Pictured (left to right): Dr. Terrence Ramon Stuart, President of West Virginia University Institute of Technology, and Rachel Hopkins, Dealer Principal and President of Lewis Automotive and Lewis Nissan, who were recently elected to serve on the Beckley Area Foundation Board of Directors.
The Beckley Area Foundation is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Terrence Ramon Stuart, President of West Virginia University Institute of Technology, and Rachel Hopkins, Dealer Principal and President of Lewis Automotive and Lewis Nissan, to its Board of Directors.
Both Dr. Stuart and Hopkins bring extensive leadership experience, a deep commitment to community service, and a passion for strengthening southern West Virginia through philanthropy and community engagement.
Dr. Stuart, a native of Welch, West Virginia, has dedicated more than 20 years to higher education leadership. Since becoming president of WVU Tech in 2023, he has championed student success initiatives, strengthened campus-community partnerships, and led efforts focused on enrollment growth, retention, and student support. His expertise includes strategic planning, fundraising, governance, government relations, marketing and communications, and organizational leadership. A two-time graduate of the Benjamin M. Statler College of Engineering at West Virginia University, Dr. Stuart earned his doctorate from Ohio University and has received numerous honors throughout his career, including recognition as a NIOSH Fellow, SREB Fellow, Honorary Commander of Robins Air Force Base, and a 2022 Notable Georgian by Georgia Trends Magazine.
“I am honored to join the Beckley Area Foundation Board of Directors,” said Stuart. “The Foundation plays a vital role in supporting the people and communities of southern West Virginia, and I look forward to contributing to its mission and helping create opportunities that make a lasting impact throughout the region.”
Hopkins brings nearly three decades of business leadership experience to the Foundation. A fourth-generation member of the Lewis family involved in the family dealership, she has worked full-time with Lewis Automotive and Lewis Nissan since 1997 and currently serves as Dealer Principal and President. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the University of Mary Washington, an MBA from West Virginia University, and completed the National Automobile Dealers Association Dealer Academy. In addition to her professional accomplishments, Hopkins has a longstanding history of service to the Beckley Area Foundation and the broader community, including two previous terms on the Foundation’s Board of Directors, service on the Beckley-Raleigh County Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, and mentorship through the Susan Landis Youth Philanthropists (SLYP) program.
“Community support, outreach, and philanthropy have played an important role in the growth of southern West Virginia,” said Hopkins. “I am honored to continue serving with the Beckley Area Foundation and helping inspire future generations to understand the importance of giving back and investing in their communities.”
In addition to welcoming Dr. Stuart and Hopkins to the Board of Directors, the Foundation recently elected a new Executive Committee to provide leadership and strategic direction for the organization. Kacy Korczyk-Bailey was elected Board President and will lead the Foundation’s Board of Directors during the upcoming term. Joining her in executive leadership roles are Jared Underwood, who will serve as Vice President; Doug Smith, who will serve as Treasurer; and Roda Haddadin, who will serve as Secretary.
The Beckley Area Foundation also recognizes the service of Jereme Evans, who recently completed his term as Board President, and Sabrina Triplett, who concluded her service as Board Secretary. Their leadership, vision, and commitment have been instrumental in guiding the Foundation’s work and expanding its impact throughout southern West Virginia. The Beckley Area Foundation is grateful for their dedication and many contributions during their tenure on the Board of Directors.
As BAF looks to the future, its Board of Directors remains committed to advancing the organization’s mission of inspiring and facilitating generous charitable giving that strengthens communities and creates lasting impact throughout southern West Virginia.