CULLOWHEE – The Western Carolina University Board of Trustees has bestowed one of the institution’s highest honors on Clifton B. Metcalf, vice chancellor for advancement and external affairs at WCU and former associate vice president for state governmental affairs for the University of North Carolina system.

Metcalf, who will be retiring from WCU at the end of January, is only the ninth person in university history selected to receive the Trustees’ Award. The WCU Board of Trustees surprised him with the award as part of the board’s quarterly meeting Friday, Dec. 7.

The Trustees’ Award is presented only on rare occasions in recognition of exemplary service to the university, Joan MacNeill, board chair, said in announcing the award. MacNeill was one of four board members to publicly praise ...