On September 8th, the Western Carolina University’s Public Policy Institute underwent a significant transformation, becoming the Phil and Connie Haire Institute for Public Policy. This change reflects the remarkable contributions made by the couple in the realms of community engagement, education, and state leadership.
Phil Haire, a retired attorney from Sylva who practiced law with Haire and Bridgers, P.A., stands as a prominent figure in this recognition. With an extensive record of public service, he served as a seven-term North Carolina Representative and played an instrumental role in the inception of WCU’s College of Health and Human Science Building. Notably, Phil Haire was honored with the Long Leaf Pine Award in 2018 and served on the University of North Carolina Board of Governors from 1981 to 1993, as well as on the WCU Board of Trustees from 1992 to 1998.
Beyond their institutional contributions, They have established three endowed scholarships at WCU, benefiting the College of Arts and Sciences, the David Orr Belcher College of Fine and Performing Arts, and the School of Music.
