University of Mount Olive Honors Retiring Board Members

(L-R) Retiring UMO Trustee Kim Quinn, UMO Board Chair Don Lassiter, UMO President Dr. H. Edward Croom, and Retiring Board Chair Earl Worley.

MOUNT OLIVE— Following its most recent Board of Trustees meeting, University of Mount Olive (UMO) President Dr. H. Edward Croom recognized three long-time trustees for their dedicated service and contributions to the University. During a special dinner held at Kornegay Student Farm, Kim Quinn, Carolyn Jernigan, and Earl W. Worley, Jr. were given framed resolutions acknowledging their leadership to the University.

Carolyn F. Jernigan (not pictured) has been a member of the Board since 1993, advising the University with her deep professional experience and connections within the Sampson County School System. She has provided critical guidance to the University’s Student Affairs Committee and used her influence within the Original Free Will Baptist denomination to promote the transformative value of a UMO education. Jernigan’s extensive service to her church, community, and profession has left a lasting impact on the University and the students she has helped to support.

(L-R) UMO Board Chair Don Lassiter presenting Kim Quinn with a framed resolution from the Board.

Kim Quinn began his service in 1994 and has passionately advocated for UMO. Over three decades, Quinn has been instrumental in the success of the University’s Advancement Committee, particularly through his affiliations in the agricultural community. As a proud alumnus, he has upheld the Quinn family legacy of commitment to higher education, generously supporting the University's mission with his time and financial contributions. The Board of Trustees expressed its deepest appreciation for Quinn’s tireless dedication, noting that UMO is a better place due to his efforts.

(L-R) New UMO Board Chair Don Lassiter presenting retiring Board Chair Earl Worley with a framed resolution from the Board.

Earl W. Worley, Jr. has served on the Board of Trustees since 2006, bringing his business expertise to the Business Affairs Committee and offering nine years of exemplary leadership as Board Chair. A loyal and supportive alumnus, Worley has focused his efforts on the University’s music and business programs, showing enthusiastic commitment to UMO’s mission as both a parent and trustee. In acknowledging Worley’s exceptional leadership, the Board recognized his role in shaping the University’s future through his diligent service.

“Carolyn, Kim, and Earl have each provided exemplify dedication, commitment, and service to the University,” said Croom. “We appreciate the leadership and guidance each has graciously and sacrificially provided. Individually and collectively, their service has been both meaningful and monumental. As an institution, we are forever grateful for their leadership.”

The University of Mount Olive is a private institution rooted in the liberal arts tradition with defining Christian values. The University was founded by the Convention of Original Free Will Baptists. For more information, visit www.umo.edu.

—Rhonda Jessup, Director of Public Relations