Name: Kelly (Berman) Pierce
Class Year: 1980
I live in: Asheville, NC
Degree: BA Sociology
I joined the board in: May 2023
Ways I support UNC Asheville: Bulldog Athletic Association season ticket holder and table sponsor for the annual ‘Our Turn to Play’ dinner; set up a scholarship for students in the Teacher Licensure program; have established planned giving; donate on Giving Tuesday and Founders Day; attend events on campus and volunteer to help with events on campus; UNCA Alumni Association board member.
My first job after graduation: Administrative Assistant for the Prince George’s County, MD Fire Department/Fire Investigation Unit
If I had $1 million: I would support the Asheville Fund & Athletic Fund on campus.
The UNC Asheville class that I enjoyed most was: anything Sociology!
A story that stands out as a UNC Asheville student was: As an SGA member, getting invited to Dr. Highsmith’s home for dinner, and spending the evening talking with him.
My family includes: spouse Larry Pierce; son Christopher, daughter-in-law Kelly and grandson Nathaniel
A special connection I have to UNC Asheville is: My great uncle, who was a local business owner, set up a fund years ago to help students, and it is still exists today - 25 years after his passing.
A memory from my acceptance into UNC Asheville: So happy to be accepted into a liberal arts college in a town that I love!
As a student, I was involved in: Bulldog mascot; SGA; life in Governor’s Village.
On a Friday night in college, you would have found me: hanging out with friends at Doc’s Rock Shop or working at Sears at the ‘new’ Asheville Mall
The most significant change to the physical campus since I was a student: Most of the dorms in the Village are gone. The new gym/Sherrill Center is so much bigger that the Justice Center where basketball games were played.
My favorite tradition at UNC Asheville: Basketball games & homecoming weekends.
When I visit Asheville, I have to grab a bite at: Little Pigs BBQ
When this song comes on the radio, I think of college: MJ’s ‘Rock With You’ & I’ll Be There’
My dream weekend in Asheville includes: A drive on the Blue Ridge Parkway
No. 1 tip to a fellow UNC Asheville grad who has lost touch with their alma mater: Reach out to the Alumni Relations Office on campus and finds ways to become engaged - there are so many great opportunities!
© 2026 UNC Asheville
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