News

Ed Foundation names new director

Paul Knott

By Bill Moss, Published: December 11, 2014

The Henderson County Education Foundation has hired a new executive director after a search to replace Don Jones, who retired earlier this year.

Paul Knott, whose broad experience includes fundraising, public service, business ownership and service as a U.S. Public Health Service officer, will begin his tenure in January.

"Education is one of the pillars of a vibrant community and I am thrilled to continue the organization's mission of enhancing our community's quality of life by supporting the Henderson County Public Schools and our partners at Johnson Farm and Bullington Gardens," Dr. Knott, who lives in Mills River, said in a news release. "It is an honor to follow Dr. Jones in this role and I am confident that through the dedication of our Board and the continuing commitment of our generous donors, the Henderson County Education Foundation will continue to be a valuable and cherished asset."

Knott in 2011 became the founding director of Lenoir-Rhyne University's Center for Graduate Studies of Asheville. He successfully led the establishment of a new graduate campus, and played a critical role in the university's integration into the community, selecting and developing programs, recruiting faculty and staff, and growing the enrollment to over 200 students in 10 graduate programs.

"Dr. Knott brings a wealth of experience in education, development and community outreach and is the perfect fit to lead the Henderson County Education Foundation," said Graham Fields, president of the Henderson County Education Foundation. "Our search committee worked very diligently and I am confident that the organization will continue to have a bright future under Dr. Knott's leadership."

Prior to his LRU appointment, Knott served as Curriculum Coordinator and Manager of the Enka-based BioNetwork BioBusiness Center and Laboratory, a part of the NC Community College System. From 2005 until 2011, he directed all activities, projects and staff of the Center and Laboratory, including business development, educational programming, and laboratory and product design support services for life science companies.

Before joining the BioNetwork, Knott's career included roles in public service, business ownership, executive leadership, consulting and teaching. He began his professional career as a Commissioned Officer in the U.S. Public Health Service in Washington, DC. Over two decades, he served in program leadership roles with PHS and at the headquarters of the American Red Cross. He also served as Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of the Washington headquarters of the United Service Organizations (USO).

"Dr. Knott recognizes that the Henderson County Education Foundation is a dynamic, multi-faceted organization that supports not only scholarships and school grants, but also a working historic farm and an educational botanical garden," said Fields. "Through programs like the Henderson County Education Hall of Fame and the School Sponsorship initiative, we will continue to explore new and innovative ways to champion education in the community."

A reception for the community to meet Dr. Knott and learn more about the Henderson County Education Foundation and its partners is planned for early January at Bullington Gardens.

"We are blessed to live in a community with such an excellent school system," Knott said. "I look forward to working with the students, teachers, principals and the business community to continue the great work of the Henderson County Education Foundation."

Knott received a BA in History with honors from the University of Maryland, where he also completed a master's degree in Health Education. He earned a master's degree in Public Health with an emphasis on Social and Administrative Health Sciences from the University of California at Berkeley and most recently earned a doctorate in Educational Leadership from Western Carolina University.