Converse Board of Trustees

Converse University is governed by a Board of Trustees, an independent entity free from undue influence from political, religious, or other external bodies.

2025-2026

Board Officers

Linda Layman Redding ’88, Chair
Dwight Van Inwegen, Vice-Chair
Christy Davis Stoner ’87, Secretary

Trustees

B. Brant Bynum
Christopher L. Cannon
Rhonda T. Coker ’84
Paul J. Coté
Dawn Davis Deck ’99
Stinson Woodward Ferguson ’07
Katherine Colburn Fulmer ’96
Shannon Givens Jaynes ’93
Ann Mullins Johnson ’99
Stephen I. Johnson
Karla O. Jones ’85 (sabbatical)
Kimberly Varnadoe Kent ’97
Jay Lynch
Elisabeth Kinney McNiel ’89
Brelan Riddle Montgomery ’06
Lynn Pettus ’90
Wallace Davison Prestwood ’89
Linda Layman Redding ’88
Emily Jones Rushing ’73
David N. Smart
Louis J. Smith
Angelia “Angie” Kerhulas Stanland ’86
Michel Smoak Stone ’99
Christy Davis Stoner ’87
Dwight Van Inwegen
Sandra Beason Watson ’79

Ex-Officio Trustees

Valerie L. Dowling ’07, President, Alumni Association
Jayne Stewart Reuben ‘85, President, Board of Visitors

Advisors to the Board of Trustees

Boone J. Hopkins, President
D’Asia Thomas ‘26, SGA President
Jenn Hawk, Faculty Senate President
Taylor Onkst, Staff Council President

Life Trustees

William Barnet, III
Julia Jones Daniels ’53
Kenneth B. Howard
Susan Phifer Johnson ’65
Lucy Simpson Kuhne ’66
Walter S. Montgomery, Jr.
Kurt Zimmerli

Board of Trustees News

Converse University Celebrates 136th Opening Convocation

Written by Luciana Ugalde Garcia ’27 On Friday, September 19, 2025, Converse University came together in Zimmerli Performance Center at Twichell Auditorium to celebrate its 136th Opening …

Converse University Announces 2025-2026 Board of Trustees

Converse University is pleased to welcome three new members and one returning member to its esteemed Board of Trustees: Angelia (Angie) Kerhulas Stanland ’86 is the co-founder …

Converse Donors In Bloom: Spring Garden Party Celebrates Generosity

Written by Amanda Mathis The sounds of laughter rose among the beauty of the President’s garden on a spring afternoon. It was a day of …