Team Member Profiles

Learn more about the VOR team members here.



Clyde Carter, Team Leader

Pisgah Forest, NC

Brevard College faculty since 1989
Wilderness Leadership and

Outdoor Education

Clyde helped develop the Voice of the Rivers program in 1997 and led the second expedition in 1999, a trip down the Green River system through South Carolina to Charlesto

n. He has extensive background in wilderness acti

vity instruction and in directing outdoor programs. He has led groups in Alaska, Colorado, Minnesota, Arizona, and all over the Carolinas. Clyde is a Master Educator Instructor for the Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics, an instructor for the Wilderness Education Association, and a recent participant in the Salzburg Global Seminar.

Ken Chamlee, Team Leader
Etowah, NC
Brevard College faculty since

1978
English and Creative Writing
Ken believes Voice of the Rivers is one of the best ideas Brevard College ever had and is thrilled to participate. His mission is to keep the students thinking about change—from

headwaters to impoundments to tidal flow,

and about the diversity of values represented in power consumption, recreation, and conservation. An enthusiastic camper and photographer since his Boy Scout days, Ken took up kayaking two years ago and knows that crossing an entire state under his own power will b

e an exciting challenge.

Kelsey Bracewell, Student Leader

Johns Creek, GA
Junior, WLEE major

Participating in the WLEE Immersion Semester in 2007 was a life-changing experience for Kelsey, as the challenges of a 21-day wilderness trip taught her a great deal about herself, other people, and group d

ynamics. Her skills and terrific attitude

earned her the important position of student leader. She is honored to play a part in the planning and execution of VOR 2008 and hopes every team member will feel the energy and personal accomplishment that comes from such an undertaking. Kelsey is a member of the

Outing Club, BC Recycles, and the Brevard College cheerleading squad.

James Davisson, Logistics Manager

Aiken, SC
Brevard College graduate 2008
Integrated Studies major, emphasis in Art History and WLEE
James has been fascinated with the outdoors ever since coming to camp in Brevard years ago. That planted the idea of going to college here in the mountains, and when he saw the French

Broad River system map on the floor of the Porter Center lobby, he knew Voice of the Rivers would be in his future. In fact, he devoted his senior project to the history of the VOR program and the three previous trips, even before knowing that another VOR was in the works. James will be driving the suppor

t van and meeting the team at each portage to trailer the boats.



Scott Brown
Charlotte NC
Junior, WLEE

major

Scott never expected that he would be privileged enough to go on a VOR trip. He hopes to gain a better understanding of his abilities as a student and

a leade

r, and to learn what it takes to keep such a great tradition as VOR alive so that many others will have the kind of stories that will be worth telling to grandchildren. Scott is active in SGA and Intramural Disc Golf, and serves as a Resident Advisor.

Name: John Greene

Salem, Virginia
Freshman, WLEE major
John believes Voice of the Rivers will give him first hand experience with a river system in both recreational and conservational formats. He hopes to gain an increased appreciation and wonder of the natural resources around us and to share this with others.

Margaret Ann Medley

Dothan, Alabama

Freshman, Integrated Studies major
Emphasis in Communications, Business, and Women’s Studies
Margaret sees VOR as a chance to explore not only a river, but herself, a group and community dynamics. This experience will lead her out of her comfort zone to a new place of learning, experience, and accomplishment. Margaret is the Vice President of Outing Club and serves in the House of Representatives in SGA. Within th

e community she volunteers at the Bread of Life.

Jenna Pace

Landrum, SC
Sophomore, Psychology major

Jenna hopes to grow as an individual, as a leader, and also as a community- oriented person who will share this remarkable experience with others. She believes VOR will help her to be more open and alert to her environment and to gain strength and determination. She has never been kayaking or camping before, nor gone without a decent bath for long periods of time! However, she expects to cope well with all of these things. She wants to gain friends and learn better ways to interact with her trip mates and people in everyday life. Jenna is on the Jones Residence Hall Council and is active in the Psychology Club and her church chime choir and puppet minist

ry.

Carrilea Potter
Sylva, NC
Junior, Health Science Studies major

Carrilea loves the outdoors and trying new things. Her academic career focuses on science and VOR sounded like an amazing trip and a chance to pursue other interests.
She is captain of the women’s soccer team and involved with Tri-Beta, Chemistry Club, FCA, Alpha Chi, and Omicron Delta Kappa.

Brian Randall
Centreville, VA
Sophomore, WLEE major
Brian says, “Voice of the Rivers is an opportunity to embark on a great adventure, develop new friendships, represent Brevard College and earn credit at the same time.” Rivers are where Brian spends his most of his free time. “Boating is a way of life,” he says, and when not in a boat or in class, he’s in his hammock reading something that challenges him. Brian thanks his parents and Brevard College for providing him with such an exciting opportunity.

Merek Slagle
Hendersonville, NC
Sophomore, Criminal Justice major

Merek plans to use this expedition as a tool that wi

ll better her small group communication skills. Her determination, leadership, and passion are key attributes that she brings to the group. She wants to experience the outdoors even though she is not a WLEE major and has not kayaked before. Merek is CAB president and involved in BC Tennis, SGA Executive Board, Presidential Circle, SOAR, and Judicial Board.

Elizabeth Thompson

Atlanta, GA
Junior, WLEE major

Elizabeth enjoys being outdoors, especially on the water, so VOR seems like a great fit. She looks forward to gaining more river travel

experience, to improving her strokes, and to getting to know everyone in the group. In Spring 2008, she participated in the WLEE Immersion semester and went on a 21-day backpacking and paddling trip, great preparation for the Voice of the Rivers.

Graham Tolbert

Dallas, TX
Freshman, WLEE major

Graham applied to Voice of the Rivers for the kayaking expedition experience and for future leadership skills. He hopes to become a stronger kayaker and outdoorsman

John Wargo
Bealeton, VA
Junior, WLEE major

John’s passion for the outdoors brought him to Brevard College. When he heard about VOR, he knew the trip was something he would love to experience. It is a great chance to learn about one of the important southeastern rivers and a rare opportunity to experience how people have used waterways for travel in the past as compared to today. John is involved in the Outing and Paddling Clubs. He likes getting people to participate in activities like backpacking, climbing, caving, and kayaking. “The more of these outdoor hobbies and experiences one can have,” he says, “the more one can build a respect for our environment and the importance of caring for it.”