Converse University announces new 2026-2027 Trustees

Converse University welcomed four new members to its esteemed Board of Trustees:

• Nakia Martin Alexander ’97
• Walter Goldsmith
• Cary Perkins ’96, Ex Oficio
• Anne Richardson Seabrook ’82

Nakia Martin Alexander ’97
Nakia Martin Alexander ’97 is a distinguished federal law enforcement, fraud, and compliance executive who currently serves as the Assistant Special Agent in Charge of the Defense Criminal Investigative Service (DCIS), Southeast Field Office. Alexander brings to Converse a wealth of executive leadership experience, strategic insight, and a longstanding commitment to advancing the University’s legacy, mission, and future growth. Throughout her career, she has earned recognition for her expertise in strategic leadership, organizational management, public corruption and procurement fraud investigations, policy development, and workforce mentoring.

Alexander earned a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology with a minor in English from Converse in 1997, a Master of Criminal Justice from the University of South Carolina, and a Master of Public Policy Management from Georgetown University. A committed civil servant, advocate for leadership development, and service, Alexander previously served on the Converse Alumni Association Board, was the Spring 2018 featured speaker for Converse’s Women’s Leadership Speaker Series, and is the recipient of the 2018 Converse College Distinguished Alumnae Career Achievement Award.

Walter Goldsmith
Walter Goldsmith, based in Charlotte, NC, is the CEO of First Tryon Advisors, a financial advisory firm that supports local governments, colleges and universities, K-12 schools, and not-for-profits. His firm has supported more than 60 colleges and universities throughout the Southeast, helping them finance projects including academic buildings, housing and dining facilities, and athletic venues.

Goldsmith grew up in Greenville, SC, and he is a 1997 graduate of Clemson University, Goldsmith’s family legacy with Converse runs deep — his wife, Cindy Greene Goldsmith, is a 1996 Converse graduate. His mother, Harriet Messer Goldsmith, is a 1969 Converse graduate, and his grandmother, Martha Elizabeth Anderson Goldsmith, was a 1936 Converse graduate.

Cary Perkins ’96
A licensed architect and partner with McMillan Pazdan Smith Architecture (MPS), Executive Director of Design Cary Perkins has specific expertise in strategic campus planning and the design of long-life buildings on K-12 and college and university campuses. As a member of the firm’s senior management team, she provides leadership in design process and strategy, supporting the delivery of high-quality, innovative projects born of a collaborative culture shared by over 500 team members across 11 studio locations.

Perkins graduated from Converse in 1996 with a Bachelor of Fine Arts and went on to receive a Master of Architecture from Clemson University. Her work has been recognized with design awards from the American Institute of Architects and the Association for Learning Environments, including Hartness Performing Arts Center at Christ Church Episcopal School and Rosalind S. Richardson Center for the Arts at Wofford College. MPS’ renovation of Cudd Hall at Converse was recognized as the Best Small Project in the Southeast by Engineering News- Record.

Anne Richardson Seabrook ’82
Anne Richardson Seabrook ’82 is a dedicated alumna and longtime volunteer leader whose commitment to Converse University spans more than four decades. A triple major in Accounting, French, and Economics, she has had a diverse professional career that included teaching English in a public high school in Paris, working in accounting at Michelin’s corporate office in Greenville, and serving as a Certified Public Accountant with Ernst & Whinney in Columbia.

Seabrook has been deeply involved at Eastminster Presbyterian Church and has remained actively engaged with Converse through volunteer leadership, serving on both the Alumnae Board and the Board of Visitors. Her family’s connection to Converse spans multiple generations. Her cousin is a graduate of Converse; her mother, sister, and aunt also attended. She remains deeply committed to the values of service, leadership, and lifelong engagement that have shaped her relationship with Converse.

Departing Trustees
Converse University and its Board of Trustees extend a heartfelt thank you to the following members departing from the Board:

• Stinson Woodward Ferguson ’07
• Angelia (Angie) Kerhulas Stanland ’86
• Karla Jones ’85

These members, who will join the vaulted ranks of our Trustees Emeritus, have served Converse with distinction and our campus community will remain forever grateful for the vision and passion that you have selflessly shared for Converse.

About Converse University

Converse University is a dynamic institution driven by innovation and a deep commitment to community. Founded in 1889 by visionary citizens of Spartanburg, South Carolina, Converse was established to expand educational access and opportunity—originally for women, and since 2020, for all undergraduate students. Today, Converse encompasses the School of Liberal Arts and Sciences, the School of Business and Data Science, the School of the Arts, The Graduate School, and Converse College for Women. Across all disciplines, students are empowered to become transformative leaders who see clearly, decide wisely, and act justly. Through a blend of deep scholarship, transformative mentorship, experiential learning, and a culture of mutual support, Converse cultivates not only knowledge and creativity, but also the professional and technical skills essential for success in a rapidly evolving world. Rooted in its community and always looking ahead, Converse is committed to shaping graduates who lead change and uplift others.