United Way names new campaign director

“I am so happy to announce that Dr. Nate Edwards of Edwards Family Vision will be our campaign chairman this year,” said Chris Genn, Chairman of the United Way board. “I have worked alongside of him as President of the Duncan Chisholm Trail Kiwanis, he is a swim instructor in our summer swim program, spends a few of his nights operating rides at Kiddieland during the summer and is currently the chairman for our Christmas Tree fundraiser, he is a great guy and will be a true blessing.”

Dr. Edwards journey to becoming an Optometrist began in his early teenage years, where he would go to work at Duncan Opticians with his father Dan for a few hours before and after school when needed. It was then that he realized the desire to help people see better.



Upon graduating from Duncan High School in 1999, he enlisted in the US Navy and during this time he was fortunate to serve two tours on the USNS Mercy where he was given the opportunity not only to assist ophthalmologists in a variety of different procedures but also participate in other humanitarian relief efforts.  After eight years he returned to Oklahoma and went on to earn a Bachelor of Science in Natural Science from Cameron University in May 2011. 

Dr. Edwards was accepted at Northeastern State University Oklahoma College of Optometry in Tahlequah and he began his studies there in August of 2011.  His extensive training with NSU-OCO also included an 8-week externship with the Muskogee VA Hospital’s Eye Clinic.  Dr. Edwards graduated in May 2015 and returned to Duncan to set up his practice. 


Dr. Edwards married his wife, Lori, in July of 2010 who is also a 1999 graduate of Duncan High School. They have two daughters Kathryn and Lily who attend Central High School. Dr. Edwards and his family are active and attend Central Baptist Church. On the weekends Dr. Edwards enjoys being the voice of the Bronchos on Friday nights, gardening, and grilling.

“I am very excited to work with Dr. Edwards,” stated Helen Stewart, Director of the United Way. I was intrigued by his work on the USNS Mercy ship, and this is what he had to say.

“While onboard the USNS Mercy in 2005 we did work with operational smile performing cleft palate repairs during the Operation Unified Assistance. I have seen kids who were hungry, people who needed medical care, people who have lost everything they had following the tsunami in Indonesia in 2004. I have also seen joy in their eyes knowing someone is there to help them, that someone cares for them”  

“I am a firm believer in developing and supporting our communities. With the mission of United Way of Stephens County being to mobilize resources to improve the lives of people in our communities. I believe that we have an obligation to give back to those who have given us the opportunity to be where we are today. When I was asked to be this year’s campaign chair, I felt that this was another way that I could hopefully give back to our great community,” said Dr. Edwards.

The United Way of Stephens County is dedicated to raising funds through donations from local businesses, employees, individual partners, and fundraising opportunities. We are a nonprofit social services organization that provides funding for 12 partner agencies ensuring residents are having their basic needs met while working towards self-sufficiency.

One upcoming event is our fifth annual BBQ Showdown, Saturday September 17, 2022, at Fuqua Park from Noon to 2 p.m. Wristbands will be $10 for adults and $5 for children 10 and under. KiddieLand Park will be open for all children and Kochendorfer Brewing Co. will also be available to those 21 and up, both will require a wristband.

For more information, please visit our website www.unitedwayofsc.org or call 580-255-3648.