Rimes to assume director position for public affairs master's program
Heather Rimes has been named director of Western Carolina University鈥檚 master of public affairs degree program, effective July 1.
Heather Rimes
She will succeed Jay Gerlach, who has held the position since 2015. Gerlach will return to a faculty position with the program.
鈥淥ur program has experienced exceptional development during Dr. Gerlach鈥檚 tenure as MPA director, and I am enthusiastic about assuming the director role and continuing to support our upward trajectory,鈥� said Rimes. 鈥淚鈥檓 honored to help equip public and nonprofit leaders to serve in Western North Carolina and elsewhere.鈥�
Rimes holds a doctorate from the University of Georgia, a master鈥檚 degree in public affairs from the University of South Alabama and her bachelor鈥檚 degree from Georgia Tech. Her instructional focus is in public administration and public policy.
91热爆网鈥檚 MPA program prepares town managers, directors of nonprofit organizations, professors, police officers and other professionals committed to public service. Many courses can be taken during evening hours at the Biltmore Park instructional site in Asheville; some are offered at the Cullowhee campus and online.
鈥淗eather Rimes is unequivocally the right person for the job,鈥� Gerlach said. 鈥淲e are excited to build on the program鈥檚 success with more than 38 years of service to Western North Carolina.鈥�
For information about the program or its new director, go to publicaffairs.wcu.edu or contact Rimes at hnrimes@wcu.edu
