Western Piedmont Foundation Welcomes New Grants Director

Paul Teague joined the Western Piedmont Foundation team Aug. 6 as its new director of grants and special projects.

Teague comes to the foundation with years of experience as a grant writer and administrator. He previously served as a grant writer and administrator with the Western Piedmont Council of Governments, where he wrote and managed grants for counties, municipalities and community colleges. He also served as a grant writer and editor with the Caldwell County Economic Development Commission. Prior to working in grant writing, he was a news editor and sports editor for the “Lenoir News-Topic.”

“While Paul may be new to this role, he is not new to WPCC,” said Mackenzie Bostian Adams, WPF executive director. “During his time with the Western Piedmont Council of Governments, Paul worked with members of our college community to develop and write multiple successful grant applications. His previous work with WPCC includes successful Appalachian Regional Commission grant applications supporting our heavy equipment operator program and heavy equipment simulator.”

A native of Hickory, Teague earned a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Lenoir-Rhyne University. He graduated with a 3.88 GPA and was named Political Science Student of the Year.

“It is an honor to become part of the Western Piedmont Foundation and the WPCC family,” Teague said. “During my time in journalism and grant writing, I was able to witness the immense impacts community colleges have in improving and enriching the lives of people.” 

He noted that his mother, the late Helen Teague, earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing in the 1970s through a community college program connected with a state university.

“My mother always wanted to get her four-year degree,” Teague said. “The community college system enabled her to fulfill her goal.”

Bostian-Adams said she is confident that he will help strengthen the foundation’s grant development efforts and support special projects that advance the work of the college.

“His experience, knowledge of our region and existing familiarity with WPCC will be valuable as we continue identifying opportunities to support our students, programs and community,” she said.

Published: 9/23/2026