The Haywood Regional Medical Center Foundation has selected Jean Frans as the 2012 Philanthropist of the Year. Frans, a part-time resident of Haywood County, was unanimously approved by the Foundation Board of Trustees as the Philanthropist of the Year for her long time service on the board, commitment to volunteering and financial support of the hospital.

Frans was born in Hickory.  After graduation she attended Lenoir Rhyne College and graduated with a degree in elementary education. She taught in the public schools of Winston-Salem for three years and decided to return to college and received an associate degree in radiology technology from Baptist College in Winston-Salem.  She worked at Baptist Hospital for 13 years before returning to Hickory to work in the family business.

Her ...