Top 10 most memorable moments of 2024
Another year of memories made in the mountains2024 marks a transitional year for Lees-McRae and has ushered in a new phase of the college’s history that is focused on growth, excellence, and revitalization, while still honoring the past. As this historic year comes to a close, take a walk down memory lane and look back on 10 of the most memorable moments we shared in 2024.
Historic Commons reopens following major renovations
The $30 million renovation and revitalization project was announced in 2022 and the next two years were spent extensively updating the college’s Historic Commons buildings. The new Tennessee and Virginia Hall, North Carolina Building, and Pinnacle Room, Deck, and Courtyard finally debuted this July at a special ceremony at the foot of the North Carolina Building.
Renovations to the Historic Commons were funded by a Community Facilities Direct Loan from the United States Department of Agriculture and represented a goal President Lee King set when he first took leadership at the college in 2018. The completion of this project signals the college’s commitment to excellence and steady improvement while honoring the memories and histories that came before.
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100% of Outdoor Recreation Management students become Unity Blaze certified
In an important step toward promoting and embracing racial inclusivity in the outdoor adventure industry, the college’s Outdoor Recreation Management program partnered with Black Folks Camp Too, a North Carolina-based company, to get 100% of the program’s students certified through the business’s Unity Blaze program.
Earl B. Hunter, the founder of Black Folks Camp Too, also led talks on campus about the business’s mission to diversify the outdoor adventure industry and make it more accessible to Black and other people of color. Through the Unity Blaze certification, Hunter has been able to talk to outdoor recreation professionals about the challenges they face in diversifying the outdoors and how to overcome those challenges, from making the outdoors safer for people of color to doing specific outreach that lets people know they are welcome.
New Master of Science Human Services program welcomes first cohort
The new one-year program is taught online and empowers students to be effective agents of change for individuals, families, communities, and organizations through practical training in skills such as service, leadership, research, and advocacy. The program is a great option for students who have already completed the college’s online bachelor's degree completion program in Human Services, or for working professionals who are looking to expand their skills and advance their careers.
Graduates celebrate Commencement 2024
This May, just over 200 graduates celebrated the completion of their academic journeys at Lees-McRae with a Commencement ceremony in Williams Gymnasium. English major and Creative Writing Minor Nate Darden and Online Elementary Education major Lexi Seagle delivered Commencement addresses to a room of their excited peers and proud families.
Mock emergency exercise returns
A favorite interdisciplinary experiential learning exercise, the mock disaster returned this April. The mass-casualty scenario brought together students from Wilderness Medicine and Rescue, Criminal Justice, Outdoor Recreation Management, and Theatre Arts in one campuswide story that allowed them to put their skills to the test in a realistic environment.
The mock disaster exercise is a great example of the college’s emphasis on experiential learning and is a wonderful opportunity for students from different disciplines to collaborate and learn from one another.
The college celebrates historic growth and retention
2024 was a year of record growth for the college, with more than 900 students enrolled for the Fall 2024 semester—the most students on campus since 2005. These enrollment numbers were up by nearly 100 students over the previous academic year, a statistic which is also thanks to an improved retention rate.
Explore some fast facts about the 2024–25 student body:
- 56% of undergraduate students are from North Carolina.
- 55% of main campus students are athletes.
- 24 countries are represented among international students.
- 17% increase in online undergraduate and graduate programs over the year prior.
- 176 undergraduate students are in the Honors Program.
Campus community returns strong following Hurricane Helene
When Hurricane Helene made landfall in Banner Elk in late September, it became one of the strongest storms to hit these mountains in history. Producing the most rainfall in the region since the Great Flood of 1916, Helene caused devastating flooding, landslides, and damage to roads, buildings, and nature.
Though the storm caused damage to the college’s campus, to the Town of Banner Elk, and to the surrounding communities, Lees-McRae students, faculty, and staff have come together through this difficult time to support each other and rebuild our mountain home. Whether they were locals remaining in the area, or evacuees supporting the community from afar, many students have worked hard to do what they can to support the High Country in its time of need.
“Being in Banner Elk when everything happened, and being so fortunate to have somewhere to go…I felt that it was extremely important to me to get whatever resources I could back into Banner Elk for the people who weren’t able to leave or the people who made the choice to stay and rebuild.”
– Senior Special Education major Maddie Campo, who organized a donation drive at the elementary/middle school she attended
Veterans Memorial expansion announced
In November, President King made an exciting announcement at the college’s annual Veterans Day Ceremony: the Veterans Memorial in Swank Park will be updated and expanded to include veterans who served after the Vietnam War. The rededication of the memorial will be held on Veterans Day 2025, and Lees-McRae alumni, students, and employees who have served in the armed forces are encouraged to submit their information to be recognized on the memorial.
Ski and snowboard team kicks off its first varsity season
Having operated and competed as a club sport since the team was revived in 2015, the college’s ski and snowboard team was elevated to varsity status this fall. This new designation makes the Lees-McRae team the first varsity ski/snowboard team in the Southeast Conference of the United States Collegiate Ski and Snowboard Association.
"This new designation is well deserved. Our ski and snowboard team has more than proved that they are the ones to beat on the national level," President King said. "Through the incredible talents of our student-athletes, the dedication of Coach Aaron Maas, and the strength of our partnership with Beech Mountain Resort, this team has truly put Lees-McRae on the map."
“From the Mountaintop: The Edgar Tufts Story” kicks off 125th anniversary celebrations
After first debuting as part of the 2019 season of Lees-McRae Summer Theatre, “From the Mountaintop: The Edgar Tufts Story” became a well-loved depiction of local history on the college’s stage. The original musical was written by the college’s own Janet Barton Speer in collaboration with JT and Tommy Oaks and was restaged this July to kick off the college’s 125th anniversary.
