Dr. Darin J. Waters is the Executive Director of the Office of Community Engagement, and an Associate Professor of History at UNC Asheville in Asheville, North Carolina. As a professor, Dr. Waters teaches courses in American history, North Carolina History, Appalachian History, African American and Brazilian History. He also specializes in the history of race relations in both the United States and Latin America. In his role as the Executive Director of the UNC Asheville Office of Community Engagement, Waters works closely with campus and community leaders, representing an array of community-based organizations, to strengthen and build new partnerships for and with the university.
Waters is the co-host of The Waters and Harvey Show on Blue Ridge Public Radio. He currently serves as a member of The North Carolina Historic Markers Commission, the board of the National Blue Ridge Heritage Area, the board of the Thomas Wolfe Memorial of Historic Asheville, and the North Carolina Civil War History Center. Find out more about his work at darinwaters.com.
Summary: What makes a small town thrive? Downtowns where people come together to see each other and do things. Their story and what makes their town special, and they’re proud to tell other people about it. Public and private sector, that work together with nonprofits and people willing to put in the time. This week’s First in Future guest is Jeff Eidson with Explore Elkin and small business owner who is putting in the time to make Elkin special.