SALISBURY — Catawba College begins its new academic year with a change in leadership on its board of trustees.

William “Bill” Graham of Salisbury, a 1983 Catawba graduate, was elected chairman of the board at its April meeting.

He is a partner in the Salisbury-based law firm of Wallace & Graham. He replaces Darlene Landis Ball, a 1962 graduate and retired corporate vice president of e-business development with Burlington Industries. Ball will continue to serve on the board as immediate past chairwoman.

Other officers on the board of trustees include

• Robert B. Arnold Jr. of Hickory, a 1971 graduate, vice chairman. He is a retired furniture manufacturer who now works in sales and consulting for textile companies selling to furniture manufacturers.

• Deborah Messinger of Salisbury, a 1974 graduate, is secretary. She is a local community advocate for diversity, inclusion and social justice and an active volunteer.

• Thomas E. Burdette of Clifton, Virginia, a 1973 graduate, is treasurer. He is a CPA and founder and managing member of a regional accounting firm based in Fairfax, Virginia.