Nancy Susan Whittington

Year Inducted: 2023

Susan grew up in Wilkes County surrounded by a loving extended family, which included her parents Odell and Grace Whittington and brother Dick Whittington. Her life encompassed time with grandparents, aunts, and uncles, where her love of all animals (especially horses) was nurtured.

After graduating from UNCG with a BA in history, Susan went on the earn an MEd while serving as an admissions counselor for the University. After spending a year in education, she returned to Wilkes County and began work at Bernice’s Inc., her family’s ladies clothing store. She entered Wake Forest’s Babcock School of Management in 1982 and completed an MBA in 1984. The next year, she joined New York Life Insurance Company (NYLIC) and continued her education with a Master of Science in Financial Services. At NYLIC, Susan continued to earn numerous designations and certifications in financial planning, long-term-care planning, and senior planning.

Shortly after returning to Wilkes County, Susan joined St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, where her service has included choir, vestry, and the finance committee. In 2011, she was ordained a Deacon in the Episcopal Church and served in both Blowing Rock and Wilkesboro. She has served the Diocese of Western NC as a member of the endowment and Fiscal Ministries committees, chairing the latter committee. Susan served on and chaired the board of the Lake Logan ministry in Canton, NC.

Susan’s volunteer activities in Wilkes began as a Wilkes Art Gallery board member and board chair. Under the leadership of Martha Barksdale Nichols the gallery was moved from Highway 115 to the former WKBC radio building.

Under the tutelage of Director Jane Rogers, she served on the Wilkes Chamber of Commerce for six years including a term as chair. The Northwest NC Forum was formed to bring together the chambers and commissioners of seven counties to work together on economic growth for the region. The group was successful in lobbying to four-lane US 421 from Yadkin to Watauga Counties. Susan was the first chair of this group.

Susan is a past president of the UNCG Alumni Board of Trustees. She served on the UNCG Excellence Foundation and the University Investment Committee. She was selected as a member of the UNCG Golden Chain Honor Society. Susan established the N. Susan Whittington Scholarship for undergraduates.

She continues to be an ambassador and serve on the board of the Wilkes Circles of Care, Inc. where she was a founding member and chair for six years. Circles is a nationally proven and innovative way of connecting people across socio-economic lines in an effort to move individuals and families out of poverty.

Susan is a breeder and exhibitor of the American Sadddlebred horse. She served as a board member for the Blocking Rock Charity Horse and is show chair and manager for the Saddlebred show.

Susan was a member of the Wilkes Community College Board of Trustees and served as chair for nine years. She also served as a member of the Endowment and Investment committees. She is a financial supporter of the Whittington Family Scholarship in Diesel Mechanics.

Susan was involved with the Rainbow Center for Children, Inc. as a board member and board chair. Under director, Glenda Andrews. She continued to serve the children after the merger with Barium Springs Home for Children.

Awards recognizing her achievements include the UNCG Minerva Service Award and the Distinguished Service Award from the Carolinas’ Futurity. Susan is a Lifetime Member of the Million Dollar Round Table.