A new school year is underway, and with it, some exciting new additions to our campus community. We are thrilled to welcome Ravenscroft's newest faculty and staff members. For the first two weeks of August, these dedicated professional were immersed in our Lead from Here curriculum, getting to know the unique culture of our community and setting up classrooms for a successful year ahead. With fresh perspectives and a shared commitment to student success, they are eager to inspire and guide the next generation of changemakers. 

SENIOR LEADERSHIP TEAM

 

Ryan Holleman - Athletic Director

Ryan Holleman comes to Ravenscroft from Santa Clara University in Santa Clara, Calif., where he was the senior associate athletic director. During his career, Holleman has also worked as an athletic trainer for the University of Nebraska, High Point University, and N.C. State University. Holleman earned his undergraduate degree from Western Carolina University in Athletic Training. He holds a Master’s Degree from the University of Nebraska and a Doctor of Athletic Training Degree from the Arizona School of Health Sciences at A.T. Still University. A hallmark of Holleman's tenure at Santa Clara was his dedication to student-athlete well-being. Holleman was born and raised in Havelock, N.C., and is thrilled to be back closer to family. He and his wife Tammy have two children, Karli Rae and Rhett, and two dogs, Ellie and Griffey.

 

UPPER SCHOOL

 

Matthew Allen - Science Teacher

Matthew Allen is grateful to join the Ravenscroft team as an Upper School science teacher and advisor. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Neuroscience and Biology with an emphasis on Ecology, Evolution, and Organismal Biology from Vanderbilt University. Allen earned a Master of Arts in Teaching, with a concentration in Secondary Science Education, from Western Governors University in January. He was an interim teacher at Ravenscroft last spring and is excited to come back to Ravenscroft for the upcoming school year. Allen brings energy and a passion for nurturing students and creating a classroom environment where students feel known, loved and supported. He strives to build a space where students can truly learn, grow, and make their school day more meaningful and positive. Outside of the classroom, Allen enjoys going for walks in nature, playing board games, reading, and spending time with his wife and cats.

 

Duncan Barnes - Science Teacher

Duncan Barnes is thrilled to join the Ravenscroft community as an Upper School science teacher and advisor. Barnes holds degrees in Environmental Science and International Studies from the UNC-Asheville. He brings over a decade of independent school teaching and leadership experience, having served as Science Department Chair at Christ School in Asheville, N.C., and most recently as STEM Teacher, Residential Life Director, and Facilities Director at Burke Mountain Academy in Vermont. 

Throughout his career, which includes being recognized as a four-time Teacher of the Year and being selected by graduating seniors to deliver the commencement address at both Christ School and Burke Mountain Academy, Barnes has focused on creating an engaging, supportive environment where students are encouraged to ask big questions and build confidence through hands-on inquiry. Outside the classroom, Duncan can usually be found running local trails, playing board games, or exploring with his wife Alyssa, their son Bodie, and their dog Tango.

 

Emma Bragdon - Science Teacher

Bragdon is excited to join the Upper School Science Department at Ravenscroft. A Maine native, she earned a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry with a minor in Microbiology from the University of Maine. She spent the past four years teaching Honors and AP Chemistry at John Bapst Memorial High School, where she enjoyed helping students tackle challenging concepts, think critically, and develop confidence in the classroom. Outside of school, Bragdon enjoys playing pickleball, hiking with her dogs, and spending as much time outdoors as possible. She is looking forward to trading Maine winters for North Carolina sunshine and is excited to become part of the Ravenscroft community.

 

Lucy Ehrenclou - Science Teacher

Lucy Ehrenclou is thrilled to join the Ravenscroft community as an Upper School science teacher and advisor. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Studies from Tulane University, a Master of the Environment in Renewable and Sustainable Energy from the University of Colorado Boulder, and a Master of Professional Science in Marine Conservation from the University of Miami. Ehrenclou previously taught middle school science as a long-term substitute at Durham Academy and has spent over five years inspiring curiosity through science education programs at aquariums, zoos and nature centers. She loves helping students investigate and better understand the natural world around them. Outside of school, Lucy enjoys scuba diving, hiking, crafting and spending time outdoors.

 

Elizabeth Jetton - English Teacher 

Elizabeth Jetton is excited to join the Ravenscroft team as a member of the Upper School English Department. She earned a Bachelor’s degree in English from St. Andrews University in Laurinburg and a Master of Arts in English from Wake Forest University. Jetton brings 14 years of teaching experience to the Ravenscroft community, with a career primarily focused on instruction in grammar, rhetoric, and logic at the middle and high school levels. In addition to teaching, she has also contributed her expertise to professional editing and curriculum development. Outside of the classroom, Jetton enjoys running, reading, playing board games with her family, and participating with a Shakespearean theatre troupe.

 

Scott Orvis - Senior Associate Director of College Counseling

With three decades of experience in the college admission counseling profession, Orvis has built a career helping students find their path to higher education.  A New Hampshire native and graduate of the University of New Hampshire, he has worked in independent day and boarding schools since 2003 and has called North Carolina's Triangle home since 2006. Orvis joined the Ravenscroft college counseling team in an interim role in August 2025, was appointed Senior Associate Director in March 2026, and is pleased to be sticking around. When not deep in transcripts and essay drafts, Orvis can usually be found exploring the great outdoors, cheering on the Carolina Hurricanes, and discovering new music. Additionally, he is the proud parent of a current college junior... proof that even seasoned college counselors can still lose sleep over the process now and then.

 

Caryn Rossiter - History & Social Studies Teacher

Caryn Rossiter brings nearly two decades of experience in economics and history education to Ravenscroft. Her diverse background includes work at the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis as an Economic Education Specialist and as a Senior Trainer at a national think tank focused on civil discourse. She has taught AP Economics, AP U.S. History, and World Cultures at several independent schools, including Episcopal School of Dallas, Rutgers Preparatory School, and most recently Bullis School, where she also served as Department Chair and Director of the Entrepreneurship Signature Program. Rossiter holds an M.Ed. from Southern Methodist University and a B.A. in Economics from Gettysburg College. In her free time, she enjoys traveling with her husband and son. 

 

William Schlief - Science Teacher 

William Schlief is thrilled to join the Ravenscroft team as an Upper School science teacher and advisor. As a recent graduate of the University of Georgia, William holds a Bachelor's degree in Astrophysics, spending much of his time as an undergraduate in education-focused roles. Upon receiving the opportunity to work within the UGA Physics Department as a lab TA, he spent several semesters leading lab sections and deepening students' appreciation for the natural world. Now at the high school level, Schlief looks forward to providing the best possible introduction to the hard sciences so that students may develop both their curiosity of nature and their ability to formalize it.  

 

Chrissy Walker - Science Teacher 

Chrissy Walker is excited to join the Ravenscroft community as a high school science teacher. She holds a BA in biology from Washington & Jefferson College and a MS in wildlife ecology from Mississippi State University. She has taught a variety of subjects in a variety of states, including Kentucky, Tennessee, Montana, and Maine. She has taught Montessori preschool, elementary level robotics, as well as undergraduate anatomy and biology courses, but high school is her favorite! Outside of the classroom, she enjoys sewing, needle felting, running, biking, and kayaking.

 

MIDDLE SCHOOL

 

Eleanor Whitsett - Science Teacher and Advisor

Eleanor Whitsett is grateful to join the Ravenscroft team as an 8th grade science teacher and advisor. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Education with an emphasis in middle grades from North Carolina State University, graduating in 2022. Eleanor taught 8th grade science in Wake County for two years, and most recently taught middle school science and grammar at a school in Atlanta, Georgia. She has recently relocated back to Raleigh and is excited to be home again.

Throughout her career, Whitsett has brought energy and a passion for nurturing students and creating a classroom environment where students feel known, loved, and supported. She strives to build a space where students can truly learn, grow, and make their school day more meaningful and positive.

Outside of the classroom, Whitsett enjoys running and going for walks, trying new restaurants and coffee shops, reading, and spending time with friends and family.

 

Tiffany McRae - ELA Teacher and Advisor

Tiffany McRae is honored to join the Ravenscroft family as an 8th grade English Teacher for the 2026–2027 school year.

For nearly 20 years, she has served students as an English Teacher, Special Education Teacher, Grade Team Lead, and Intervention and Teacher Support Specialist. Across these roles, McRae has worked closely with diverse learners, supported teachers in strengthening instruction, and helped build systems that ensure every student is challenged and supported. At the core of her work is a simple belief: every child deserves to be known, encouraged, and celebrated.

Outside of school, she is a wife and the proud mother of three, and her family continually reminds her that strong relationships are the foundation of meaningful learning.

Ravenscroft’s commitment to doing everything for the kids deeply resonates with Mrs. McRae. In her classroom, students can expect high expectations paired with genuine care. She aims to create a space where literature sparks curiosity, writing builds confidence, and discussion helps students grow as effective communicators and leaders.

McRae is excited to partner with students, families, and colleagues as we learn and grow together. She looks  forward to a wonderful year ahead!

 

LOWER SCHOOL

 

Whitley Denton - 3rd Grade Assistant Teacher

Whitley Denton joins the Ravenscroft Lower School as a third-grade assistant teacher. She graduated from Meredith College with a Bachelor of Science in Child Development and has a passion for helping children learn and grow. Last school year, she began her Ravenscroft journey in the Pre-K Extended Day program, where she loved building relationships with students and becoming part of the school community. She is excited to begin this new chapter in third grade and looks forward to working alongside the third-grade teaching team, getting to know the students, and supporting them throughout the school year. Denton is grateful for the opportunity to continue growing as an educator at Ravenscroft and is excited for all the memories the year ahead will bring.

 

Ana López - Spanish Teacher

Ana López joins the Ravenscroft Lower School community as a Spanish teacher for grades 3–5. Originally from Colombia, she brings more than 17 years of experience in education, including 11 years teaching in the United States. Since arriving in North Carolina in 2014 as an international dual language teacher, López has served as a classroom teacher and district instructional coach, supporting language learners and educators across a variety of settings.

Most recently, she taught Spanish in the Lower School at Durham Academy. Throughout her career, she has been passionate about helping students develop curiosity, empathy, and a love of languages while fostering a joyful and engaging classroom environment.   López is excited to join the Ravenscroft community and looks forward to sharing her love of the Spanish language and cultures with her students and colleagues.

Outside of school, López  enjoys spending time with family and friends, reading, taking long walks, exploring different cultures, and discovering new restaurants and local events.

 

Peggy Robbins - 4th Grade Assistant Teacher

Peggy Robbins joins the Lower School community as an assistant teacher, bringing experience as a classroom teacher, school counselor, and executive skills coach. She holds a B.S. in Education from Indiana University, an M.A. in Teaching & Leadership from St. Xavier University, and an M.Ed. in Human Services and Counseling from DePaul University. A longtime Ravenscroft substitute teacher and parent of two former Ravens (Will ’25 and James ’29), she is deeply connected to the school community. She is passionate about supporting the whole child and helping students grow in confidence, curiosity, while building strong relationships that support a safe and nurturing learning environment.

 

Drew Shaner - Lower School Counselor

Drew Shaner is joining Ravenscroft after twelve years working as a Lower School counselor at an independent school in Orlando, Florida. Prior to living and working in Orlando, Shaner attended Penn State University, receiving a Bachelor's degree in Human Development and Family Studies. Following undergrad, he received a Master's degree in PK-12 School Counseling at Bloomsburg University. He is presently pursuing a Doctorate degree in Educational Leadership from St Bonaventure's University. When not working, Shaner enjoys watching and playing sports, live music, the beach, and spending time with his dog. Shaner is thrilled to be joining the Ravenscroft team and looks forward to developing strong relationships with all members of our school community.

 

Mindy Townsend - 3rd Grade Teacher

Mindy Townsend is grateful to be joining the Ravenscroft Lower School community as a third grade teacher. Her journey to the classroom began after a career in healthcare, and she is now entering her twentieth year as an educator. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education with an endorsement in ESL, a Master of Science in Education Curriculum and Instruction, and she is a National Board Certified Teacher. Creating a classroom where students feel a sense of belonging is at the heart of her teaching. She strives to create a welcoming environment where every child feels valued and encouraged to stay curious as they grow and learn. She looks forward to building meaningful relationships with her students, families, and colleagues.

Originally from South Florida, she has called North Carolina home since 2014. Outside of the classroom, she loves spending time with her family, boating, traveling, enjoying music, and cheering on her favorite sports teams.

 

Connor Hobbs - 1st Grade Teacher

Connor Hobbs will be joining the lower school as part of the first-grade team here at Ravenscroft. She graduated from Meredith College with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Child Development. Hobbs has been teaching for the past 5 years in both second and third grade. She enjoys growing and learning alongside her students and building impactful relationships with them. She has come to know the Ravenscroft community through being a counselor for Camp Ravens Nest. Hobbs is  so excited to continue becoming part of the Ravenscroft community while working with the lower school staff, first grade team and students, and says it has been such a privilege to be a part of such a warm and welcoming environment. She looks forward to the upcoming school year and continuing to develop as a teacher!

 

FINE ARTS

 

Daniel Crisp - Part-time Percussion Private Lessons Instructor 

Daniel Crisp is a percussionist whose career spans orchestral, chamber, wind ensemble, and musical theatre performance. Crisp has performed with numerous professional ensembles throughout North Carolina, Colorado, Texas, and New Hampshire, including serving as Acting Principal Percussionist with the Las Colinas Symphony Orchestra, Principal Percussionist with the Mesquite Symphony Orchestra, Principal Timpanist with White's Chapel Orchestra, and as drummer for the Rocky Mountain Repertory Theatre. Crisp holds a Master of Music in Percussion Performance from the University of North Texas, and Bachelor’s from East Carolina University. 

 

Julia Laird - Part-time Voice Private Lesson Instructor 

Delaware native Julia Laird is praised for her “finely placed, lyrical and purely produced soprano voice.” In 2026, she covered Kiera Duffy in the world premiere of Complications in Sue with Opera Philadelphia. As a Resident Artist with Pittsburgh Opera, she performed Diana/Greek Woman (Iphigénie en Tauride), Taller Daughter (Proving Up), Annina (La traviata), Susanna (Le nozze di Figaro), and Dalinda (Ariodante). Additional roles include Lucy (The Telephone), Berta (Il barbiere di Siviglia), and Fairy Godmother (Cinderella). A former Resident Artist with Tulsa Opera, she covered Gilda and performed Giovanna in Rigoletto. Equally active in concert work, Laird has appeared at Carnegie Hall and with the Westmoreland Symphony Orchestra. Competition honors include the Jensen Foundation and Florida Grand Opera competitions. She holds Bachelor and Master degrees from Arizona State University and resides in Raleigh, North Carolina with her husband Matt and their Australian Shepherd, Gus Gus.

 

Blaine McNeil - Part Time Private & Group Piano Instructor

Blaine McNeil is a North-Carolina based pianist and music educator. He has enjoyed a versatile background as a classical and jazz pianist, organist, collaborative musician, music director, and accompanist. McNeil has held various music directing positions with UMC and UCC congregations. As an instructor, his piano students have been medalists at state and national levels in YAA and MTNA competitions. McNeil currently plays with the Neuse River Big Band , and is a frequent accompanist and collaborator with the High Point Community Theater, the Greensboro Children’s Theater, and Raleigh Little Theater.

McNeil received his Bachelor of Music degree in Piano Performance from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro in 2022 and a Master of Music degree in Piano Performance from the University of North Carolina School of the Arts in 2025.

 

Anne Leyland - LS Strings Instructor

Anne Leyland, a native of Pensacola, Fla., is a graduate of Carnegie- Mellon University in Pittsburgh, Pa. While there she enjoyed performing with the Pittsburgh Opera and Ballet Orchestra. Currently, Leyland is the Concertmaster of the Durham Symphony and performs with numerous NC groups, including the North Carolina Opera, the Carolina Ballet, Candlelight Concert Chamber groups and the Charleston Symphony in South Carolina. She was the Instructor of Violin and Chamber Music at Saint Mary’s School from 1994-2025. Ms. Leyland joined the faculty of Ravenscroft School in 2007 as an Instructor of Violin, and was named an Artist in Residence in 2015. She and her husband, cellist Nate Leyland are the proud parents of two sons. Anne and Nate and their three cats reside in Knightdale. 

 

Joey O’Donnell - Part Time Strings Artist in Residence and Violin/Viola Instructor

Joey O’Donnell (Viola, Violin) began his musical studies through traditional instruction, but fell in love with Suzuki teaching while working as a summer intern at the North Carolina Suzuki Institute. He pursued his Suzuki pedagogy studies at East Carolina University under Joanne Bath. He has since taught across North Carolina in a variety of settings, including the Greene County public schools, the Meredith College Community School of Music, and the North Carolina Suzuki Institute, and was a founding faculty member of Triangle Area Suzuki Talent Education. He has taught at the Blue Ridge Suzuki Camp for more than 10 years, where he performs with the faculty quartet and coaches chamber groups in addition to teaching violin and viola groups and masterclasses. As a performer, he can be seen regularly throughout the Southeast and occasionally farther afield, with appearances ranging from Miami’s Seraphic Fire to the Baroque and Beyond series in Spokane and numerous ensembles in the San Francisco Bay Area. He has a special passion for Baroque performance practice and traditional dance music and can be seen performing regularly at Duke Chapel and for various dance sessions around the Triangle. 

 

STAFF 

 

Extended Day

 

Abbey Graham - Extended Day Kindergarten Teacher

Abbey Graham is a native of Raleigh. She holds a BA in communications and is currently pursuing a post-bacc certificate in speech-language pathology. She’s planning to become a speech therapy assistant and hope to pursue a Master's shortly afterward to become a speech therapist. Her first job was with the NC Education Corps as a High-Impact Literacy Tutor helping kids in grades K-3 to get back up to reading level after the pandemic. 

This experience gave her an enduring love for teaching and working with kids, which led her to pursue speech therapy and work at Ravenscroft. Outside of work, she enjoys reading, art projects, and spending time with her family and two puppies. I'm so thankful to be here and excited to join such a great school community!

Becky Viggiani - Extended Day PreK Teacher

Before working at Ravenscroft, Becky Viggiani was a Preschool Teacher’s Assistant at Ivybrook Academy in Cary, N.C. During her work there, her goal was to teach and instill honesty, accountability, tolerance, respect, love, and kindness with the children in her care.

She holds a degree in Nursing from William Peace University in Raleigh. Viggiani has three adult children: Sarah Jean, Jeremiah, and Joshua and one grandchild: Daniel – 3 years old. She loves playing and being with my grandson, gardening, crafts, painting, and drawing.

 

Steve Case-Extended Day 1st and 2nd grade Teacher

A native of Northeast Ohio, Steve has 38 years of experience working in education from K through college-aged students. 

He’s written 45 books, (the majority of which are curriculum), plus a book on grief for adults and a book on explaining organ donation to children. He currently has a delightful Instagram page featuring, “Milo”, an ornery puppet that thrives on “Bad Dad Jokes”. He holds a BA from Kent State University in Ohio. Case is the husband of one, father of two, and the grandfather of two. In his spare time Case likes to rescue statues of saints and saviors from garage sales and thrift stores, repaint them, and give them away.

Admissions Office

Kate Anklowitz - Lower School Admissions Counselor

Kate Anklowitz is excited to continue serving the Ravenscroft community as the Lower School Admissions Counselor, a role she stepped into this past year alongside her supportive admissions colleagues and the Lower School's wonderful teachers and leadership team. As counselor, Anklowitz helps guide prospective families through their admissions journey, from inquiry and campus visits through assessment days and enrollment. Her admissions experience began at Carlthorp School in Santa Monica, where she conducted parent interviews, helped run Kindergarten and Lower School assessments, and worked closely with the Director of Admissions. A teacher for more than 16 years, with over a decade in elementary classrooms, Anklowitz joined Ravenscroft five years ago and served in the Upper School as an Academic Skills Instructor, AP Psychology teacher, and advisor. She holds a Master of Arts in Psychology from Pepperdine University, a Master of Arts in Education and Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of Virginia, and a certification in early childhood special education. 

A Connecticut transplant, Anklowitz lives in Raleigh with her husband and three children — two Ravens, Charles headed into 4th grade and Marion headed into 2nd, and George, the littlest fledgling still in daycare. Outside of school, she loves the beach, dance parties with her kids, playing mahjong, and squeezing in a workout between shifts as her kids' unpaid chauffeur.

Craig Dawson - Associate Director of Admissions, Middle School and Head Boys Varsity Basketball Coach & Program Director

Craig Dawson will serve as Associate Director of Admissions for the Middle School. He has more than 10 years of experience in independent school admissions work at Woodberry Forest School. He understands independent school communities and is committed to supporting academic success, personal growth, and character development alongside athletic achievement.

On the court, Coach Dawson has built an extraordinary legacy over the past 13 years:

• All-time wins leader at Woodberry Forest (achieved in 2026)
• School-record 24 wins in a single season (2023)
• 42 wins over two seasons — the most in school history
• 2017 Virginia Prep League Coach of the Year

Before Woodberry Forest, Coach Dawson led teams at Forsyth Country Day School to back-to-back conference championships and State Final Four appearances, earning Conference Coach of the Year honors in both 2009 and 2010.

Coach Dawson was a standout player at Wake Forest University. He brings the perspective of someone who competed at the highest levels of college basketball and understands what it takes to prepare student-athletes for the next level.

As Program Director, Coach Dawson will oversee the entire boys basketball program – Middle and Upper School – ensuring consistency in skill development, culture, and expectations as players progress.

Athletics Office

TJ Graham - Asst. Athletic Director of Technical Services & Student Athlete Leadership/Head Varsity Football Coach

Trevor "TJ" Graham is a football coach, sports performance specialist, and former professional athlete whose career has been centered around developing people through athletics. A Raleigh, North Carolina native, Graham played wide receiver at N.C. State before being selected in the third round of the 2012 NFL Draft by the Buffalo Bills. He went on to spend eight seasons playing professionally in the NFL and CFL while continuing to study performance, leadership, and athlete development from some of the game's top coaches and organizations.

Following his playing career, Graham transitioned into coaching and performance, combining his experience as an athlete with backgrounds in sports science, biomechanics, data analytics, and speed development. His coaching experience spans high school, collegiate, professional, and private performance settings, including work with NC State Football, the Green Bay Packers through the NFL Bill Walsh Diversity Coaching Fellowship, Duke University's Sports Science Institute, and BreakAway Data. He has also become one of the nation's premier speed and performance coaches, helping athletes of all ages improve movement efficiency, athletic performance, and long-term development.

Graham's coaching philosophy is rooted in the belief that great programs are built by developing people first. He emphasizes structure, accountability, communication, and continuous growth while creating environments where athletes are challenged to become the best versions of themselves both on and off the field. He believes coaching extends beyond wins and losses, viewing athletics as one of the greatest classrooms for teaching leadership, discipline, resilience, and teamwork. His mission is to build sustainable programs that develop confident athletes, strong leaders, and high-character individuals prepared for success long after their playing careers have ended.

 

Clinical Services

Maria Nelson - School Nurse

We are excited to welcome Maria Nelson to our nursing team this year. Many of our students, families, and faculty may already recognize her from her time as a substitute nurse with us last year, and we are thrilled she's joining the JHC full-time. With a background in pediatric and public health nursing, she brings a wealth of experience, compassion, and dedication to caring for children and supporting health school communities. As a Ravenscroft parent herself, she understands our community from both sides and is passionate about helping students feel healthy, supported, and ready to learn. Nelson is looking forward to getting to know even more of our students and families and becoming an even bigger part of the Ravenscroft community. 

 

Community, Culture & Belonging

 

Tony Ryals - Director of Student Programming & Culture

Ravenscroft is pleased to welcome Dr. Tony Ryals as our new Director of Student Programming and Culture. Dr. Ryals brings extensive experience in student life and leadership development, most recently serving as Assistant Dean of Students for Student Success Strategies at Roanoke College and previously building Sweet Briar College's inaugural Office of Student Success and Belonging. 

His work is deeply informed by doctoral research emphasizing identity affirmation, mentorship, and belonging; values that align closely with our Lead From Here Citizen Framework. Beyond his professional roles, Dr. Ryals is the Co-Founder of Get Fresh and Live, a mentorship program supporting young men of color through self-discovery and career development. We look forward to the energy, expertise, and passion for community that Dr. Ryals brings!

 

Marketing & Communications

 

Jonas Pope IV - Marketing and Communications Specialist

Jonas Pope IV is excited to join the Marketing and Communications team at Ravenscroft! A native of Rich Square, N.C., Pope spent the previous two years at William Peace University as a website content and marketing specialist. Prior to his stop at WPU, Pope spent more than 20 years as a full-time sports journalist, including the last five at the Raleigh News & Observer, where he won several Associated Press and North Carolina Press Association Awards. Pope graduated from Elizabeth City State University with a B.A. in English with a concentration in Mass Communications. 

In his free time, Pope enjoys working out with his bootcamp group, playing pickleball and going to the movies. Pope and his wife Dr. Kelcy Pope reside in Knightdale with their two daughters Kendall and Autumn. 

 

Technology

 

Dedric Watson - Help Desk and Educational Technology Support Specialist

Dedric Watson was born and raised in Newark, New Jersey. Watson came to North Carolina in 1988 to attend St. Augustine’s University (back then, it was St. Augustine’s College). In 1992, Watson became the Technical Operations supervisor for Glaxo Pharmaceuticals (this was before any mergers, so they were just Glaxo). Watson worked there for five years during the rise of the dot.com era.

In 1997, Watson was hired by Duke University’s Fuqua School and worked there for 28 years. Watson managed the technology for their Global Executive MBA program, traveling internationally for about 12 weeks each year. Watson took early retirement from Duke in 2025 and started at Ravenscroft in May of 2026.

Watson has been married to his high school sweetheart Tonia for 27 years. They have a 26-year-old son, Christian, and a 5-month-old grandson, Asher. Golf is Watson’s passion away from work and family. He manages to play at least four times a week. He and his wife love to travel and spend time together and with family.