Board of Directors
Scientists and educators from leading universities who provide oversight and strategic guidance for HBS on behalf of Western Carolina University — ensuring the Station remains a shared resource for the broader research and educational community.
About the Board of Directors
The HBS Board of Directors provides oversight and strategic guidance for the management and policies of Highlands Biological Station on behalf of Western Carolina University. The Board works closely with the Executive and Associate Directors of HBS and the Office of the Provost at WCU to support the Station's mission.
Since its inception, HBS has been a shared, multi-stakeholder resource, serving the broader scientific and educational community. Faculty, students, and researchers from across the country and around the world are welcomed at the Station — a role reflected in its designation as a multi-campus center of WCU.
To ensure diverse representation, the HBS Board includes key stakeholders from within and beyond WCU and the University of North Carolina System. Board members not serving in an ex officio capacity are elected to three-year terms, with a limit of three consecutive terms.
Current Board of Directors
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Immediate Past Chair
Dr. Paul Manos
Department of Biology
Duke University
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Dr. Stephanie Jeffries
Dept. of Forestry and Environmental Resources
NC State University
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Dr. Joey Shaw
Dept. of Biology, Geology & Environmental Science
University of Tennessee – Chattanooga
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Dr. Kristin Cecala
Department of Biological Sciences
University of the South (Sewanee)
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HBS Executive Director
Dr. James T. Costa
Department of Biology
Western Carolina University
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Dr. Carmen Huffman
Associate Provost for Academic Affairs, Office of the Provost
Western Carolina University
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Dr. Nicole M. Hughes
Department of Biology
High Point University
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Ex officio
Jason Love
HBS Associate Director
Western Carolina University
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Department Head
Dr. Jeremy Hyman
Department of Biology
Western Carolina University
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Jamie Creola
Executive Director
Highlands Biological Foundation, Inc.
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Ex officio
Dr. Rada Petric
UNC-IE Highlands Fall Program Director
University of North Carolina
Board governance structure
Representation
Multi-institutional membership
Board members are drawn from WCU, the UNC System, and independent universities across the region to ensure diverse scientific and educational perspectives.
Terms
Three-year elected terms
Non-ex-officio members serve elected three-year terms with a limit of three consecutive terms, ensuring regular renewal and broad participation.
Ex officio
Standing institutional seats
Key HBS and WCU leadership serve in ex officio capacity, ensuring operational continuity and alignment with university priorities.
Help shape the future of field science
HBS thrives through the support of researchers, educators, and community members who share our commitment to the southern Appalachian ecosystem.