Biographical Text
Vice Chancellor for Business Affairs Emeritus Ned Trivette (January 29, 1933-) was born in the Beaver Dam Township of Watauga County, North Carolina, the son of Susie B. Hagaman and A. E. Trivette. Two generations of both parents were native Wataugans, with previous ancestors having migrated to the North Carolina mountains from Virginia and coastal Carolina. Trivette graduated from Bethel High School in the Bethel community of Watauga County. Through the influence of his parents, who had attended Appalachian Training School, and through the influence of many elementary and secondary teachers who had attended Appalachian State Teachers' College (now Appalachian State University), it seemed natural for the young Trivette to enter Appalachian State, too. He graduated in 1955. Trivette married the former Maxine Joyner (deceased August 4, 1990), a 1957 graduate of Appalachian State. Their children, Mark Edward and Susan Michelle, continued their parents' college tradition, both graduating from Appalachian State in 1983. Mark earned his M.S. degree in taxation (1987) from Georgetown University (Washington, District of Columbia) and his J.D. degree (1994) from George Washington University (Washington, District of Columbia). He is married to the former Leigh Anne Hodges of Washington, and the couple currently lives there. Susan is married to Keith Black (D.D.S., University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill), and the couple resides in Asheville, North Carolina. Susan is a "retired" trust officer from First Union National Bank and is a homemaker. Trivette began his professional career with Appalachian State in July 1956. B. Bernard Dougherty, Appalachian vice president and comptroller, invited him to join the business office staff consisting of five individuals. Dougherty's untimely death in 1964 placed Trivette in a position of responsibility for the fiscal and physical affairs of Appalachian State, challenging to the limits his inborn enthusiasm and dedication to the university. It was during this challenging period in the life of Appalachian State that Trivette took a leave of absence to secure a master's in business administration from the Florida State University in 1960. For the next twenty-five years, Trivette became a part of the human resource factor that facilitated the transformation of a teachers' college into a university of more than eleven thousand students. Under the leadership of President William Howard Plemmons, Appalachian State had experienced unprecedented growth in the late fifties and early sixties and even more growth under chancellors Herbert W. Wey and John E. Thomas. During the early growth period, Trivette directed the planning and construction of more than thirty major campus structures, which now create a physical campus acclaimed for service and beauty. Some thirteen highrise residence halls were financed through complex bonding arrangements that now provide low-cost housing for more than 4,500 students. The university also constructed one hundred apartments for campus housing. Academic facilities were expanded by spending $12,000,000 for seven major classroom buildings. A new library was constructed in 1968, followed by a major addition in 1975. The development of support facilities, such as food services, a new bookstore, a new student center, a new postal and health facility, warehouse and physical plant facilities, parking walkways, and other campus enhancements were a part of the total campus expansion effort that provided for a complete university. The unique and modern Center for Continuing Education (now the Broyhill Inn and Conference Center), which was planned and constructed during this exciting period of growth, exemplifies the creative campus growth and expansion which Trivette spearheaded. Conrad Stadium (now Kidd Brewer Stadium) was expanded twice during this period, providing artificial surfaces which give year-round activity options to students. Additionally, during this period, several land acquisitions provided new space for campus expansion, and the campus plant value was enhanced by some $75,000,000 during this period. Community affairs also have been a source of commitment and satisfaction for Trivette, as is demonstrated by his involvement in civic, church, and public activities. He has served as president of the Boone Jaycees, president of Watauga County United Way, chair of Watauga County Planning Board, and chair of Watauga County Transportation Authority; he has also chaired numerous church committees of the Boone First Baptist Church. In 1978, Appalachian State University recognized Trivette as an outstanding alumnus. At his retirement dinner, the administration announced that, in honor of him and his wife, the new cafeteria on the west side of campus was to be named the Ned and Maxine Trivette Hall. Trivette, who continued to serve the university as vice chancellor for business affairs until his retirement on July 31, 1990, resides in his boyhood home in Bethel, North Carolina. Sources: Appalachian State University files and long association. -Dr. Richard D. Howe
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