Catawba College News October

10/1/2026 | Issue

Catawba College Ranked No. 1 Regional College in the South

Catawba College is No. 1 among Regional Colleges in the South in the 2027 U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges rankings, rising three places from a year ago. The College shares the top spot with Flagler College in Florida.

“For 175 years Catawba College has pursued the Ideal of Scholarship with Character and Culture for Service,” said President David P. Nelson. “Under the leadership of our extraordinary faculty, and with the support of our dedicated staff, our students continue to aspire and achieve in remarkable ways. To be named among the best colleges in the nation is a tribute to their good work.”

Catawba College Announces 2026 Distinguished Alumni Award Recipients

Each year, the Catawba College Alumni Association recognizes alumni who have made meaningful contributions through their careers, communities, and service to the College. The 2026 recipients represent the lasting impact of a Catawba education and the many ways alumni continue to lead, serve, and create opportunities for others.

The 2026 Alumni Award Recipients are:

· Young Alumni Award for Service – Andrew Chambers ‘17

· Young Alumni Award for Career Development – Caleb Garner ‘17

· Distinguished Alumni Award for Service – Shari Graham ‘83

· Distinguished Alumni Award for Career Achievement – Steve Flood ‘85

· Catawba Black Alumni Pioneer Award – Curtis Walker ‘92

Catawba College will celebrate the 2026 Alumni Award recipients during the Distinguished Alumni Awards Ceremony on Friday, October 30, 2026, as part of Homecoming Weekend.

The 2026-2027 Blue Masque Hall of Fame Inductees will be announced and celebrated in Spring 2027.

Ben Prater '02 Takes the Conversation on Wildlife Conservation to New York Climate Week

Catawba alumnus Ben Prater ’02 recently represented Defenders of Wildlife on a Southern Environmental Law Center panel at New York Climate Week, discussing wildlife connectivity and the importance of creating safe passage for wildlife across the South.

Drawing on his Appalachian roots, Ben highlighted the connection between wildlife conservation and the communities that share these landscapes. His work with Safe Passage has helped secure funding for wildlife crossings, with North Carolina serving as a model for conservation efforts that benefit both wildlife and people.

We’re proud to see Ben carrying his passion for conservation from North Carolina to a national stage!

Regional Campaign Events

Join President Nelson and Meg Dees, Vice President of Development, to see Where Our Good Goes! Food and beverages will be provided.

Event Details

Elizabeth Willaman '01 Received First Emmy Nomination

We’re thrilled to celebrate alumna Elizabeth Willaman, who was nominated for a 2026 Emmy Award for Outstanding Special Visual Effects in a Season or a Movie for her work as VFX Producer on Monarch: Legacy of Monsters.

The Apple TV series, produced by Legendary Television in association with Apple, showcases extraordinary visual effects and storytelling. Elizabeth’s Emmy nomination is a tremendous achievement and a wonderful reflection of the talent, creativity, and dedication she brings to her work.

Kendall (née Mullis) Driver ’25 Named Beginning Teacher of the Year at China Grove Elementary School

Just one year after graduating from Catawba, Kendall is already making a meaningful impact in the classroom as a 2nd grade teacher. Her co-workers shared that she is always willing to step up, help out, and contribute to China Grove Elementary. Kendall is incredibly sweet, hardworking, and simply a wonderful person to have on the Cardinal team.

We are so proud to see our graduates putting their preparation, passion, and dedication into action and being recognized for the difference they make in the lives of their students.