Honoring Hank Dye’s Vision and Love for the Smokies
Hank and Margaret Dye. Photo by Warren Bielenberg.
TOWNSEND, Tenn. — One person’s vision and passion for the Great Smoky Mountains is set to make a lasting impact on one of America’s most popular national parks. Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont proudly announces the creation of the Hank Dye MyMtns Fund. Launched with an initial contribution of $15,000, this fund honors Hank Dye—a devoted friend, board member, and champion of Tremont—and celebrates his lasting commitment to preserving and sharing the wonders of the Smokies.
Established by friends of Hank and Margaret Dye, the Hank Dye MyMtns Fund will support the development and future growth of Tremont’s second campus. This transformative campus, a first-of-its-kind in Tennessee, will bring regenerative environmental practices, cutting-edge sustainable technologies, and nature-based educational opportunities to people of all ages. The new campus reflects Hank’s vision to create an environment where every visitor can develop a meaningful connection with nature, expanding on Tremont’s work to make the Smokies accessible and impactful for everyone.
“Two years ago, Hank told us about a piece of property he wanted to show us,” recalled Elise Mitchell, a former colleague of Hank’s and initiator of the development of the MyMtns Fund. “When we asked him what made this property so special, he said, ‘It’s the future of the Smoky Mountains.’ That’s when we understood how much this project meant to Hank, which inspired us to find a way to help bring that future to life.”
Catey McClary, Tremont’s President and CEO, shared her thoughts on Hank’s impact on this project: “Hank found the land, had close relationships with the landowners, helped to tell our story, and has been essential to this journey. He is an authentic, caring person who listens deeply and gives his whole heart to causes he believes in. This fund is a heartfelt tribute to the many ways he has contributed to Tremont’s mission.
Hank and his former colleagues after they surprised him with the fund announcement at Tremont’s homecoming. Photo by Andrew Dye.
A Surprise Tribute for a Lifetime of Dedication
Hank accepts recognition at Tremont’s Homecoming celebration. Photo by Cynthia Moxley.
At Tremont’s annual homecoming celebration on October 27, many guests were moved to tears when Hank’s former colleagues made a surprise entrance to announce the fund. Megan Womack, Tremont’s Development Director, presented him with a framed photograph of “Hank’s Hill,” the first named space on Tremont’s second campus. This hill, imagined as the first view as people arrive at the new campus, is a place where generations of kids will run, play, and begin their journey into the heart of the Smokies.
“He was always wise, creative and inspiring. He made us want to be our best and embodied so much of what we aspired to become,” shared Mitchell. “Even 30 years later, we all gather in the Smokies every fall for the singular reason of being with Hank Dye. We hope many people whose lives have been touched by Hank will want to contribute to this fund.”
“Hank has touched the lives of countless individuals, both personally and professionally,” shared Nelson Eddy, one of the fund’s coordinators and a former colleague of Hank’s. “At Tremont, he has been a guiding influence, supporting his family, friends, and colleagues along the way. His contributions at the University of Tennessee have been pivotal, aiding multiple presidents through transformative times. We’re thrilled that there will soon be a place honoring his legacy, where others can continue to be inspired by his spirit. We look forward to seeing the new campus come to life.”
About Hank Dye: Leader, Visionary, and “MyMtns” Advocate
Born in Portland, Tennessee, Hank Dye’s life and career have drawn him steadily toward the Smokies. A University of Tennessee journalism graduate, Hank began his professional journey in public relations, co-founding Nashville-based Dye, Van Mol & Lawrence, one of the South’s largest public relations firms. He later returned to Knoxville to serve as Vice President for Public Relations and Government Relations at the University of Tennessee, working with several university presidents and guiding the university through pivotal moments with his wise counsel and strategic vision.
Hank and his wife, Margaret, made their way to Townsend after Hank’s retirement. Hank’s connection to the mountains is reflected in his dedication as a National Park Service volunteer ranger and through his countless hikes in what he affectionately calls “MyMtns.” Margaret and Hank share a commitment to fostering the next generation’s appreciation for nature, often encouraging Tremont’s young visitors to explore, learn, and respect the land, forests, and animals of the Smokies.
Hank’s Hill, the first named feature on Tremont’s second campus. Photo by Peter Womack
A Chance to Give Back
The Hank Dye MyMtns Fund provides an opportunity for those who share Hank’s vision to invest in Tremont’s future and the creation of a campus that will inspire generations to come. Contributions will support all aspects of campus development, including green technologies, trail systems, regenerative land management practices, and expanded learning opportunities.
To honor Hank’s legacy and support a future deeply rooted in the Smokies, or to learn more about Tremont’s second campus expansion, visit tremontfuture.org/hank.
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Cover image: Hank shares the vision for Tremont’s second campus while on the property with staff and board. Photo by Erin Rosolina.
About the Author
Erin Rosolina is the Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont’s Marketing Director. She grew up in the mountains of western North Carolina where trillium, bloodroot and galax were everyday friends. Erin earned a degree in sustainable community development from Berea College in Kentucky, and then went on to receive the Compton Mentor Fellowship. Erin has worked in marketing with regional and national nonprofit organizations for over a decade and has been at Tremont since 2021.
