98th Annual Conference
Managers, friends honor Hester with scholarship

By Todd McGee
Director of Communications

McDowell County Clerk to the Board Carrie Padgett (left) and Martin County Clerk Linda Hardison escorted Hester as he made his way to the field to throw out the ceremonial first pitch prior to the Charlotte Knights’ Aug. 26 home game. Hester was joined on the field by his two sons, Rick and John. (Photo by Jason King)

As the Association’s director of member services for the past 24 years, Robert Hester has logged a lot of miles traveling across the state. Along the way he has impacted the lives and professional development of countless county and city managers, clerks and other department heads.

To show their appreciation for his efforts and professionalism, a group of county managers – spearheaded by Moore County Manager Steve Wyatt – have established a scholarship fund in Hester’s honor at Appalachian State University.

“Robert is someone who has made a significant difference in my life,” Wyatt said. “I know he has made a significant difference in the lives of many others in local government. I thought an investment in the professionals of the future was an appropriate way to honor his commitment and dedication to county government.”

The ASU Foundation is setting up the fund, and the scholarship will be given annually to an outstanding student in the local government training program at ASU. This program has developed more than 100 city or county managers throughout North Carolina in the past 20 years, Wyatt said. Currently, ASU offers a bachelor of science degree in town and city/county management, and a master’s in public administration.

Wyatt’s goal is to raise $25,000 for the endowment fund. The ASU Foundation requires a minimum of $10,000 for any endowed scholarship, and Wyatt hopes to achieve that goal quickly so that deserving students can begin receiving the scholarship.

“If every county manager would solicit $250, we would be at our target,” he said. “This will be a lasting legacy in recognizing Robert’s many contributions to local government in North Carolina.”

Wyatt announced the scholarship Aug. 26 during Robert Hester Night at the Ballpark. Hester was honored by more than 400 county officials and family members who turned out for an evening of fun and baseball at a Charlotte Knights game. Hester was given the “thrill of a lifetime” when he got to throw out the ceremonial first pitch before the game with the Norfolk Tides.

To make a contribution by check to the fund, please write “Robert Hester Scholarship Fund” on the memo line of your check and send it to:

University Advancement
ASU Box 32014
Boone, NC 28608-2014

For more information on the fund, please send an e-mail to give@appstate.edu, or call (828) 262-2090.