South College Asheville campus president earns WomanUP nomination
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE October 17, 2025
Dr. Samantha Sircey, campus president for South College Asheville, has been nominated for a prestigious WomanUP award by the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce for making an impact in the science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) industry.
The Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce’s WomanUP initiative aims to inspire, connect and support women by recognizing their achievements and building a powerful network of female professionals.
Sircey previously served as dean of academic and student services in Asheville before she was selected to lead as campus president in March 2025.
“The WomanUP award nomination for Dr. Sircey is well deserved,” South College Chancellor Steve South said. “Dr. Sircey is passionate about educating, empowering and supporting female leaders through all stages of their careers. She was the ideal choice to lead the Asheville campus forward, and a great choice as a candidate for this award.”
Born and raised in Asheville, Sircey has decades of experience at various educational levels, including serving as a principal at middle and high schools and later shifting into higher education at South College.
“My passion is education,” Sircey said. “My career has centered on students, from children to adults, who aspire to learn. I appreciate being nominated by the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce and look forward to the connections I can make with the other nominees.”
Sircey earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in history from UNC-Asheville in 1995, a Master of School Administration degree in 2010, and Doctor of Education (EdD) degree in School Leadership in 2017 from Western Carolina University.
WomanUP is focused on women who seek to build a strong network intent on inspiring one another to achieve individual potential; supporting each other in business endeavors; and creating a legacy through mentorship.
The 2025 award winners will be announced Nov. 20 at the Crowne Plaza Resort Expo Center in Asheville.
In 2024, Dr. Katie Thomas, then Associate Dean of Nursing at the South College Asheville campus, was recognized as the 2024 Rising Star awardee at the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce’s WomanUP Celebration. Dr. Thomas received the award for her dedication to nursing education and her impactful work in addressing Asheville’s healthcare needs.
About South College
South College serves more than 18,000 students and is proud of its more than 20,000 graduates. The institution offers academic programs at multiple levels, including professional certificates and associate, bachelor’s, master’s, educational specialist and doctoral degree programs via campuses in Knoxville and Nashville, Tennessee; Asheville, North Carolina; Atlanta and Marietta, Georgia; Indianapolis, Indiana; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; Dallas, Texas; and Orlando, Florida, as well as Online and CBE. South College focuses on ensuring high standards and quality educational offerings, maintaining multiple authorizations and accreditations.
South College’s programs span diverse fields such as business, criminal justice, dental hygiene/assisting, diagnostic medical sonography, nursing, occupational therapy, paralegal studies, physical therapy, radiography, respiratory therapy, physician assistant studies, pharmacy and surgical technology. The institution is dedicated to preparing students with the skills and knowledge needed for the professional opportunities ahead of them. For more information, visit south.edu.