Business & Professional Women's Luncheon

The Chamber and the Empower Her Committee are excited to host you at the 2026 Business & Professional Women's Luncheon, Presented by UNC Health Pardee, Hunter Subaru and Stuller Power Solutions, with support from Patton Allen and United Community Bank. 

This year's keynote speaker will be Kell R. Brown, the 12th Chancellor of WCU and the first permanent woman chancellor. She previously served as provost and senior VP for academic affairs at Georgia College & State University. Chancellor Brown earned her doctorate in education from Southern Illinois University. She serves on numerous boards.

This year marks our 19th year celebrating the Annual ATHENA Leadership Award of Henderson County! We have 7 well deserving nominees: Andrea Martin, Elizabeth Williams, Kat Carlton, Kelly Hart, Lynette Oliver, Mandy Atkission and Stacy Bishop. 

Mark your calendars and join us for a day of empowerment, celebration, and community support!
 

More on Chancellor Kelli R. Brown
Throughout her time at Western, Chancellor Brown has spearheaded several major capital projects on campus. In 2021, the state-of-the art, Apodaca Science Building, was completed to replace the university’s 1970-era Natural Science Building. The following year in 2022, “The Rocks”, a collection of three freshman residence halls were opened with an emphasis on building student community. Later that year, WCU completed its new energy production facility, replacing the campus’ century-old steam plant. Additionally, she has overseen the implementation of the highly successful NC Promise tuition reduction program and the innovative Catamount Commitment financial aid program. Each program has had a tangible impact on the reduction of student debt. Under her leadership, Western Carolina University officially kicked off the largest comprehensive fundraising campaign in the university’s history, an effort to secure $100 million in philanthropic support, surpassing this record-breaking goal in October 2025.
 
As Chancellor she has highlighted several priorities: an institutional emphasis on quality and excellence; a commitment to student success; and a focus on the University’s role as an engine of economic development for its communities. WCU continues to capitalize on the opportunity to be a thought leader regarding how regionally engaged universities can maintain a student-centered focus, with high levels of teaching innovation.