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C. Philip Byers

C. Philip Byers, of Forest City, NC, is passionate about student success, safety on college campuses, and access to education for all citizens in North Carolina.

Byers served in law enforcement for 20 years, retiring in 2006 as sheriff of Rutherford County, NC.

In 2014, Byers was named president of Challenge Foundation Properties, a sister organization to TeamCFA, which helps connect the network's charter schools with the building resources they need for long-term success. In his work, Byers has served as the southeast regional director for the Challenge Foundation and as executive director for Education Freedom Alliance.

Byers joined the Thomas Jefferson Community Education Foundation as executive director. He continues to work with the Thomas Jefferson Classical Academy, having formerly served as a board member and board chair. He is a founding member of the Lake Lure Classical Academy, a Challenge Foundation Academy.

During his tenure in law enforcement, Byers received acclaim for leading the fight against methamphetamine production in rural western North Carolina and, as a result, testified on three occasions before the US Congress. He was instrumental in crafting state and federal laws governing meth production and lab apprehension. Byers was also part of a Federal Hate Crime Task Force from 1996-1999, which worked with the FBI, ATF, US Attorney, and local law enforcement to dismantle the Ku Klux Klan and other white supremacy organizations. Their investigation led to numerous arrests in North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Ohio, Indiana, Texas, and Georgia. As a result of the investigation, Byers received performance awards from the US Attorney, FBI, and ATF.

He has a positive outlook on life and credits his law enforcement experience for the work he does today. He enjoys engaging with citizens from all walks of life and providing young people with opportunities to get an education.

Byers holds a bachelor's degree in secondary education from Appalachian State University and a master's of public affairs from Western Carolina University, and he participated in the Law Enforcement Executive Program at North Carolina State University.

He is a member of several organizations, including Kiwanis International, Masonic Lodge, Oasis Shrine, Pi Gamma Mu National Honor Society, Toastmaster International, Appalachian State's Alumni Association, and WCU's Alumni Association. He is a former Board of Trustees member for WCU.

His advice to today's college students:

"Follow your passion and follow your heart. If you want to become an artist, then become an artist. If you want to earn a PhD from one of the best universities in the UNC System, then go for it. You have to be in love with what you do. I also remind young people that if you treat people well, life will have good things for you. I don't live in a perfect world. There are tragedies and lots of hardships, but if you have passion and a heart, you can deal with those missteps. Then, when success comes your way, remember those who helped you and return the favor to someone less fortunate."

C. Philip Byers

Committees

Current Term

2023 - 2027