Walters State Names Five New Vice Presidents

Leaders' Skills, Education and Experience to Shape College Future

“Walters State is honored to announce that four employees have been promoted to the vice president level, with the final position filled by someone with close ties to the college,” said Dr. Saul Reyes, president of Walters State. “Each one has the needed education, skills and experiences to make a significant difference in the future of Walters State. I look forward to working with each one.”

Dr. Kim Bolton

Dr. Kim Bolton is vice president of workforce and economic development training and dean of the Claiborne County Campus. Her area oversees corporate training, industrial maintenance programs, youth, and noncredit allied health programs. After serving as an adjunct professor for three years, she joined Walters State as an instructor of biology in 2004. Bolton also served as department head for biology and as executive director of workforce training. She holds an associate degree in general studies from Walters State, a bachelor’s degree in zoology/ biology and a master’s degree in science education from the University of Tennessee and a doctorate from East Tennessee State University.

Heather Carrier

Heather Carrier is vice president for business and finance. She joined the college in 2001 as a bursar. She has served as director of accounting services and assistant vice president for business and finance. Her office oversees policies, procedures, and planning for the following college areas: human resources, campus police, facilities management, the Great Smoky Mountains Expo Center, information technology, cashier’s office, and budgeting and business services. Carrier holds an associate degree in business from Walters State and a bachelor’s degree in accounting from ETSU. She is a certified public accountant.

Chris Cates

Chris Cates is vice president for college advancement and external affairs. His responsibilities include service as head of the Walters State Foundation, a 501(c)(3) organization, which promotes and supports the college and its students. His office includes the National Walters State Alumni Association. Cates joined the college in 2016 as assistant director of enrollment services. He has also served as assistant vice president for college advancement. He holds a bachelor’s degree in biology from Carson-Newman University and a master’s degree in strategic leadership from Austin Peay State University.

Dr. O.J. Early

Dr. O.J. Early is vice president of communications and marketing. His team is responsible for creative services, marketing services, media relations, and printing. He joined the college on June 15, 2026.  He previously served as director of content strategy and communications manager at ETSU, where he was employed from 2019-2026. He also served as an adjunct instructor of history at Walters State. He holds a bachelor’s degree in mass communications and a master’s degree in history from ETSU. He also holds a doctorate from ETSU.

Dr. Deanna Garman

Dr. Deanna Garman is vice president for institutional effectiveness and compliance. She also serves as the SACSCOC accreditation liaison. During her 21 years at the college, she has served as executive director and assistant vice president. She oversees a team responsible for state and federal reporting, quality assurance funding activities, enrollment projection, strategic planning, contracts, and grants. Garman attended Walters State and earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of Tennessee and a doctorate from East Tennessee State University.