2022 Articles
Take a walk down memory lane and reflect on this historic year
North Carolina is the second-largest real Christmas tree producing state in the country, many of which are grown in the High Country
BearWise is an organization that works with states and communities across the country to ensure outdoor safety
English majors Mikayla Hamilton and Makayla Gregory revived the journal as a creative outlet for Lees-McRae students
The addition of master’s programs in Healthcare Administration and Criminal Justice will continue the college’s efforts to prepare students for modern workplace demands
The largest-ever Summer Clinical group, new ambassadors, and the return of a Lees-McRae alum are just a few of this year’s highlights
The series, organized by Campus Life, included three off-campus excursions designed to show off the best of the High Country
After growing up in Germany, Döring moved to the United States to pursue collegiate cycling
Avery County courthouse serves as classroom for group of Lees-McRae Criminal Justice students getting hands-on experience with mock trial exercise
As the Native people of Western North Carolina, Cherokee communities are an integral part of Appalachian culture
Communication Arts and Design students try their hand at the gourd craft tradition
The intimate event featured remarks from online student Jeffrey Thompson
This year’s film, “Magic Hour,” will be screened at Beech Mountain Resort
The director of the May Wildlife Rehabilitation Center explains the behavior, care of, and threats to this migratory bird
The honor society recognizes students, alumni, faculty, staff, and community members who exemplify excellent leadership qualities
The annual event will recognize and honor veterans who are part of the Lees-McRae and local communities
Abernathy recently graduated from the training academy to become a North Carolina wildlife law enforcement officer
A gallery opening for Joslin’s photography show will be held on the Lees-McRae campus
The annual contest invites students from across campus to write and submit their own scary stories
Abby Arnold-Patti and Lee Knight will each give a talk in early November
Boyette comes to Lees-McRae after four years at the University of Mississippi
Williamson dedicated years of service to Lees-McRae and the High Country
When sophomore Makena Vosberg came to Lees-McRae from Nashville, she couldn't pass up the opportunity to try a sport you can only learn in the mountains
This semi-autobiographical play about Williams’ own experiences is an exploration of memory
After falling in love with stage management during her time at Lees-McRae, Childs has turned her passion into a career on Broadway
Storytelling is a centuries-long tradition in Southern Appalachia, and the High Country has many tales of its own
The Reel Rock Film Tour brings climbing and adventure films to live audiences around the world
With more than 30 volunteer sites throughout the High Country, Lees-McRae continued the tradition of giving back to the community for another year
Learn about the origins of this month-long celebration
The event brought together students, faculty, staff, alumni, and community members to recognize Baker’s life and impact ahead of Homecoming 2022
Hurricane Ian could not deter dozens of proud Bobcats from returning to Banner Elk in celebration of their alma mater
The High Country is home to a wealth of natural wonders that draw visitors from around the world
Tate Hall dormitory was formerly Grace Hospital, a community medical hub that served the High Country
The Office of Inclusive Excellence will be hosting a celebration for all members of the Lees-McRae and local community
The new major is being partnered with a new scholarship endowed by alumnus Dr. Lynn Lewis
Smith has held numerous positions throughout her decades at the college, making her mark on athletics and Lees-McRae as a whole
The event was held Friday, Sept. 16−Sunday, Sept. 18
After deciding to pursue vet school during her time in the Wildlife Biology program at Lees-McRae, Simerly successfully completed the program at UTCVM
Mounts is currently working on starting a veteran’s treatment court to provide support and resources for veterans in need
“Shalom Y’all: The Jewish American Experience in the High Country” was the latest installment in this series of discussion panels
This next installment of the High Country Adventure Film and Speaker Series will be held on Tuesday, Oct. 11
The U.S. News & World Report ranks hundreds of colleges across the country as part of 2022–23 Best Colleges rankings
Find your passion in a student-led club at Lees-McRae
“Clue” will kick off an exciting year of theatrical productions when it opens this September
The Order of the Sacred Flame is a planned giving program that guarantees the future of the college
Trustee Neil Ramo, Director of Counseling Services Marla Gentile, and sophomore Benjamin Gribbins will be the discussion panelists at the event
This weekend of festivities will feature fun events for current, returning, and future Bobcats
This course will work on physical, psychological, and behavioral defense strategies that will improve individual and community safety
None of the snakes living in or near the lake are venomous, and they are an essential part of the local ecosystem
This year’s Parent and Family Weekend will be held Friday, Sept. 16−Sunday, Sept. 18
The Algernon Sydney Sullivan Foundation scholarship provides $10,000 in academic funding each year
Three Bobcat alumni share what it’s like working in the professional field of wildlife rehabilitation, and the journeys it took to get them where they are today
“Doc Watson: Celebrating a Life in Music” has been nominated for the 2022 Bluegrass Music Awards Event of the Year category
Twenty years after his own graduation, Pope returns to Lees-McRae to share stories of his career journey and the way Lees-McRae has impacted his life
A move into the Chaffee Administrative Building will more than double the Esports space, giving them room to continue to grow
The 2022–23 Theatre Arts season will also feature “The Glass Menagerie” and “James and the Giant Peach”
Pope will speak about his time as an undergraduate student at Lees-McRae and how it set him up for success in his life and career at Grandfather Mountain
The Lees-McRae Campus Bicycle Coordinator discusses her journey with the League of American Bicyclists
Rapid deployment training prepares law enforcement officers for active shooter and other high-stress emergency scenarios
This series showcases different perspectives on outdoor adventure
Director of the Burton Center for Student Success Beth Beggs talks independence, time management, and having a successful first year
In addition to being an instructor of reading and writing foundations, DiBacco is also the Faculty Athletic Representative
Learn about the new tech updates that will improve campus living
The symposium provides continuing education credits for veterinary professionals
The new chapter serves Lees-McRae alumni in Delaware, Virginia, Washington D.C., and Maryland
STARS is a framework that allows institutions of higher education to receive recognition for their sustainability practices
This annual conference serves as a gathering place for academics from around the world to present their research within the cycling field
This is the first agreement Lees-McRae has established with an educational institution outside of the United States
The week-long experience takes the counselors on an in-depth tour of Lees-McRae that helps them advise their students
Follow three Wildlife Biology students as they care for injured animals at the May Wildlife Rehabilitation Center
Genuine Foods will begin foodservice operations at the beginning of August
Hall’s latest venture takes him to Greenville, South Carolina to serve as the director and costume designer for the Glow Lyric Theatre production of “Aida”
The musical is based on the much-loved children’s book of the same name by Roald Dahl
The two-week Wildlife Science Summer Program is geared toward juniors and seniors in high school who are interested in wildlife, biology, and ecology
Belisle is currently completing her doctoral capstone in the EdD program at Liberty University, where she is examining graduation and attrition rates for Black male students
Banner Elk may be small, but it offers big opportunities for adventure
From Banner Elk to Pigeon Forge, these Bobcats are taking their in-class skills into the professional realm with summer acting gigs
The biology professor has big ideas for increasing awareness of the importance of ecological sustainability
Outdoor Recreation Management students practice their skills in the field on two-week Western National Parks expedition
For over a century, June 19 has been recognized for the emancipation of enslaved individuals in the United States
Learn how to get the most out of orientation from those who’ve been there before
The first show of the 37th season will open Sunday, June 26
Davies’ 15 years of experience at Stagedoor Manor helped prepare her to take on a teaching role at Lees-McRae
Learn how Lees-McRae creates safe spaces for the LGBTQ+ community this Pride Month
The Business Administration major turned his love of the great outdoors into a career
For more than 100 years Grandfather Home for Children has addressed the needs of children in the High Country
NC Ag in the Classroom is hosted each year by the NC Farm Bureau
The lists recognize students of high academic achievement from the previous semester
The Walk and Roll in the Park event will feature educational programming on cycling as well as games and giveaways
Wildcat Lake and Arthur Student Recreation Complex will be open to the public for the summer season
The Roadmap Scholars Initiative is described as a “first-of-its-kind path” to help low-income students become competitive law school applicants
Commencement weekend was full of ceremonies and events that gave graduates a chance to reflect on their time at Lees-McRae
Sims: “As I prepare to get my degree from the school, I am thankful for every step of my journey.”
Huffard will be taking a semester of leave to investigate the life and legacy of railroad engineer Casey Jones
Augustin has been very involved on campus throughout her four years, focusing on community
The 2022 season features two award-winning musicals, “The Drowsy Chaperone” and “Matilda: The Musical”
The ceremonies celebrate the accomplishments of the junior and senior nursing students and serve to commemorate their commitment to their field
Barker has earned her degree in Elementary Education at the Surry Community College distance learning campus
England’s time on the basketball team and in SGA have afforded him many opportunities to get involved on campus
Dr. Lynn Lewis hopes his donation to the school will give students like himself an opportunity to succeed
This annual event is not only a celebration of all things Appalachia, but also a time to learn from and reflect upon the rich history of the region
Powell has already set two records for no-hitters in her first year playing softball at the collegiate level
Searcy is leaving the college to pursue new opportunities, entrusting the position of police chief to Brandon Greer
The ceremony highlighted Bobcats doing outstanding work across departments and academic programs
Shelton Learning Commons is hosting four sessions throughout the week where students have a chance to use Oculus VR headsets
Commencement and the end of the semester are fast approaching. Keep track of all the important end-of-year coverage here.
North Carolina is nationally renowned for its scenic Blue Ridge Parkway and various mountain ranges to explore. Rich in local history and vast in outdoor pursuits, one will get an unforgettable sense of accomplishment upon paying a visit to one of these state's best mountain towns.
Vance is a senior in the Online Human Services program
Ignite Retreat is a weekend-long experience that challenges participants to actively drive change in their lives and communities
New campus police chief Brandon Greer is recognized in special ceremony
Horton has been working on a senior project about plant restoration in Venus fly traps
The weeklong event is an annual tradition that recognizes and celebrates the heritage of Lees-McRae and the surrounding region
Simulations of real-world scenarios are important experiential learning tools for different programs at Lees-McRae
Executive Director of Institutional Advancement Katie Talbert is named category finalist for 6th annual Boone Area Chamber of Commerce 4 Under 40 Awards
Lees-McRae College aims to grow residential enrollment to 1,000 students – Children’s Hope Alliance to serve ten times as many children
The convergence of these holidays can unite people from different faiths
The college’s Sexual Assault Awareness Week is part of a wider push that takes place nationally each April
The Whalen Grant provides faculty with funds to further their research and continued education
The college has recently purchased a drift boat that will be used for experiential learning, fundraising, and more
Matthew Wimberley has published two award-winning books of poetry
The Business Administration major is on the college’s cycling team and serves as president of C.R.A.N.K. Crew
The weekend was full of fun, food, and friendship for Bobcats of all ages
The funds will be used to enhance the student experience, modernize the infrastructure, and improve accessibility.
Greer brings 20 years of law enforcement experience to the position
Students, faculty, and staff are invited to learn how to take advantage of all the Learning Commons has to offer
Turner hopes to work with exotic animals for his career, a desire that was grown at Lees-McRae
The panel was hosted by the Office of Inclusive Excellence in honor of Women’s History Month
The tour features fishing-related short films from around the world
The event, sponsored by the Office of Inclusive Excellence, gave African American members of the community a chance to relate their experiences
The week’s festivities will include breakfast from Chick-fil-a, multiple crafts, and cookies from Appalachian Cookie Co.
Shapiro will take what she learned in Banner Elk to a new job with Washington, D.C. Capitol Police
There will be two sessions of the camp for two different academic levels
The acquisition will play a key role in accomplishing priorities laid out in the strategic plan
The scholarship is a prestigious award given to exceptional incoming students each year
Associate Professor and Veterinarian Amber McNamara shares ways we can protect our wildlife this season
This is the second discussion panel hosted at the school to bring awareness to topics of diversity and inclusion
Pieces were submitted for judging by students across campus
Scots-Irish immigrants were one of the groups who heavily contributed to the creation of a distinct Appalachian culture
The musical, which is based on the 1980 film of the same name, features original music by Dolly Parton
The lab has several simulation mannequins spanning all ages which allows nursing students to simulate countless situations
The Friday night event will feature resources and information on drug and alcohol abuse, addiction, and recovery
In just two years Hollifield has made her mark on Lees-McRae and Banner Elk
This year’s guest juror is Adam Adcock, a faculty member of the art department at Appalachian State University
As a researcher and a professor, Evelyn Brewer is working to identify and resolve the gaps between patient and caregiver
After winning in 2020 and placing second in 2021, Lees-McRae needs your help to take home the gold once again
“Struck at the Crossroads in Boonville” uses century-old love letters to compare the 1890s to today
Acklin is passionate about making the community more accessible through adaptive sports and bicycle friendly infrastructure
Four Wildlife Biology students accompanied Michael Osbourn, PhD, on a weeklong field survey in Nantahala National Forest
Elementary Education faculty take careful steps to ensure that their students are fully prepared for the classroom
Lees-McRae is honored to bear the names of two women who dedicated their lives to helping others, especially children
Nursing, Human Services, and Elementary Education are among the online degree programs recognized
After 15 years in the service industry, Fenton-Haynes was ready to start serving students. Lees-McRae made it possible.
Gibson is excited to set an institutional precedent when it comes to DEI work at Lees-McRae
Why getting a fuller understanding of Appalachia’s past can help us create a better future
The college’s online programs were ranked the second highest among online private institutions in North Carolina
The panel will feature a current student, a Lees-McRae alumnus, and a member of the local African American community Junaluska
The panel will feature experts in the field who specialize in rural nursing and its unique challenges
Outdoor Recreation Management and Ski Industry Business and Instruction students traveled to Colorado and New Mexico for real-world educational experiences
Four creative ways local couples used to show their love
Fitness Center Manager Maddie Beck shares easy ways to maintain cardiovascular health
Lili Bauer has focused on sustainability and accessibility throughout her undergraduate career, an effort that she hopes to continue post-grad
The intimate and emotional play has challenged student actors to approach live performance in a new way
The lab allows technical theater students to test out different lighting techniques for the stage
Conference Carolinas hosted Lees-McRae athletics at a diversity and inclusion seminar
Businesses from all over the region will be recruiting employees for full-time, part-time, and internship opportunities
Alumni Relations and Career and Life Planning host seniors for a celebration of their academic achievements and transition to becoming alumni
Grace Champion from Career and Life Planning talks about what really matters when applying to post-grad jobs
Gibson brings 15 years of experience in diversity, equity, and inclusion work to the college
Improve your academic performance and college experience with this advice
Brown uses historical photography techniques to offer a fuller representation of modern Appalachia
The commemoration program included music, poetry, a reading of King’s most famous speech, and an address from Pastor Alan Yawn
Viola studied art and business at Lees-McRae before launching her career as a wedding photographer
"Proof" will run from Wednesday, Feb. 16 to Saturday, Feb. 19
Honor and remember the civil rights leader at the annual commemoration program
There are many opportunities on and off campus to bring our community closer together
The traveling workshop featured a series of activities to help Business Administration students refine their enterprise ideas
The lists recognize students who maintain a high GPA throughout the semester
Props and costumes from previous Lees-McRae shows helped create the kingdom of Arendelle on stage