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Featured Photo: Graduates of the VISION Transylvania Class of 2026, the program’s 30th graduating class, are pictured June 4, 2026, in the Rogow Room at the Transylvania County Library. Front row, from left: Ashley DeCoux, Mollie Gordon, Tamika Hunter and Jan Stevens. Second row, from left: Tim Reinhart, Felice St. John, Angela Owen (executive director), Jessica Eubanks, Erin Weber Boss, Marci Heath, Ann Cerise, Karin Smith, Andy Hiett, Paula Wesley and Bettie Kerrigan. Third row, from left: Jake Serek, Jordan Clark, Emily Clark, Jenny Boyd, Tessa Brown, Ondrea Dory, Beth Venable, Emily Hubbard and Barry Brown. Not pictured are Darryl Josefchuck and Erin Massey. (Photo courtesy of Vision Transylvania.)
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On June 4, Blue Ridge Community College celebrated the graduation of the Spring 2026 class of Vision Transylvania. The 10-month civic leadership program equips participants with a deeper understanding of Transylvania County and inspires informed community engagement.
Through immersive learning experiences, behind-the-scenes access, and direct interaction with local leaders, Vision Transylvania helps participants discover how the county’s government, businesses, nonprofits, educational institutions, public safety agencies, healthcare organizations, and other community partners work together to serve residents. Graduates leave the program with expanded professional networks, a greater understanding of local issues and opportunities, and the knowledge needed for effective community leadership.
“Vision harnesses the strengths and resources of our community to create an active learning environment where participants develop skills essential for both personal growth and community success,” said Angela Owen, Vision Transylvania course instructor and executive director. “I can think of no better setting for this kind of experiential learning than Transylvania County—a place whose people, partnerships, and spirit make leadership come alive.”
Offered through Blue Ridge Community College, Vision Transylvania runs annually from mid-August through early June. Participants attend monthly day-long sessions focused on local history, government, education, healthcare, business and economic development, public safety, arts and culture, environmental stewardship, outdoor recreation, community vision, and more. The program combines classroom learning, site visits, interactive discussions, and hands-on experiences to provide a comprehensive look at life in Transylvania County.
This year’s graduating class joins a growing network of Vision alumni at a particularly meaningful time. In 2026, Vision Transylvania is celebrating its 30th anniversary of developing informed, connected community leaders. To commemorate the milestone, the program will host a reunion of Vision alumni in August, bringing together graduates from the past three decades to celebrate the program’s lasting impact.
Registration is now open for the 2026–2027 Vision Transylvania class. Enrollment is limited to 35 participants each year and is accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. Because demand is high, the program often fills quickly.
To learn more about Vision Transylvania, register for an upcoming class, or learn about the 30th anniversary celebration, information is available online at www.visiontc.org.
The Spring 2026 Vision Transylvania graduating class includes:
Barry Brown
Tessa Brown
Jenny Boyd
Erin Weber Boss
Ann Cerise
Emily Clark
Jordan Clark
Ashley DeCoux
Ondrea Dory
Jessica Eubanks
Mollie Gordon
Marci Heath
Andy Hiett
Emily Hubbard
Tamika Hunter
Darryl Josefchuck
Bettie Kerrigan
Erin Massey
Tim Reinhart
Jake Serek
Karin Smith
Felice St. John
Jan Stevens
Beth Venable
Paula Wesley