Rusty Edwards Appointed to UNC Asheville Board of Trustees

University of North Carolina Asheville today announced Rusty Edwards as the newest member of the University’s Board of Trustees.

ASHEVILLE, N.C. — August 3, 2026 — The University of North Carolina Asheville today announced Rusty Edwards as the newest member of the University’s Board of Trustees. He was unanimously approved by the UNC System Board of Governors at the committee’s July session.

Edwards is the Regional Executive in Commercial Banking for Western North Carolina and the Upstate region of South Carolina for First Bank. He has over 30 years experience providing regional company growth in the banking industry and has served in all aspects of commercial, business banking, and consumer banking leadership, including strategic planning, credit analysis, risk analysis and mitigation, team leadership and development, and portfolio management.

“Rusty Edwards is one of the foremost business leaders in our region, and he’s been a friend of this University — and a champion of Bulldog Athletics, particularly our women’s sports — for decades,” said Janet R. Cone, Director of Athletics. “Adding him to our Board of Trustees brings another outstanding teammate to an already strong board, along with a depth of knowledge that will help guide our strategic vision and strengthen our community.”

Prior to joining First Bank, he spent 23 years with Wells Fargo/Wachovia and seven years with RBC Centura. Edwards is passionate about creating valuable partnerships and working with people at all levels of the organization, including shareholders, executive management, team members, and customers.

He currently serves on the UNC Pardee Foundation Board as well as the All Souls Counseling Center, serving as chair of the development committee.

A native of Haywood County, he proudly served in the United States Marine Corps from 1986 – 1991, and earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration from Western Carolina University. He has been married to Melinda for 35 years, and they have three children: Lukas, Josh, and Maddie.

About UNC Asheville

UNC Asheville is North Carolina’s public liberal arts and sciences university of the  future, marked by technology-driven solutions, hands-on learning, a  student-centered focus and career and professional readiness. With  award-winning faculty, small class sizes, and 60+ academic programs, including  a dual degree in Engineering/Mechatronics with NC State, the University provides free tuition and fees through its Access Asheville program as well as merit scholarships to all first-year students. In the US News & World Report 2026  edition of Best Colleges, UNC Asheville is ranked No. #10 in Top Public  Schools, and No. #12 in Princeton Review’s 2026 Top 50 Guide to Green Colleges.  Known as the Bulldogs, UNC Asheville student-athletes compete in 16  NCAA Division I Teams in the Big South Conference. For more information, please  visit: unca.edu.