UNC Asheville Announces Millennial Campus Development Advisory Committee to Guide Planning for University Properties

The University of North Carolina Asheville today announced the formation of the Millennial Campus Development Advisory Committee, a group charged with making recommendations for future development on the University’s Millennial Campus properties.

The Committee is being established as UNC Asheville moves into a structured phase of planning for Millennial Campus parcels totalling over 200 acres, including parcels totalling 54 acres on both sides of Broadway Street approximately between North Street and W.T. Weaver Boulevard. The Committee’s role will be to support a thoughtful, transparent evaluation of options that can help ensure UNC Asheville’s long-term sustainability and future. 

“We’ve heard clearly from stakeholders across the University and the region that possible future development must be evaluated with care,” said Chancellor Kimberly van Noort. “This Committee will provide structured, balanced guidance that honors UNC Asheville’s educational mission, our commitment to environmental stewardship, and our responsibility to be good neighbors.”

Committee members were thoughtfully selected for their knowledge—whether it’s a deep understanding of the University, of the city of Asheville and the region, of environmental issues, or of planning and development. Among them is a former Asheville mayor, a former national president of the Sierra Club, several lifelong Asheville residents, a leader of one of Western North Carolina’s top economic development organizations, and several UNC Asheville alumni.

This initiative is one of a number of strategic, forward-thinking measures being led by Chancellor van Noort to help make the University financially sustainable and competitive for years to come. These range from expanding the Access Asheville financial aid program to attract more students to building a state-of-the-art performance auditorium at Lipinsky Hall to completing an ambitious $100 million comprehensive campaign.

Committee Mission and Scope
Working with HR&A Advisors, Inc., a nationally prominent urban development consulting firm engaged by the University, the Committee will:

• Explore, understand, and articulate the University’s needs and aspirations for future development of the Millennial Campus Property.
• Gather input from the University community, city residents and businesses, and stakeholders across the region on priorities and concerns related to UNC Asheville’s future and the Millennial Campus expansion.
• Develop a clear set of recommendations and an Action Plan to guide development of the Millennial Campus Property, including a compelling vision for the site; guiding priorities; preferred uses; urban design and siting guidance; and identified milestones, responsibilities, and engagement points throughout the development process.

Because the Committee’s work will include reviewing confidential materials and discussing sensitive information, meetings will not be open to the public. However, public input will play an unequivocally important role in shaping the plan as the Committee gathers feedback from a wide range of area community, environmental, and government leaders during its assessment..

Committee Structure and Membership
The Committee will conduct its work independently through the UNC Asheville Endowment Fund Board, ensuring that its recommendations are made without influence from University administration. It will be led by two co-chairs and supported by members selected for their deep expertise in governance, civic leadership, environmental issues, regional economics, and planning and development.

Co-Chairs

• Peter Heckman – Former President and CEO, Horace Mann Educators Corporation; Vice Chair, UNC Asheville Board of Trustees
• Adam Walters – Assistant Director, Pappas Real Estate Development Program, NC State University; UNC Asheville Alumnus

Members

• Lou Bissette – Of Counsel, McGuire Wood & Bissette P.A.; Former Mayor of Asheville; Former Chair of UNC’s Board of Governors; Trustee, UNC Asheville
• Kelly Davis – Vice President of Mortgage Lending, Park National Bank; Secretary, UNC Asheville Board of Trustees
• Stephen De May – Former North Carolina President, Duke Energy Corporation; Trustee, UNC Asheville
• Victoria Isley – President & CEO, Explore Asheville / Buncombe County Tourism Development Authority
• Dr. Keith Krumpe – Interim Dean of Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences; Senior Administrator of Space Planning, UNC Asheville
• Rick Lutovsky – Former CEO, Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce
• Lakesha McDay – President, The Moriah Group; UNC Asheville Alumna
• Chuck McGrady – Former Executive Director of the North Carolina Youth Camp Association; Former National President of the Sierra Club; Former North Carolina State Representative
• David Meyer – Senior Financial Advisor & Managing Director, Wells Fargo; Trustee, UNC Asheville
• James Peterson – Former CEO, Metroquip
• Nathan Ramsey – Executive Director, Land of Sky Regional Council; UNC Asheville Alumnus
• Charles Tessier – Director of Planning, Development, and Special Projects, Tessier Real Estate Consulting

Committee Timeline and Work Plan
The Committee is expected to meet monthly through May 2026, with each session structured as an intensive workshop. Following the final workshop, HR&A Advisors will synthesize the Committee’s recommendations into the Millennial Campus Action Plan, which will be delivered to the University for review and action.