Concord University: A Legacy of Notable Alumni
Concord University, established in 1872 in Athens, West Virginia, has a rich history of fostering talent and producing notable alumni across diverse fields. From education and business to medicine and public service, Concord graduates have made significant contributions to their communities and beyond. This article highlights some of the university's distinguished alumni, showcasing their achievements and the impact they have had on the world.
Influential Figures in Education and Academia
Concord University has a strong tradition of producing outstanding educators who have dedicated their lives to shaping future generations.
Dr. Rosemary Carucci Goss: A distinguished alumna of the class of 1974, Dr. Rosemary Carucci Goss has dedicated her life to education, leadership, service, and philanthropy. Rosemary served as a professor of apparel, housing, and resource management in the College of Liberal Arts and Human Sciences at Virginia Tech, where she was a valued member of the university community for nearly five decades. In 1986, she founded the nationally recognized Residential Property Management program at Virginia Tech, pioneering academic pathways in this emerging industry. She has served as associate editor of Housing and Society, editorial board member of Cityscape, and reviewer for several academic publications. Beyond her professional accomplishments, Rosemary has been a steadfast champion for Concord University and its students. In 1997, she established the Carucci Goss Family Scholarship, providing critical support to students in their academic journeys. She has shown an unwavering commitment to ensuring a bright future for Concord through her volunteer service with the Concord University Foundation Board of Directors. She was first appointed to the board in 2016 and served two consecutive four-year terms, concluding in June 2024.
Steven “Chase” Brown: An elementary educator and instructional leader from Wyoming County, West Virginia. After graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education in 2021, Chase began his career in Wyoming County, where he served as both a kindergarten and second-grade teacher. His leadership in the school community has included directing the PBIS committee, facilitating student council, and serving as an LSIC representative. Chase is currently pursuing a Master of Education in Instructional Leadership. At Concord University, Chase embraced leadership inside and outside the classroom. He served as a resident assistant, vice president of the Appalachian Leadership and Education Foundation, and an active member of Tau Kappa Epsilon, while earning recognition through numerous scholarships and awards, including Concord’s Outstanding Elementary Education Award. Concord also gave him one of his greatest blessings-meeting his wife, Katie, a fellow education major.
Dr. Lisa: Graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Education, Elementary K-8 and Math 5-Adult. During her time at Concord she was a member of Cardinal Key Honor Society, Kappa Delta Pi, Alpha Chi, Gamma Beta Phi, and was a tutor for Student Support Services. Lisa also graduated with a M.S. in Mathematics from Virginia Tech in 2002 and completed a PhD in Educational Research and Evaluation from Virginia Tech in 2008.
Read also: Funding Your Education at Concord
Paul: Graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Education, Social Studies and Art. During his time at Concord he was a member of Phi Alpha Chi fraternity, Blue Key National Honor Society, Interfraternity Council, and Student Senate with SGA. Paul also graduated with a Masters in Social Studies Education from Marshall University. Paul has retired after 48 years teaching in secondary education.
Leaders in Business and Finance
Concord University has also produced successful leaders in the business and financial sectors.
Al Guenthner: Graduated from Concord University in 1966 with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. During his time at Concord, Al distinguished himself both academically and athletically. He was a three-year starting member of the Mountain Lions baseball team, demonstrating leadership and dedication on the field. In 1972, Al joined the Wachovia Bank Trust Department as its economist. His talents and leadership quickly propelled him upward, and in the mid-1980s, he was named research director. In 1985, he and his team developed the Private Market Value Model-an innovative approach to stock selection that achieved notable success throughout the decade. Demonstrating entrepreneurial vision, Al later became a part of Tanglewood Asset Management alongside several senior professionals from Wachovia. Throughout his career, Al has exemplified integrity, innovation, and leadership.
Eddie: Graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a concentration in Accounting and was the class valedictorian. He obtained his CPA and Master of Accountancy degree. Eddie served as a tax partner at two international accounting firms: Ernst & Young for 17 years and Grant Thornton for 14 years. In 2022, Eddie received the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants’ Arthur J. Dixon Memorial Award which is the highest award given by the accounting profession in the area of taxes and is given nationally to only one CPA per year. He retired in 2018, and currently volunteers his time preparing tax returns in the IRS’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program.
Shea Boothe: Holds a CPA license in the State of West Virginia. He also holds a Professional in Human Resources (PHR) certification. He holds a Master of Professional Accountancy from West Virginia University and an Executive Certificate in Business Administration from Liberty University. Shea currently is the Controller of a public 4-year university, where he prepares the financial statements and manages budgetary control. Previously roles include Budget Director, Assistant Controller, and Payroll Manager. He is an active member of the West Virginia Society of CPAs and the treasurer of the Concord University Alumni Association. Shea’s professional interests and expertise include GASB accounting and the intersection of technology and accounting. In his free time, Shea enjoys traveling to multiple beaches along the eastern seaboard.
Read also: Technology in STEM Learning
Misty: Graduated with a degree in Business Administration with an emphasis in Accounting. During her time at Concord she was a member of the Accounting Club.
Healthcare Professionals Making a Difference
Concord University has a strong tradition of producing healthcare professionals who are dedicated to serving their communities.
Dr. Joseph P. Cincinnati, D.O.: A 1986 graduate of Concord and a 1992 graduate of West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine. A year later, Joseph started his own practice, Center for Orthopedic Excellence, where he continued to grow the practice by adding partners to better serve the community. To further meet the surgical needs of the community, he and his partners designed and built Tri-State Surgical Center. The facility is accredited by ACHC (Accreditation Commission for Health Care), meeting Medicare accreditation standards. In October 2021, the Total Joint Program became certified by ACHC after meeting the highest standards. Joseph has been Board Certified by the American Osteopathic Board of Orthopedic Surgery since 1999. He has held numerous committee memberships, including president of the medical staff at Berkeley Medical Center.
Dr. Jade Gallimore: Is the program director of the General Surgery Residency at Charleston Area Medical Center (CAMC) and an assistant professor of surgery at the CAMC Institute for Academic Medicine in Charleston, W.Va. Jade taught high school for two years before pursuing her medical education. She went on to earn her doctor of osteopathic medicine and master of business administration, both summa cum laude, from Lincoln Memorial University - DeBusk College of Osteopathic Medicine in 2015. Jade returned to Charleston in 2021 to join the surgical faculty and pursue her passion for residency education. She was appointed associate program director in 2021 and became program director in 2023. She is board certified by the American Board of Surgery, where she serves as an examiner for the certifying examination and is a vice chair of the Continuous Certification Committee. Nationally, she is an active member of the Association of Program Directors in Surgery, where she serves on the Independent Academic Medical Center Committee, and of the Southeastern Surgical Congress, where she chairs the Education and Training Committee.
Public Servants and Community Advocates
Concord University alumni have also made significant contributions to public service and community advocacy.
Read also: Adult & Community Education
Dr. Mandy Wriston: A native Appalachian professional with almost two decades of experience in the Travel and Tourism Industry. Her early career occupations include group tour and grant specialist for the Southern West Virginia Convention and Visitors Bureau, director of operations and finance for the Raleigh County Recreation Authority, tourism specialist and event coordinator for the Fayette County Chamber of Commerce/New River Gorge Convention and Visitors bureau. Mandy is currently the owner of Appalachian Queen Consulting and Public Relations LLC. She gives her time by using her public relations and marketing skills to help publicize community events coordinated by nonprofits and other citizens of her community. She is a member of Rotary International and is the secretary for the Canyon Rim Rotary Club chapter. Mandy also recently joined the board of the Historic Fayette Theater.
David: Graduated from Concord in 1971 with degrees in History and Political Science. He served as the President of Phi Sigma Epsilon Fraternity, Student Senate Speaker, and SGA vice president. David was also a member of the Student Affairs Council and Circle K. After graduation from Concord College, he chose a career in the insurance industry, working for Met Life and Aetna, eventually creating his own company in Tampa, FL - National Benefits Group of America. Always a public servant, he has served on the Board of Directors for the Wheeling WV Life Underwriters Association, and was an active member of Kiwanis Club and Lions Club in Wheeling. Since living in Tampa, FL, he has served on the Board of Directors for Lake Magdelene Church and has also been an active member in the Life Underwriter’s Association. David is the husband of fellow Concord graduate Kitty Brogan ‘74, the father of two sons and one daughter, and the proud grandfather of five.
Valerie: Graduated from Concord College with a degree in Travel Industry Management. She spent her career with the West Virginia Parkways Authority for thirty years where she retired as the Supervisor of the West Virginia Tourist Information Center in Princeton.
Nadia: Graduated from Concord with a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology and Sociology and was named Sociology Graduate of the Year in 2021. During her time at Concord, she was actively involved in Student Support Services (SSS) and the McNair Scholars Program, and she also worked as a Resident Assistant. After earning her undergraduate degree, she continued her education at Concord and received her Master of Social Work in 2023.
Contributions to Arts, Communication, and Other Fields
Concord University alumni have also excelled in various other fields, including arts, communication, and more.
Jeff: Graduated with a degree in Communications with an emphasis on Broadcasting and Journalism in 1996 and a degree in Education, Social Studies 5-Adult in 2008. During his time at Concord he was a sports writer for The Concordian, broadcaster for WMLT-TV and WCCR Radio, and Student Assistant for the Public Relations Information Office. He is currently a Social Studies teacher at Eastern Greenbrier Middle School in Ronceverte, WV and is a Broadcaster/Account Executive for Radio Greenbrier, LLC.
JR: Graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Recreation Tourism Management. During his time at Concord he was involved in a variety of organizations and activities including: Student Government Association, Chi Omega Psi fraternity, Concord Collegiate Singers, Crusades for Christ, and BCM. JR continued his education through West Virginia University obtaining a Master of Science in Agriculture and Extension Education.
Amanda: Graduated with a degree in PE & Health Education. During her time at Concord she was a member of Alpha Sigma Alpha Sorority and the Cheer Team, Amanda was also named to the WVIAC All-Conference Cheerleading Team in 2001.
Alumni Supporting Future Generations
Many Concord University alumni demonstrate their commitment to the institution by supporting future generations of students.
Patrick Erickson Jr., Esq.: Graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science with minors in Legal Studies and International Studies. During his time at Concord he was a member of Phi Alpha Delta, Chi Omega Psi, and Model United Nations. He served as Judicial Liaison and later as Chief of Justice in SGA. Patrick also graduated with a Juris Doctorate from West Virginia University Law.
Dr. Jared: Graduated with a degree in Political Science. During his time at Concord he served as SGA president his senior year and was a member of Tau Kappa Epsilon Fraternity and the men’s tennis team. Jared also graduated with a M.A. in Educational Leadership in Higher Education Administration from West Virginia University and a Doctorate of Education in Higher Education Leadership from Maryville University. He has served as the Board of Advisors Chair for the Iota-Xi Chapter of TKE for over a decade and established the Tice-Ashworth Family Scholarship to support future West Virginians in attending Concord.
Brenna: Graduated with a Bachelors in Communication Arts and Sociology. At Concord, she was a member of Nu Zeta Chi and worked in Student Support Services. She received her Master of Science in Strategic Leadership from Mountain State University in 2012. Brenna’s appreciation for higher education that began at Concord has helped nourish her career in higher education advancement and fundraising.
Continued Engagement and Support
Alumni associations play a vital role in maintaining connections between alumni and the university. These associations provide opportunities for alumni to stay informed about the university's progress, cultivate prospective students, contribute to financial support, welcome Concordians to their communities, and publicize university activities.
tags: #concord #university #notable #alumni
