New members join Carson-Newman University’s Board of Trustees

(December 3, 2013) — Four new members were recently appointed to Carson-Newman University’s Board of Trustees. Harry Brooks, Joan Cronan, Wanda Moore and Ron Oakley will begin their service Jan. 1.

“We are delighted to welcome Harry Brooks, Joan Cronan, Wanda Moore, and Ron Oakley, to Carson-Newman’s Board of Trustees,” said University President Randall O’Brien. “Each is committed to supporting the University’s mission and brings unique gifts to Carson-Newman’s leadership. We are honored to have these individuals join us as we continue to build Carson-Newman into the Christ-centered liberal arts-based university of choice in the Southeast.”

A representative for the state of Tennessee in District 19 since 2002, Harry R. Brooks has a proven interest in education. He has experience serving as a public school teacher in Grainger County and as an adjunct professor at his alma mater, Carson-Newman University. As a member of state legislature, he has continued to be involved in education by serving in several education committees as both member and chair.

After Dade City, Florida’s Ron Oakley and his brother Thomas formed Oakely Groves to harvest citrus, they expanded to develop Oakley Transportation. Oakley is also the owner and broker of Oakley Realty. Within his community, he has served in numerous leadership and service capacities and been awarded the Sheriff’s Community Service Award and Citizen of the Year by the Greater Dade City Chamber of Commerce in 2013.

Joan Cronan is best known for her role as Women’s Athletic Director Emeritus for the University of Tennessee. She has been named Athletic Director of the Year by the NACDA and NACWAA in 2004 and 2005, respectively. With Cronan at the helm, the Lady Vols achieved their highest ever finish at the 2007 Director’s Cup and earned recognition for being one of the premier women’s athletics departments in the nation.

Wanda Moore is a business consultant and former vice president over medical staff services at Bon Secours St. Francis Health System in Greenville, S.C. Moore is also an active member at Washington Baptist Church in Greer, S.C. She serves as Sunday school teacher, member of the choir, and chair of the church scholarship committee, as well as in numerous other capacities. One of the original members of Carson-Newman’s Women of Vision, Moore serves as communications chair.

The four new members bring the total number of trustees to 28 serving the interests of Carson-Newman University.

Carson-Newman University is a private, Christian liberal arts institution. Founded in 1851, Carson-Newman is located in Jefferson City, Tennessee, among the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains. The University has 2,045 students and offers 50 undergraduate majors, as well as bachelor’s, master’s and doctorate degrees.