What does Council of Public Liberal Arts Colleges do?

The organization the council of public liberal arts colleges advances the aims of its member institutions and drives awareness of the value of high-quality, public liberal arts education in a student-centered, residential environment. Through targeted programs and services, it works to achieve measurable outcomes aligned with this core mission.

Who is eligible for services?

Programs are designed to serve General public based on need and program requirements. The organization strives to provide accessible services to diverse populations.

How is the organization funded?

Operations are supported through a combination of grants, donations, and program revenue. The organization maintains financial transparency through regular public reporting.

How can someone get involved?

Community members can connect through the organization's website or contact the Asheville, NC office. Opportunities may include volunteering, donations, or program participation.

Council of Public Liberal Arts Colleges

Asheville, NC · Founded 1994

Advancing high-quality public liberal arts education across 26 institutions

Primary audience

General public

Work area

Education

Topic

Education access

Contact

Dr Cole Woodcox

Website Contact

About Organization

Based in Asheville, NC, the Council of Public Liberal Arts Colleges advances the aims of its 26 member institutions in 24 states and 1 Canadian province while driving awareness of the value of high-quality public liberal arts education. Founded in 1987, the council operates with 28 volunteers and generates $360,337 in annual revenue through collaboration with national higher education organizations and policy advocacy.

What They Focus On

Academic Excellence

Delivering high-quality educational programs to develop knowledge and skills.

Student Success

Supporting learners through comprehensive services and individualized assistance.

Innovation

Advancing educational methods through research and technology integration.

Financial Information

Form 990 data showing organizational financial health and growth.

Revenue (2023)

$360K

+12.4% vs 2022

Expenses (2023)

$368K

+13% vs 2022

Assets (2023)

$332K

+2.5% vs 2022

Year	Revenue	Expenses	Assets
2023	$360,337	$367,680	$332,206
2022	$320,631	$325,513	$324,260
2021	$301,923	$282,354	$342,357
2020	$275,006	$267,846	$311,352
2019	$271,645	$281,641	$305,067
2018	$351,400	$441,277	$330,994
2017	$301,578	$452,630	$409,625

Source: IRS Form 990 filings. All figures in USD.

01

Assess Needs

Identify educational gaps through community consultation and data analysis.
02

Design Programs

Develop evidence-based curricula tailored to participant needs and learning goals.
03

Implement Services

Deliver educational programs with qualified instructors and support resources.
04

Measure Impact

Evaluate outcomes and program effectiveness to inform continuous improvement.

Programs and Initiatives

Services and programs offered by Council of Public Liberal Arts Colleges

Academic Programs

Structured learning opportunities designed to develop knowledge and skills.

Student Support

Resources and services to help students succeed academically and personally.

Faculty Development

Professional growth opportunities for educators to enhance teaching effectiveness.

Research Initiatives

Scholarly inquiry advancing knowledge in academic disciplines and fields.

Team & Leadership

Meet the people behind Council of Public Liberal Arts Colleges.

Timeline for Participants

February 16, 2026 – Academic and Student Affairs nominations close

Early Registration Fee

Dr Cole Woodcox

Executive Director

Full-time

Dr Sue Thomas

Past - President

1 hrs/week

Dr Tuajuanda Jordan

President

2 hrs/week

Dr James Birge

Executive Committee At Large Member

1 hrs/week

Dr Jeffrey McClurkin

Executive Committee At Large Member

1 hrs/week

Dr Melinda Treadwell

Executive Committee At Large Member

1 hrs/week

Janet Ericksen

Executive Committee at Large Member

1 hrs/week

Case Study Discussions

Milestones

1994

Organization Founded

1994

Council of Public Liberal Arts Colleges was established to address community needs and advance its mission.

2002

Leadership Development

2002

Strengthened governance with expanded board and executive team.

2023

Community Impact

2023

Demonstrated effectiveness through measurable program outcomes.

Associated People

Board members, advisors, and key contributors

Board of Directors

Amir Mohammadi Treasurer 1.00 hrs/week

Dr Cathy Cox Director 0.50 hrs/week

Dr Cindy Jebb Director 0.50 hrs/week

Dr Daniel Heimmermann Director 0.50 hrs/week

Dr Demetres Tryphonopoulos Director 0.50 hrs/week

Dr Denise Battles Director 0.50 hrs/week

Dr Diana Rogers-Adkinson Director 0.50 hrs/week

Dr Donna Price Henry Director 0.50 hrs/week

Dr Elsa Nunez Director 0.50 hrs/week

Dr Janet Gooch Director 0.50 hrs/week

Dr John Carmichael Director 0.50 hrs/week

Dr John Feaver Director 0.50 hrs/week

Dr John Stewart Director 0.50 hrs/week

Dr Karen Moranski Director 0.50 hrs/week

Dr Katherine Yardley Director 0.50 hrs/week

Dr Mike Wanous Director 0.50 hrs/week

Dr Nolan Atkins Director 0.50 hrs/week

Dr Nora Miller Director 0.50 hrs/week

Dr Renee Wachter Director 0.50 hrs/week

Dr Tierra Freeman Director 0.50 hrs/week

Jesse Peters Director 0.50 hrs/week

Mario Martinex Director 0.50 hrs/week

Scott Jones Director 0.50 hrs/week

Stacia Haynie Director 0.50 hrs/week

James Birge President

COPLAC President Board Member

Melinda Treadwell President

Janet Schrunk Ericksen Professor of English

COPLAC Member at Large Board Member

Kayla Hale President

Karim Ismaili President

Kimberly van Noort Chancellor

COPLAC Member ex officio Board Member

Gretchen Sechrist, Vice Provost and Dean

Mario Martinez, Provost

Kirsti Sandy Provost

Erin Fouberg Interim Provost

Michael Middleton Provost

Stacey Bosick Interim Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs

Rhonda Phillips President

Susan L. Thomas President

John Parkins Dean

Jeffrey McClurken Chief of Staff

Courtney Bentley, Provost

Renée Wachter Chancellor

Forrest Anderson, Board Member

Joe DaSilva, Treasurer

Mary Toale, Board Member

Jeanine B. Went, ex officio without vote

Jordan Cofer, Board Member

Trisha Folds-Bennett, Board Member

Katherine Gantz, Board Member

Richard Glejzer, Board Member

Stacy Lorenz, Board Member

Jeff McClurken, Board Member

Niti Pandey, Board Member

Scott Tollison, Board Member

Information compiled from IRS Form 990 and organizational materials.

Executive Compensation

Top compensated officers & key employees from IRS Form 990

Total Reported (2023)

$40K

Highest Paid

$40K

DR Cole Woodcox

Compensated Officers

Name	Title	Base	Other	Total	Hrs/Wk
DR Cole Woodcox	Executive Director	$0	$40,148	$40,148	40

Name	Title	Base	Other	Total	Hrs/Wk
DR Cole Woodcox	Executive Director	$0	$40,692	$40,692	40

Name	Title	Base	Other	Total	Hrs/Wk
DR Cole Woodcox	Executive Director	$118,065	$33,760	$151,825	40

Name	Title	Base	Other	Total	Hrs/Wk
DR Cole Woodcox	Executive Director	$126,250	$33,687	$159,937	40

Name	Title	Base	Other	Total	Hrs/Wk
DR Cole Woodcox	Executive Director	$123,605	$30,881	$154,486	40

Source: IRS Form 990 filings. Compensation includes base and other reported compensation.

Contact

Get in touch with Council of Public Liberal Arts Colleges

Phone

(828) 258-7879

Social

Visit Website

220 Campus Drive Cpo 1100 Asheville, NC 28804

Council of Public Liberal Arts Colleges

What They Focus On

Financial Information

How They Work

Assess Needs

Design Programs

Implement Services

Measure Impact

Programs and Initiatives

Academic Programs

Student Support

Faculty Development

Research Initiatives

Team & Leadership

Timeline for Participants

Early Registration Fee

Dr Cole Woodcox

Dr Sue Thomas

Dr Tuajuanda Jordan

Dr James Birge

Dr Jeffrey McClurkin

Dr Melinda Treadwell

Janet Ericksen

Case Study Discussions

Milestones

Organization Founded

Leadership Development

Community Impact

Associated People

Board of Directors

Executive Compensation

Related Organizations

Tax-Exempt Affiliates

Contact

Phone

Social