William Shelton

Shelton, appointed by Jackson County Board of Commissioners, will serve a four-year term. A native of Jackson County, he is a graduate of the University of Tennessee with a degree in plant and soil science. A self-employed farmer and hydroponic greenhouse business owner, Shelton currently serves as a Jackson County commissioner.

He lives in Whittier with his wife Sabrina and their four sons, Will, 11; Sam, nine; Cal, six; and Tom, four.

Shelton said he considers Southwestern “a vital part of the community” and a “positive source in offering young people a chance to stay in the area.”

“I am pleased with the appointment of William to the SCC Board of Trustees," said SCC president Cecil Groves. "The board and I look forward to working with him to further the college’s goal to continue providing the superior, affordable education the citizens of our service area have come to expect from SCC.”

Conrad Burrell, chairman of the Southwestern Board of Trustees, said, “I know William will serve the college and the community well. We are pleased to welcome him to the SCC Board of Trustees.”

William Shelton, second from right, of Whittier was sworn in as the newest member of the Southwestern Community College Board of Trustees. Shelton joined, from left, Earl Hooper, Terry Bell and Jerry Sutton, who were reappointed. The four took the oath of office administered by Sharon Grasty, right, SCC executive assistant to the president, on July 24.

Earl Hooper, retired superintendent of Jackson County School System, was reappointed to serve a four-year term on the board of trustees.

Hooper, of Sylva, has served on SCC's board for the past 23 years and currently serves as chairman of the Board of Trustees' curriculum and student services committee. Hooper was reappointed by the Jackson County Board of Education.

“I was extremely pleased to learn that Earl was reappointed to the Board,” said Burrell. “His commitment to Southwestern, along with his experience in education and knowledge of our region, has been a valuable asset to the college.”

Groves said Hooper’s “demonstrated interest in educating western North Carolinians complements our efforts at Southwestern to provide affordable, quality education to the people in Jackson, Macon and Swain counties and the Qualla Boundary.”

Terry Bell of Franklin, reappointed by the Macon County Board of Commissioners, will also serve another four-year term.

A native of Franklin and director of auxiliary services for Macon County schools, Bell has served on SCC's board of trustees for 12 years.

Burrell commended Bell’s “commitment to Southwestern and experience in educating the people of western North Carolina.”

Groves agreed that Bell’s commitment “serves the college and community well and we are delighted to have him continue serving on the board.”

Jerry Sutton of Franklin was also reappointed to serve a four-year term on the board. His appointment comes from Gov. Mike Easley.

Sutton, who has served on SCC's Board of Trustees for 24 years, including seven terms as chairman, is a former director of the Governor's western office, a retired dairy farmer, former Macon County Commissioner and currently works as a part-time real estate broker.

“We couldn't be happier to have Jerry serve another term on our Board,” said Burrell. “Jerry has a longstanding relationship with SCC, and we're extremely pleased to have him serve again.”

Groves echoed Burrell's sentiment, “Jerry has been a longtime friend to the college. His sense of community and knowledge of this region is a genuine asset to the board.”

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