Jerry Tolley, a Fayetteville native, received his Bachelor of Science as well as his Master of Education from East Carolina University. He then continued his education with a Doctor of Education from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. Tolley currently works in the Elon University Office of Institutional Advancement, where he has held various positions for a total of 13 years. He has received numerous awards and honors including Mayor Emeritus, The Laurel Wreath Award, Elon College and East Carolina Sports Hall of Fame, as well as multiple Life Time Membership and Achievement awards. Tolley has also served on more than 20 community boards including Town of Elon, Elon University, Community Foundation of Greater Greensboro, the North Carolina Health and Fitness Foundation, United Way, and Be Active North Carolina.