09/04/2026
🎓 Alumni Spotlight: Josh Paris ’01 🐾
There’s something powerful about having someone believe in your potential before you fully see it yourself. For Josh Paris ’01, that support began at Western Carolina University, where mentors, coaches, and faculty helped shape his journey from student-athlete to hospitality leader.
Today, Josh serves as General Manager of Old Town Club in Winston-Salem, overseeing a diverse operation that includes golf, dining, fitness, facilities, and grounds. But his most important role may be the one he values most: coach and mentor to the people around him.
Josh’s commitment to developing future hospitality professionals also brings his journey full circle. As a chair of the WCU Hospitality and Tourism Management Program Advisory Board and a former president of the Catamount Club Board of Directors, he continues to create opportunities for students, particularly through internships and meaningful professional experiences (Carolinas Chapter of CMAA and CMAA).
His story is a great example of the impact of mentorship, experiential learning, leadership, and industry connections. It also reflects what makes our Hospitality and Tourism Management program special: preparing students not only for careers in a dynamic industry but also to become thoughtful leaders who give back and open doors for others.
We are proud to celebrate Josh and his continued partnership with our program! His leadership and commitment to student success demonstrate the powerful connection between our alumni and the next generation of hospitality professionals.
More information at https://youtu.be/drph_baUCP0?si=SIKZINA6FRuxE_MA
Josh Paris, a WCU College of Business alumnus and General Manager o...
