MC’s Alvin Nance honored by Emerald Youth Foundation
Nov. 30, 2021
Maryville College alumnus and board member Alvin Nance ’79 was honored with Emerald Youth Foundation’s Legacy Award during the foundation’s Nov. 16 dinner and 30th anniversary celebration.
Presented by the Charlie and Moll Anderson Family Foundation, SafeSplash Swim School, Faith Promise Church and Jama and Mike Campbell, the event was held at the Knoxville Convention Center and attended by more than 900 guests who gathered to celebrate EYF’s service to young people and their families in Knoxville’s city neighborhoods.
Nance, a decades-long supporter of Emerald Youth, was honored as a difference maker. In a video tribute, several Knoxville leaders, including Mayor Indya Kincannon, described him as smart, innovative, determined, good-natured and “an amazing listener.”
Speakers noted that Nance’s most impactful contribution to Emerald has been his advocacy and service as a board member for Emerald Charter Schools since its inception in 2015, guiding Emerald Academy to consistent academic improvement. Nance’s leadership has afforded more city children the opportunity to receive a quality education.
“He is a man of strong faith and much talent who is devoted to making a legacy investment in Knoxville’s young people, and Emerald was proud to honor him as the 2021 Legacy Award recipient,” said Steve Diggs ’88, Emerald Youth Foundation executive director and fellow MC Board member.
Nance is currently chief executive officer of LHP Development LLC and LHP Management LLC (formerly known as Lawler Wood Housing Partners) of Knoxville. Prior to joining Lawler Wood Housing Partners in 2015, he served 14 years as president and CEO of Knoxville’s Community Development Corp., helping many low- to moderate-income families realize the American dream of owning a home. A commercial banker, he held positions with SunTrust and Valley Fidelity Bank early in his career.
In addition to EYF, Nance has supported many other organizations in Knoxville, including Project GRAD, Knoxville Area Urban League, Knoxville Habitat for Humanity and Dogwood Arts. He currently serves as chair of the new Knoxville-Knox County Sports Authority Board.
He is currently serving his second term with the Maryville College Board of Directors, having first joined in 2006. In 2009, the College awarded him an Alumni Citation, which is awarded to Maryville College alumni who “have demonstrated outstanding leadership, initiative, or service in his/her community, church or profession.”
Maryville College President Dr. Bryan F. Coker was present at the Nov. 16 Legacy Dinner, along with other representatives from the College and said the MC alumnus and Board member personifies the College’s mission of preparing people to “search for truth, grow in wisdom, work for justice and dedicate a life of creativity and service to the peoples of the world.”
“Alvin Nance is most deserving of this award, and we at the College celebrate him alongside the Emerald Youth Foundation,” Coker said. “We are proud of the many ways he has made – and is continuing to make – the Knoxville area a better place to live, work and go to school.
“He is an inspiration to young and old alike,” Coker added. “We all can – and should – make a positive difference in our communities.”
In addition to honoring Nance, guests enjoyed a walk-through “museum experience” reflecting on Emerald’s 30 years of ministry, testimonials by Emerald alumni and worship music presented by its youth choir. Special guest Mike Goodwin, who appeared on the most recent season of “America’s Got Talent,” provided humor for the evening with a comedy set during dinner.
More information about Emerald Youth, including giving and volunteer opportunities, is available at emeraldyouth.org.
Officials at the Emerald Youth Foundation contributed to this story.
