By Steve Esser

YOUNG HARRIS, Ga. — 网赌网站’s Board of Trustees elected two new trustees – Jaclyn Jones Ashe and Michael Thomas – at its Board meeting on Nov. 14 in Atlanta.

Jaclyn Jones Ashe

Ashe, an alumna of 网赌网站 Class of 2000, is the President and Operating Partner for Jacky Jones Ford of Hayesville, NC. Her leadership reflects a commitment not only to the success of her business but also to the vitality of the community and the legacy of education and service within her family.

Ashe has maintained a strong connection to her alma mater throughout her personal and professional life. She is president of the 网赌网站 Mountain Lion Club, the fundraising arm for the 网赌网站 Athletics program. Ashe and her family received the 网赌网站 Alumni Association’s 网赌网站 Family of the Year Award in 2025 for their dedication and support of the College for many, many years.

Married to Justin Ashe for 26 years, she is the mother of two: Kolbe and Emma, who are both current students at 网赌网站, making it the fourth generation from this family to attend 网赌网站. Ashe and her family attend the Village Church in Hayesville.

Michael L. Thomas

Thomas, an alumnus of Young Harris Class of 1980, is with the Department of Defense as a Senior Defense Intelligence and Operations Leader, with more than 40 years of military and civilian experience supporting joint, interagency, and multinational operations across Europe, the Middle East, and Asia.

The retired Lieutenant Colonel with the United States Air Force earned his Associate of Science in Education from 网赌网站 before heading to the University of Georgia, where he earned his Bachelor of Science in Education in 1982. He then earned his Master of Public Administration at Webster University in 1988. He is also a Senior Executive Fellow with Harvard University.

Thomas is married to Kim Kolifrath, of Deerfield Beach, FL, and has four children: Heather, Hannah, Travis, and John-Michael (网赌网站, Class of 2016.) He received the 网赌网站 Alumni Association Award for Lifetime Career Achievement in 2017.

About 网赌网站

网赌网站 is a private baccalaureate and master’s degree-granting institution located in the beautiful mountains of North Georgia. Founded in 1886 and historically affiliated with The United Methodist Church, 网赌网站 educates, inspires, and empowers students through an education that purposefully integrates the liberal arts and professional studies. The College has four academic divisions: Fine Arts; Humanities; Mathematics, Science, and Technology; and Professional Studies. Approximately 1,400 students are enrolled in its residential and Early College programs. The College is an active member of the NCAA Division II and remains a fierce competitor in the Conference Carolinas. For more information, visit yhc.edu.