Campus Life
Buettner comes to the role with more than 20 years of experience in career advising and preparedness
The screening, featuring three all-new climbing films, will be on Friday, Nov. 14
Nurse Practitioner Tracy Jenkins and Mental Health Counselor Jami Cantrell say working at Lees-McRae is a dream come true
Hundreds of volunteers donated their time at sites across the High Country
This fall’s Mountain Day marks a return to tradition following Hurricane Helene
From the dedication of a new time capsule to Bobcat Fest, the weekend was a perfect celebration of the college’s past and future
The newest cohort of Bobcats is carrying on the college’s commitment to excellence
This year’s celebration comes amid the college’s 125th anniversary year
Secure your spot in Orientation Session II or III before they fill up
5 Rivers, a national collegiate fly-fishing organization led by Trout Unlimited and Costa Sunglasses, organizes four regional rendezvous each year
Three new shows will debut on the Hayes Auditorium stage
Countless members of the college’s faculty and staff did everything they could to assist in the community’s recovery, even while experiencing personal impacts from the storm
CFWNC has provided two generous grants that have funded vital recovery efforts and helped the college return to near normal operations
The lecturer is Caroline Grego, assistant professor of history at Queens University in Charlotte
The annual celebration is held in March as a time to recognize and celebrate women’s contributions to society throughout history
The show premieres on Thursday, Feb. 27 and will close on Sunday, March 2
Commemorate this special month through a series of lectures, film screenings, and more
Bowling brings years of advancement leadership experience to the position
ONE Lees-McRae unites all college stakeholders including students, alumni, families, and the local community
For nearly 40 years Pinnacle Inn operated as a beloved resort for guests seeking a mountain getaway, and the Inn’s echoes can still be found on campus today
The film collection showcases outdoor adventure stories from around the world
Make the most of the most wonderful time of the year with this guide
Another year of memories made in the mountains
Proceeds from the event will benefit the college’s Ski and Snowboard team
“Sweet Charity” is a dance-heavy romcom featuring choreography by Bob Fosse
Many students have done their part to contribute to the recovery effort, whether in Banner Elk or from afar
Building your bucket list for this fall in the mountains? We’ve got you covered
Sophomores Layla Tillery, Xavier Carey, and Lilly Anthony are the newest cohort of Lees-McRae College Sullivan Fellows
Summer 2024 was another successful season of patient care and hands-on learning for students
The college marks the largest student body in nearly 15 years
Make the most of this semester by trying out something new
Tim Gardner for High Country Press
The completion of this project represents the institution’s focus on the future as it marks its 125th anniversary
You won’t want to miss this one-night-only entertainment experience
The camps are held each summer across two weeks, and are targeted toward high school students
The production is written and directed by Lees-McRae Summer Theatre’s own Janet Barton Speer
Western North Carolina is known for our winters, but summers are full of fun, adventure, and beautiful weather
Summer orientation is an important time to get acquainted with the college’s campus, meet your peers, and prepare for life as a Bobcat
With a selection for every reader, this list is sure to educate, entertain, and engross
The series will feature eight exciting musical performances
The college's summer schedule is full of exciting entertainment
Each semester the series takes students on adventures around the High Country
The annual tradition celebrates all things Appalachia with a week of special programming
The 70-acre property was revitalized from an old landfill and today is a thriving ecosystem where Lees-McRae students conduct groundbreaking research
The week-long celebration will explore all things Appalachia, from food, to music, to nature
Get your tickets for the screening now
After witnessing the lack of diversity in the outdoor industry firsthand, Hunter founded Black Folks Camp Too to address the disparity
As she prepares for Commencement in May, the Criminal Justice and Psychology double-major reflects on how she has grown
An old favorite returns to the stage
Women’s History Month is recognized in March in the United States, and this year Lees-McRae, led by Associate Professor of Communications and Media Studies Abby Arnold-Patti, is joining the celebration
Winter months can be particularly difficult for those who face mental health struggles, but this guide can help lead students in the right direction
The annual 100 Days Until Graduation event kicks off the official countdown to Commencement, now follow this guide to make the most of your last few months as an undergraduate
The group of students spent two weeks in Belize earning certifications in scuba diving and sailing, and experiencing full-time life on the water
Prior to the screening of the film the college will be hosting a fun and festive winter carnival
Hannah Leyva reports
2023 marked another year of historic growth for Lees-McRae
The Appalachian Trail, which runs along the western border of North Carolina, is the longest walking-only path in the world
The snowboarding film is one of two winter sports films TGR will screen as part of the series throughout this academic year
Christian Gardner at the Avery Journal-Times explores the college's annual Mountain Day of Service tradition
Jones has been a leader in the Student Affairs office since May 2022, and he hopes to continue improving the office in this new role
Each year, Lees-McRae students, faculty, and staff participate in Mountain Day of Service, a day of volunteering and giving back to the community
The 15-year partnership between Lees-McRae and Reel Rock Film Festival continues with three exciting new films
The Lees-McRae campus welcomed alumni with open arms and sunny skies for the annual celebration
Part superhero origin story, part rom-com, all campy musical, “The Toxic Avenger” stretches the boundaries of musical theatre
The new Sullivan Fellows program allows for up to four new members to be inducted into the Foundation each year
Register for Homecoming 2023 now to participate in all the fun
Bees around the world face numerous threats and declining populations that could severely impact the global ecosystem
Rayne will deliver a performance of her spoken word poetry as part of the college’s Sexual Assault Awareness Week programming
The college welcomes families to campus where they can explore and learn more about their students’ home away from home
Each year the annual Convocation ceremony welcomes students back to campus and ushers in a new academic year
This two-week camp is targeted toward juniors and seniors in high school who are interested in wildlife
The North Carolina-based musical is the second production of this season of Lees-McRae Summer Theatre, “a love letter to North Carolina”
The “Red, White, and Blue Ridge Variety Show” will feature a wide range of North Carolina-focused entertainment, from clogging to opera
This year’s series will feature three different public events held in Evans Auditorium
Welcome to your home base for all the end-of-year fun and excitement. As the countdown to Commencement begins, keep track of all the important coverage in one place.
The ceremony recognized members of the Presidential Commission for Inclusive Excellence and awarded the Luminary and Beacon awards
Each year the college hosts a week of programming during April, Sexual Assault Awareness Month
The Exercise Science major has found new passions, gained new skills, and discovered a new career path
John B. Stephenson and Jane Baucom Stephenson have left their mark on Lees-McRae both individually and as a couple
The ceremony awarded departmental awards as well as honors for high performance in service, academics, and athletics
The festival celebrates and highlights the heritage and history of the Southern Appalachian region
Upchurch used his time in college to prepare himself for his dream career of athletic coaching
Applications for the upcoming cohort are now open to current freshmen students
The film tour is returning to Lees-McRae for the fifth year
The students, along with Program Director Ken Craig and Provost Alyson Gill, toured the famous Biltmore House and visited the estate’s temporary exhibit, Italian Renaissance Alive
Vote for Lees-McRae to help advance our mountain home to the tournament championship
One year after the initial acquisition of this property, Lees-McRae faculty and students have already begun taking advantage of the new possibilities it presents
Musina was the third-party juror of the annual exhibition where students self-submit their best artwork in the hopes of being awarded first, second, or third place
Appalachian female poets Sara Moore Wagner and Pauletta Hansel will deliver readings of their work on womanhood, identity, and Appalachia
This year’s exhibition will be judged by artist and professor Chris Musina
The No Man’s Land Film Festival will visit Lees-McRae College as part of the world tour for their 8th annual event
Dickson’s talk, which will explore historical and modern perspectives on Black history, will round out Black History Month programming at the college
The show is the department’s first foray into children’s theatre, a learning experience for the students and faculty involved in its production
2023 NC Year of the Trail is a state-wide opportunity to explore the trails, greenways, and blueways in communities across the state
The event, which starts the official countdown to graduation each year, prompts both reflection on the past and excitement for the future among graduating seniors
Sanders was the keynote speaker for the college’s commemoration event, “Lessons from the Mountaintop: Revelations from the Promised Land”
The department’s first foray into children’s theatre celebrates imagination and the magic of storytelling
Learn about how to get involved in the four new culturally specific clubs that have been started in the past year
Sanders, a faculty member at Emory University, will speak on the event’s theme, “Lessons from the Mountaintop: Revelations from the Promised Land”
Take a walk down memory lane and reflect on this historic year
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 series, organized by Campus Life, included three off-campus excursions designed to show off the best of the High Country
The annual event will recognize and honor veterans who are part of the Lees-McRae and local communities
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
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
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 event was held Friday, Sept. 16−Sunday, Sept. 18
“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
Find your passion in a student-led club at Lees-McRae
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
“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
Director of the Burton Center for Student Success Beth Beggs talks independence, time management, and having a successful first year
Learn about the new tech updates that will improve campus living
STARS is a framework that allows institutions of higher education to receive recognition for their sustainability practices
Genuine Foods will begin foodservice operations at the beginning of August
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
For more than 100 years Grandfather Home for Children has addressed the needs of children in the High Country
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
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.”
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
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
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.
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
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 college’s Sexual Assault Awareness Week is part of a wider push that takes place nationally each April
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
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
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
After winning in 2020 and placing second in 2021, Lees-McRae needs your help to take home the gold once again
Acklin is passionate about making the community more accessible through adaptive sports and bicycle friendly infrastructure
Gibson is excited to set an institutional precedent when it comes to DEI work at Lees-McRae
The panel will feature a current student, a Lees-McRae alumnus, and a member of the local African American community Junaluska
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
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
The commemoration program included music, poetry, a reading of King’s most famous speech, and an address from Pastor Alan Yawn
There are many opportunities on and off campus to bring our community closer together