirds won MIC team championships in 2012, 2023 and this year.

Conkling competed in trampoline, tumbling and as a diver as a youth and in high school. He began coaching gymnastics while in college at Indiana Wesleyan and was program director at the Gymnastics Academy of Rockford before coming to Illinois State.

He said his time with the Redbirds has gone quickly.

“I thoroughly enjoyed every single year at ISU and working with the gymnastics team,” Conkling said. “Each group brought something different and special. The season starts in January and finishes in April and those few months are the fastest months of the year. It just flies by. Every year it seems to go a little quicker.”

Changing landscape

Conkling has seen a lot of changes in college athletics, most notably the transfer portal and athletes being paid for their Name, Image and Likeness (NIL).

He said he has relied on Cindy Harris, ISU’s executive associate athletic director for compliance and student services, to help him navigate it all.

“It’s been difficult honestly with NIL and the other stuff,” Conkling said. “It was a lot. It was a learning curve for me obviously. It’s kind of gone back and forth with what the rules are and it changes weekly it seems like.

“I kind of just lean on other people who know what they’re doing because it changes constantly. With Cindy Harris being my boss, it’s made my job a lot easier because she gets that information pretty quickly.”

Portal, NIL activity

Conkling said the gymnastics program has had limited participation in the transfer portal.

When MIC member Lindenwood dropped its gymnastics program, ISU picked up two of its athletes from the portal. The Redbirds had a gymnast enter the portal for her fifth year and landed at Temple. This year, for the first time, a Redbird underclassman entered the portal. She was picked up by Arizona State.

“It’s just now starting to hit a little bit more with the portal that we just didn’t have to deal with before,” Conkling said.

A man watches gymnasts perform in an arena
Bob Conkling watches his athletes perform during his 20-year tenure as Illinois State women’s gymnastics coach.

NIL deals have been more prevalent at bigger schools, Conkling said, with some gymnasts making huge money. LSU’s Olivia “Livvy” Dunne earned an estimated $4.1 million in NIL deals.

Conkling said the Redbird coaching staff has not had to deal with NIL much in recruiting, but added, “I can see it coming that we’re going to have to, especially to compete with the big schools because they are offering it.”

“Probably one of the biggest benefits for anybody in college athletics is NILs now,” Conkling said. “Unfortunately, I feel like the power four schools, especially the gymnastics programs, they’re going to just get bigger and better and stronger and it’s going to be harder for the mid majors in the future.”

Cream of the crop

Among the top ISU gymnasts in Conkling’s era is Sami King Geringer, a 2015 graduate who was inducted into Illinois State’s Percy Family Athletics Hall of Fame in 2024.

Conkling listed Gabi Cooke (2020 graduate), Angelica Labat (2024) and current senior Jaye Mack as other elite performers in his tenure. Labat and Mack are the only Redbird gymnasts to advance to the NCAA Championship, a feat Conkling called “extremely difficult.”

“There are many more conference all-around champions,” he said. “But those three for sure are probably future Hall of Famers here.”

What’s next?

Conkling officially retires June 30. His final gymnastics camp at ISU is in June and he will be available as needed to help search for his successor.

After that?

“I’ll probably still coach here and there. I’ll probably do some camps and some clinics,” Conkling said. “But I really kind of want to take a break for at least a few months. It will probably drive me crazy.

“I’ll miss coaching. I still love to be in the gym. I have a feeling that’s where my part-time work is going to take me is coaching.”





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Luzerne County voters choose council candidates

It appears Luzerne County Republican voters chose three incumbents, a prior councilman and a newcomer to advance to the November general election in the county council race, according to unofficial primary election results. At 11:45 p.m., with all 186 precincts reporting, the following Republicans were in the lead: Council members John Lombardo, Brian Thornton […]

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It appears Luzerne County Republican voters chose three incumbents, a prior councilman and a newcomer to advance to the November general election in the county council race, according to unofficial primary election results.

At 11:45 p.m., with all 186 precincts reporting, the following Republicans were in the lead: Council members John Lombardo, Brian Thornton and Greg Wolovich, past county councilman Stephen J. Urban and southern county resident Jackie Scarcella.

Meanwhile, county Democrats nominated these five based on unofficial results: Denise Williams, Dawn Simmons, Chris Belles, Steven M. Coslett and Tony Perzia.

Nine Republicans sought that party’s five nominations Tuesday, which means the following four will not advance if the unofficial leads stand: incumbent Kevin Lescavage, Thomas Dombroski, Ronald D. Knapp and Rob Viars.

Seven Democrats ran, and the unofficial leads indicate the following did not secure nominations: Johnny Price and Emily Singh.

Council members receive $8,000 annually. In addition to adopting a budget, their duties include approving larger contracts, appointing members to outside county boards, enacting codes and ordinances, confirming nominations to eight division head positions and hiring/firing and evaluating the manager.

The compensation and powers of council could change if voters adopt a proposed home rule charter in November. For example, the county government study commission drafting the revised charter is recommending increasing the annual compensation for council members from $8,000 to $10,000 due to their responsibilities and workload.

The five council members selected in November will take office or start new terms the start of 2026 and serve with Joanna Bryn Smith, Harry Haas, Patty Krushnowski, LeeAnn McDermott, Jimmy Sabatino and Brittany Stephenson.

Chris Perry, the remaining incumbent in a seat that expires at the end of this year, did not seek re-election.

The unofficial vote tally as of 11:45 p.m. with 186 precincts reporting:

Republicans: Lombardo, 12,065; Thornton, 9,838; Urban, 9,042; Scarcella, 8,999; Wolovich, 8,638; Lescavage, 8,339; Dombroski, 8,017; Knapp, 6,629; and Viars, 4,742.

Democrats: Williams, 14,647; Simmons, 12,461; Belles, 12,048; Coslett, 11,501; Perzia, 10,618; Singh, 8,763; and Price, 8,057.

Some background on the nominees based on their announcement and other communications:

Republicans

• Lombardo, of Pittston, received a bachelor’s degree in political science and media relations from Penn State University in 2015. He currently works as a full-time firefighter/EMT at the City Fire Bureau and has served on county council since January 2022.

• Thornton, of West Pittston, graduated from Lehigh University with a degree in mechanical engineering. He initially worked as a project engineer in New York City and has worked as a financial advisor in the county for 28 years. He had previously served on West Pittston Borough Council for a decade and has been a county council member since January 2022.

• Urban, of Kingston, is an IT support coordinator for a major food distributor and prior county council member. He served on county council from 2012 through 2015 and from 2020 through 2023. He currently serves on the county Government Study Commission.

• Scarcella, of Hazle Township, works as the development and alumni stewardship officer at Penn State University’s Hazleton campus and is a graduate of Hazleton High School and the Luzerne County Community College. She served two terms on the Hazleton Area School Board from 2016 to 2023.

• Wolovich, of Hanover Township, has a bachelor’s degree in accounting from King’s College and works as an operations manager at Wegmans Food Market in Wilkes-Barre Township. He has served on county council since January 2022.

Democrats

• Williams, of Kingston Township, began her career as a registered nurse and later became the coordinator of religious education at Saint Therese’s Church in Shavertown, a role she held for 24 years until her retirement in 2021. From 2017 to 2021, Williams volunteered with Fair Districts PA, a nonpartisan citizens group working to end gerrymandering in Pennsylvania. She served as county election board chair from 2021 through the end of 2024.

• Simmons, of Wilkes-Barre, Simmons, is a U.S. Air Force veteran and Realtor and described herself as a “resolute advocate for veterans, families and economic growth.”

• Belles, of West Pittston, is a 2004 Dallas High School graduate and a 2009 graduate of King’s College. He has spent most of his life in Luzerne County and currently works as a data analyst for Astound Broadband (RCN), where he focuses on identifying opportunities for efficiency.

• Coslett, of Forty Fort, graduated from the Wyoming Valley West School District and attended Luzerne County Community College, where he studied business management and criminal justice. Additionally, Coslett is a graduate of the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections Academy in Elizabethtown, Pennsylvania. He retired after 23 years with the county correctional services division but continues to serve on the honor guard and its board of directors.

• Perzia, of Luzerne, said he is a dedicated community advocate with more than 30 years of experience in the community. He has served on the Luzerne Borough Council, as the Wyoming Valley West School District’s support staff president and on the PSEA Legislative Committee.

There was no primary competition in the county controller’s race because incumbent Republican controller Walter Griffith and Democratic contender Tim McGinley were each unopposed. The two will run against each other in November.

Based on the unofficial primary tally at 11:45 p.m., McGinley received 17,841 votes, while Griffith obtained 15,888.



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Eight years in the making, former Ferris State hockey player Lucas Finner earns Doctor of Pharmacy

      May 21, 2025 Former Ferris State hockey player let what started as a curiosity about pharmacy lead him ultimately to a Doctor of Pharmacy degree from Ferris State. BIG RAPIDS, Mich. —  It was an eight-year journey for Lucas Finner, who initially arrived at Ferris State University laser-focused on his college hockey career. […]

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May 21, 2025

Lucas Finner Bulldog hockey alum earns Doctor of Pharmacy
Former Ferris State hockey player let what started as a curiosity about pharmacy lead
him ultimately to a Doctor of Pharmacy degree from Ferris State.

BIG RAPIDS, Mich. — 

It was an eight-year journey for Lucas Finner, who initially arrived at Ferris State
University laser-focused on his college hockey career.

Skating for the Bulldogs, Finner balanced his efforts on the ice and his work in the
classroom.

Lucas Finner with the Miller boys

Lucas Finner, pictured here as a freshman for the Ferris State hockey team, is pictured
with Cam and Cooper Miller.

After earning his Bachelor of Science in Biology (Pre-Pharmacy) in spring 2021 from
the College of Arts, Sciences and Education, Finner reflected fondly on his complete
Ferris State journey as a hockey student-athlete turned graduate student in the College
of Pharmacy’s doctoral program.

Through the years and his life experiences, Finner has gained perspective on a long
college journey marked by successes.

“Four years to get my degree in Biology, while balancing life as a student-athlete,
followed by four more years working my way to earning my Doctor of Pharmacy,” said
Finner, a native of Elmhurst, Illinois. “It’s definitely a lot to balance.”

The Ferris State Doctor of Pharmacy requires at least six academic years of full-time
college study – two years Pre-Pharmacy plus four professional years. Accordingly,
Finner’s Ferris State choice was about more than playing college hockey as time passed.
Coming to Big Rapids, developing short-term and long-term goals, Finner lived the
best of all worlds as a student-athlete.

“I went to Ferris State to play hockey,” he said. “At the same time, I learned about
its pharmacy program. I knew Ferris State had a really good program. I was blessed
with the opportunity to do both at Ferris State.”

Finner felt a nudge down a career path. “I’ve always had a curiosity about pharmacy.
I like to help people too. I thought it was a great route to go.”

Before joining the Ferris State program, Finner played junior hockey for the Nanaimo
Clippers of the British Columbia Hockey League. There, he earned accolades, including
being named the Clippers’ “Most Exciting Player” during the 2016-17 season. He totaled
25 points in 31 games and played in 55 more the prior season with Nanaimo.

On the ice, Finner was a solid player for the Bulldogs with 17 career goals – including
seven on the power play. The 17 goals with 23 assists added up to 40 points for longtime,
legendary head coach Bob Daniels. His first career goal came in Yost Ice Arena in
Ann Arbor against the University of Michigan on Nov. 2, 2017. 
 
Being a student-athlete is challenging. That is especially true for a student-athlete
like Finner, who focused on earning his Doctor of Pharmacy degree.

“It definitely got tough at times,” he said. “But the good thing about it is that
you get a lot of support here from coaches, teammates and the university. What I love
about being here is that everyone wants you to succeed. That lets you know that your
success is possible if you put in the work.”

Beyond the coaching staff, however, Finner had a network of people in the Big Rapids
community cheering him on throughout his Bulldog journey, including Mecosta County
Sheriff Brian Miller, his wife, Heather, and their family.

Heather was among the well-wishers inside a packed Jim Wink Arena on Friday, May 9,
as one of the many people cheering on Finner, including some of his family.

“Lucas was the first to come into our lives in August of 2018 as a Ferris State University
freshman hockey player,” Heather said. “From the very beginning, he brought not only
his passion for the game but a quiet determination, kindness and humility that made
him an instant role model for our two young boys (Cameron and Cooper). Two years later,
when Max joined the team and came to Big Rapids, it felt like our family was simply
growing in the most natural way. Max had his own unique spark—driven, thoughtful,
and always one to step up when needed.”

Max played two seasons for Ferris State and had four points on one goal with three
assists in 38 games.  
Their growth, according to Miller, is a big part of the college experience.

“Watching them both grow from teenagers into mature, driven young men has been one
of the greatest honors of our lives,” she said. “They were more than just college
hockey players — they were family. Our boys idolized them, cheered for them at every
game, and learned from their discipline, sportsmanship and heart both on and off the
ice.”

There was a special twist to a great day for the Finner family. While Lucas graduated
with his Doctor of Pharmacy from Ferris State in Big Rapids, Max graduated in Chicago.

“Now, fast forward eight years, and here we are—full of pride and emotion—watching
Lucas graduate as Dr. Lucas Finner with his Doctor of Pharmacy from Ferris State University.
On the very same day, Max is graduating from Roosevelt University with a degree in
Cybersecurity and preparing to ship off next week for basic training in the U.S. Army,
where he will go on to serve in the Cyber Operations division,” Miller said. “To say
we are proud is an understatement. These two young men are on their way to making
a real difference in the world.”

Lucas Finner is excited about this next chapter of life.

“After eight years of school, I am looking forward to getting out there and working
to see where life takes me from here,” he said. 





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Nick Saban responds to claim of him being anti-NIL

Sep 10, 2017; Nashville, TN, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide head coach Nick Saban makes his way off the team bus through a crowd of fans gathered before a game against the Vanderbilt Commodores at Vanderbilt Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports At the Nick’s Kids golf tournament on Tuesday, Nick Saban was asked how […]

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Sep 10, 2017; Nashville, TN, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide head coach Nick Saban makes his way off the team bus through a crowd of fans gathered before a game against the Vanderbilt Commodores at Vanderbilt Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports

At the Nick’s Kids golf tournament on Tuesday, Nick Saban was asked how he feels about the public’s perception of him being against name, image and likeness in college sports. 

“I’m all for the players making money,” Saban said. “I don’t think we have a sustainable system right now. I think a lot of people would agree with that in terms of the future of college athletics. Period. Not just football. How do we sustain 20 other non-revenue sports that create lots of opportunities for people in the future.”

These comments are similar to what Saban said on Capitol Hill two months after his retirement. 

He said he liked coaching college football more than the NFL because he had the opportunity to develop young people with the goal of making their quality of life better.  

Saban’s stance is geared more toward the idea of an athlete making money as they find their footing in college, not paying athletes before they step on the field.

“Well, all the things that I believed in for all these years, 50 years of coaching, no longer exist in college athletics,” Saban said. “So, it always was about developing players. It was always about helping people when you’re successful in life. My wife even said to me, we have all the recruits over on Sunday with their parents for breakfast. And she would always meet with the mothers to talk about how she was going to help and impact their sons and how they would be well taken care of. And she came to me, like right before our retirement and said, ‘Why are we doing this?’ And I said, ‘What do you mean?’ She said, ‘All they care about is how much you’re going to pay them.’”

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Reunited: Travis Shoudy joins twin brother Tiernan on MSU hockey

One Shoudy wasn’t enough for the Michigan State University hockey team. Travis Shoudy — the twin brother of MSU junior forward Tiernan Shoudy — spent his first three collegiate seasons at Ferris State, just an hour and some change away from where Tiernan has played with the Spartans in his career. With one year of […]

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One Shoudy wasn’t enough for the Michigan State University hockey team.

Travis Shoudy — the twin brother of MSU junior forward Tiernan Shoudy — spent his first three collegiate seasons at Ferris State, just an hour and some change away from where Tiernan has played with the Spartans in his career.

With one year of eligibility remaining, Travis flipped his transfer commitment from Colorado College to Michigan State, joining the Spartans’ blue line after former MSU commit Tyson Jugnauth signed a professional contract with the Seattle Kraken.

Before college, Travis played in the United States Hockey League with the Cedar Rapids RoughRiders, tallying 33 points in 62 games and finishing as the team’s top-scoring defenseman.

As a freshman at Ferris State, the Marysville, Michigan, native notched 11 points and led the Bulldogs in plus/minus with a +7. As a sophomore, he posted a career-high 21 points (four goals, 17 assists). In 2024-25, he added 18 points while serving as team captain in his junior season.

Known for his defensive poise, ability to get pucks to the net and strong leadership, Travis’ addition brings experience and stability to MSU’s young blue line.

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Denver Hockey Mourns the Loss of Randy Ward

Story Links DENVER – The University of Denver hockey program mourns the loss of former Pioneers defenseman Randy Ward, who passed away on May 9 at the age of 78.   Ward played three years at Denver from 1966 and 1969, helping the Pioneers win back-to-back National Championships in his final two […]

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DENVER – The University of Denver hockey program mourns the loss of former Pioneers defenseman Randy Ward, who passed away on May 9 at the age of 78.
 
Ward played three years at Denver from 1966 and 1969, helping the Pioneers win back-to-back National Championships in his final two seasons. Denver dispatched North Dakota 4-0 in 1968 in Duluth, Minnesota, before holding off Cornell in a 4-3 victory in 1969 in Colorado Springs.
 
The Calgary, Alberta, native suited up in 84 games in crimson and gold and registered 46 points on 12 goals and 34 assists in his career.
 
Following his time on the DU hilltop, Ward continued his other passions of the outdoors and farming. A gifted cattleman, he hunted and fished across North America and was also an avid golfer, who held course records and holes-in-one too numerous to count.
 

Born on Jan. 25, 1947, Randy is survived by his wife Marilyn, sons Jeff & Andrew (Allison) and his four grandchildren, Kalen & Keira (Jeff), Declan & Liam (Andrew), brother and sister in-law Peter & Nita Burdon, Judith Paquet along with numerous nephews, nieces and cousins.
 
A memorial service is being held on Monday, May 26 at 2 p.m. MT at Eden Brook Funeral Home, 24223 Township Road 242, Calgary, AB T3Z 3K2. To join the service remotely, go to https://youtube.com/live/ZwzeIT7ELV8?feature=share.
 

In lieu of flowers and if so desired, please consider a donation in Randy’s honor to The Summit: Marian & Jim Sinneave Centre for Youth Resilience, Alberta Children’s Hospital Foundation (https://www.childrenshospital.ab.ca/).

 



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Barton College Welcomes New Board Members

WILSON, N.C. — May 21, 2025 — Barton College is pleased to welcome its newest members to the Board of Trustees. These distinguished individuals bring a wealth of experience and leadership across various fields, from marketing and healthcare to sports management and business operations, and will play a key role in advancing the College’s mission.  […]

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Barton College Welcomes New Board Members

WILSON, N.C. — May 21, 2025 — Barton College is pleased to welcome its newest members to the Board of Trustees. These distinguished individuals bring a wealth of experience and leadership across various fields, from marketing and healthcare to sports management and business operations, and will play a key role in advancing the College’s mission. 

“This group of accomplished leaders join an already strong and dedicated board, and their collective expertise and insight further expand the intellectual capital and experience guiding Barton’s future,”  shared Dr. Douglas N. Searcy, president.  “Our new trustees not only enhance the profile of the College across the region and the nation, but—most importantly—they share a deep commitment to our students, our mission, and the continued growth of both Barton and the Wilson community. Their leadership and investment will help advance the forward momentum of our institution and our hometown.”

About the Newly Installed Members of the Board of Trustees — 

Trustee Mark Hillard, New Board MemberMark Hillard received his business degree from Atlantic Christian College (now Barton College) in 1981. He began his healthcare career in California in 1984, relocating to Arizona in 1990, and continuing in healthcare administration until retiring in May 2022. Mr. Hillard held various positions in healthcare administration early in his career in California and Arizona.  Most notable is his Chief Executive Officer position at Maricopa Integrated Health System (the Maricopa County health system now Valleywise Health), and Chief Operations Officer of University Physicians Health Plans in Tucson, Arizona.  He served as Chief Financial Officer with the parent companies of St. Luke’s Health System and Maricopa Integrated Health System. Mr. Hillard has served on several boards, including Children’s Museum of Phoenix, Mercy Care Health Plan, Phoenix Area Medical Education Consortium, and Arizona Care Network.  He and his wife Julie live in Scottsdale, Arizona and have two sons.

Trustee Rebecca Howard, New Board MemberRebecca Howard is an alumna of Barton College, where she completed her Bachelor of Science degree in English with a Drama minor in 1993. She currently serves as Vice President of Marketing for FCI Brands in Nashville, Tennessee, and is responsible for directing the company’s national marketing and sales initiatives. Prior to this appointment in 2008, Ms. Howard served as the Assistant Director for Marketing, Statistical Analysis, and Training for the American Red Cross Regional Blood Services in Norfolk, Virginia and was the recipient of the National Tiffany Award for Outstanding Leadership.  Ms. Howard lives in Huntersville, North Carolina with her wife, Chrisy.

Trustee Elmer Polite, New Board MemberElmer Polite is the President of Lifepoint Health’s Eastern Division and Duke-Lifepoint Joint Venture. In this role, Mr. Polite provides operational oversight for Lifepoint’s acute care hospitals in Michigan, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, and Virginia. Prior to his interim president role, he served as chief financial officer of the Eastern Division, overseeing financial operations for 26 hospital campuses located in Michigan, Pennsylvania, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Virginia. Mr. Polite earned his Bachelor of Science Degrees in Accounting and also in Agribusiness and Economics from South Carolina State University.  He also completed a Master of Business Administration degree with a concentration in finance from DeVry University.  Mr. Polite has three children and lives in Brentwood, Tennessee with his wife, Tonya.

Trustee Rick Schlesinger, New Board MemberRick Schlesinger is President of Business Operations for the Milwaukee Brewers Baseball Team. He is in his 22nd season with the Brewers and sixth in his current position after being promoted in 2019. He has previously held roles with the organization as executive vice president of business operations (2003-10) and chief operating officer (2011-18). Prior to joining the organization, Schlesinger spent five seasons (1998-2002) as vice president of business and legal affairs/assistant general manager for the Anaheim Angels. He previously worked for Walt Disney Pictures and Television in motion picture development and production (1993-1998) and at the Los Angeles law firm of Latham and Watkins (1986-1993).  Mr. Schlesinger is a Phi Beta Kappa graduate from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 1983, and received his Juris Doctor from Harvard Law School (cum laude) in 1986. A native of Bayside, Wisconsin, he currently resides in Hartland, Wisconsin, with his wife, Kate. They have five children, Bradley, Sam, Caitlin, Molly, and Mathieu.

Trustee Corey Taylor, New Board MemberCorey Taylor is a graduate of Barton College, where he earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Business/Psychology with a concentration in Management in 1994. A member of Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity, he was also a four-year starter on the Barton Soccer Team and was inducted into the Barton College Soccer Hall of Fame in‬ 2011.‬‬ Mr. Taylor currently serves as the Director of Client‬ Relations for Corporate Payroll Services and is responsible for the Charlotte, Atlanta, Chicago, Washington, and Philadelphia offices. He lives in Monroe, North Carolina with his wife, Sherri, and they have two sons, Cameron and Nicholas.

Trustee Sheila WigginsSheila Wiggins earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Education at Atlantic Christian College (now Barton College) and a Master of Arts in Education with a focus on Learning Disabilities at East Carolina University. Now a retired educator, Mrs. Wiggins’ professional career included teaching appointments in the Vance County and Nash County School Systems, as well as Nash Community College and Barton College. She has served on a number of Boards of Directors, including the Arts Council of Wilson, the Barton College Alumni Board and Board of Advisors, as well as the Auxiliary Board of the Wilson Medical Center, the Parents Council at Meredith College, and the Weekday School Board for the First Presbyterian Church in Wilson. The Wiggins are members of the First Presbyterian Church in Wilson, where she has served as chair of the Christian Education Ministries, deacon, elder, and Clerk of Session. Mrs. Wiggins is married to Jack and they have two children, Farrell and Barker.

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