New President of the Converse College Alumnae Association Board
Converse College recently announced that Grazier Connors Rhea of Rock Hill, SC, member of the class of 1974, was elected President of the Converse College Alumnae Association Board. The Alumnae Association board president serves as the Chief Executive Officer of the association which represents over 20,000 alumnae and graduate alumni of the college. The board president also represents the Association at college events and is a member of the Board of Trustees. The Alumnae Association board includes 44 volunteer alumnae of the college charged with serving as a link to the college, and encouraging alumnae involvement in the areas of student recruitment, financial support and volunteerism. Rhea has served on the Alumnae Association Board since 2002 in the roles of 1970’s Decade Representative and Secretary.
“It is such an honor to be a member of the Converse Alumnae Association Board and serve as the President. One of the most enjoyable things that I have experienced is being able to associate with Converse alumnae of all ages who have a deep love for Converse. Wonderful things are happening on campus, from the new buildings and facility improvements, to the outstanding students and talented faculty and staff,” said Rhea, who graduated from Converse College earning her bachelor of arts in sociology. “I am excited about President Betsy Fleming’s vision and leadership and the commitment of the Board of Trustees to make Converse a premier institution for educating women.”
Since leaving Converse, Rhea has worked primarily in community planning and development. She currently is the Community Development Director for Catawba Regional Planning Council in Rock Hill. She previously held the positions of Senior Planner, Community Development Planner, and Transportation Planner at the council.
Rhea is also an active community volunteer, participating in the Junior Welfare League of Rock Hill, Pierian Book Club, and the Rock Hill Board of Historical Review, as well as being the past president of Historic Rock Hill, the South Carolina Community Development Association, and the Debutante Club of Rock Hill.
“We are delighted to have Grazier as the Alumnae Association Board president. Her dedication, enthusiasm, leadership, and love of Converse are incredible assets as we move forward with new initiatives for all of our alumnae,” said Elizabeth A. Oswalt, Director of Alumnae at the school.
Rhea replaces Nancy Bain Coté of Spartanburg, SC, a member of the Converse Class of 1979, who will remain on the Alumnae Association Board as past president.
“I am so excited that Grazier Connors Rhea is our new board president. She has volunteered for Converse in many capacities and her loyalty is contagious! She is joined by a host of delightful and equally enthusiastic alumnae representatives who collectively will help spread the good news about Converse to their fellow classmates and their communities.” Coté said. “Serving as president of the Alumnae Association and as an ex officio member of the Board of Trustees the last two years has been a special treat. We are so fortunate to have such a generous and capable board that has provided stable leadership in unstable times.”