Rich Price, a passionate and proud 1988 graduate of Western Carolina University, has spent the last seven years as the director of economic development for Jackson County. Now he will get a chance to marry his love of both WCU and Western North Carolina in his new role as the university’s executive director of economic development and regional partnerships. Price will begin his new position on March 1. In his new role, Price will look to create partnerships that link university, nonprofit, government and industry resources to address community and economic development needs primarily in the 16 westernmost counties served by WCU through its Cullowhee campus, Cherokee Center and the Biltmore Park instructional site in Asheville.