Four alumni named to Alumni Association Board of Directors

The Alumni Association welcomed two new members and two returning alumni to its board of directors: Anthony Laxton ’13, Kenny Martin ’76, David Moose ’69 and Jon Swift ’76. They will serve the board for three-year terms running from June 1, 2023-May 31, 2026.

“The board is thrilled to welcome these new and returning alumni to our Alumni Association board of directors. They each bring a diverse perspective and a love for LR,” said Mary Ellen Sherrill, assistant director of alumni engagement. 

Anthony Laxton ’13
A Hickory native, Laxton works within Workforce Solutions with Press Ganey which is a leading provider of performance analytics and strategic advisory solutions for healthcare. He has been an active member in the community ranging from Hickory Young Professionals to the Bond Commission Board. 

“I am excited to continue giving back to a great university that has given so much to me! I look forward to the continued great work that the board does,” shared Laxton, who is returning to the board for another term. 

Kenny Martin ’76 
Martin is a retired insurance claims adjuster. Currently, he is working part-time as a USTA/ITA Tennis Official and tennis instructor and serves as treasurer for the Greater Wilmington Tennis Association. Volunteer for NC Tennis Association. When asked why he agreed to serve on the board, Martin shared, “I am grateful for my time at LR and this is my opportunity to give back to LRU.”  

David Moose ’69 
Post-graduation, Moose taught high school and college courses for six years before joining a CPA firm and becoming a senior partner. He retired from the firm in 2016. Moose is active in both his church and community activities and has been married to fellow Bear Jeanie Moose ’76 for 54 years. The couple has two grown sons, oldest son Andrew a 2002 LR grad, and a grandson. 

“Lenoir Rhyne gave me a great start for my professional career and I feel that I now have time to devote to the Alumni Board,” said Moose when asked about why he chose to serve. 

Jon Swift ’76
Upon graduation from Lenoir-Rhyne, Swift joined First Union National Bank (Wachovia) as a commercial banker. During his banking career he served in multiple leadership roles, and ultimately became the market president for Catawba County. In 2007 he joined Regions Bank in Charlotte as the corporate banking manager of the NC and VA corporate/middle market banking group. Upon retirement from banking in 2019, he led a family acquisition of a construction company in Greenville, SC where he serves as Chairman/CFO. He and his wife Linda ‘77 opened the Murphy Business Brokers & M&A office in Greenville, SC where he currently serves as principal and managing director. Swift served over 20 years as a Board of Trustee member of the Piedmont Education Foundation (Bears Club) and in 2008 served a two-year term as president. In addition, he was a member of the LRU Business Council for 12 years.

“Lenoir Rhyne has been a second family to Linda and I due to all the great personal long-term relationships we have enjoyed from being a student to our many years living in Hickory,” said Swift, who is returning to the board for another term. “As part of my second family, I will always answer the bell to assist in anyway I can to further the stewardship of this great institution.” 

The nominations committee seeks candidates year-round for the Alumni Association board. To nominate someone, visit this webform.