Academics
The cross-disciplinary specialization offers ample experiential learning opportunities
The play will show in Hayes Auditorium Thursday, Feb. 12–Sunday, Feb. 15
The new comprehensive student success initiative builds on what makes the college a leader in educational excellence
The college is the only private higher education institution in North Carolina to make it into the top 60
The Sullivan Foundation is dedicated to helping students become “changemakers” in their communities
The lists are published each semester and include the names of students who meet rigorous academic standards
Senior biology majors Kara Brooks and Avery Walston both adjusted their goals after getting hands-on experience through their internships
This reaffirmation by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges will extend to 2035
BIO 311 students visited Kettell Beerworks, where they learned about fermentation, beer brewing, and practical applications of microbiology
Look back on a record-setting year of traditions, milestone anniversaries, and strengthened community
Jenkins comes to the role with years of teaching and professional experience in the field
From courses in anthropology to typography, these new offerings are the perfect way to round out your spring schedule
Hodges works in a curriculum support classroom where she serves students from kindergarten through second grade
The annual conference is an opportunity for teacher education faculty from across the state to gather and learn from one another
"Lizzie," which focuses on one of the most famous true crime cases in history, is set to an exciting rock score
The newly renamed and redesigned Data Applications in Mathematics minor offers beneficial career support for virtually every major
The college jumped 10 places over last year’s ranking
Dean of Business and Management Josh Pate discusses the ranking and how Lees-McRae prepares students for the industry
Each year, Phi Theta Kappa recognizes colleges and universities across the country for their exceptional transfer pathways
TJCA is the latest North Carolina school to partner with the college for programming exchanges and discounted tuition
The newest cohort of Bobcats is carrying on the college’s commitment to excellence
Reyna, who is a double major earning degrees in Criminal Justice and Psychology, plans to work for the Bureau following graduation
Crippen, a Wildlife Biology major, is currently working as an intern at the Minnesota sanctuary
The high school is the latest partner in the college’s ongoing efforts to strengthen connections with schools throughout the region
The program took a group of students to Alaska over spring break and Italy following Commencement
The college was ranked among the top in the country for affordability, business, and education
Craig retired following the 2024–25 academic year and received faculty emeritus status
Register by July 15 for an early bird discount
Junior Ryan Avery and seniors Sarah Jones and Austin Beaird are experiencing the breadth of the field firsthand through summer internships
The experience gives students an idea of what to expect in the field while in a controlled educational environment
Secure your spot in Orientation Session II or III before they fill up
Abigale Patten, NC State College of Veterinary Medicine Class of 2026, is a North Carolina native with an undergraduate degree in animal sciences from NC State University. She started her fourth-year clinical rotation this summer working at the May Wildlife Rehab Clinic at Lees McRae College in Banner Elk, North Carolina.
The award is given annually by the North American Society for Sport Management, an esteemed professional society
Donors came together to offer record-breaking support amidst a year of both challenges and growth
The Communication Arts and Design major encountered significant challenges during college, but persevered and came through stronger
The accolades demonstrate a commitment to academic excellence
The collegiate journey for the graduating class was marked by exciting changes and challenging moments
Miles, who works in telecommunications, is earning her degree in Business Administration online
The program is a week-long camp where high school participants will get immersive experience in many writing styles
Dobbins, who is also earning a minor in Marketing, is a student-athlete on the women’s soccer team and a member of the Honors College
Your spot for all pre-graduation activities and celebrations
Rodriguez is particularly interested in substance use counseling, the benefits of which he has witnessed throughout his life
Stephenson is also earning a minor in Wildlife Rehabilitation, and spends the majority of her time at the May Wildlife Rehabilitation Center
Geckler, who is also earning a minor in Communication Arts and Design, is a three-season athlete, writing tutor, and member of the Experiential Learning Committee
Adams is a student-teacher, the founding captain of the college’s dance team, and a Sullivan Fellow
Chattin earned her associate degree at Surry Community College and went on to earn her bachelor's degree there through the Lees-McRae distance learning program
High school students who have completed their freshman year and a biology course are invited to apply
Throughout his time at Lees-McRae, Henline has been involved in all aspects of theatre production and has dismantled the idea of having an acting range
Adaptive instruction opens the benefits of outdoor recreation to a wider range of individuals
Three new Bobcats received this scholarship, which covers tuition for four years of undergraduate study
Barber, who is also earning a specialization in Wildlife Rehabilitation, has been involved in many clubs and organizations throughout the past four years
The annual celebration is held in March as a time to recognize and celebrate women’s contributions to society throughout history
Hawks, who is also earning minors in Creative Writing and Appalachian Studies, has recently been published in multiple independent literary zines
The program will be housed in the School of Business and Management and will utilize the college’s distinct location to provide students with experiential learning opportunities
The show premieres on Thursday, Feb. 27 and will close on Sunday, March 2
The course combines English literature topics with perspectives on Appalachian history
Commemorate this special month through a series of lectures, film screenings, and more
Assistant Professor of Wildlife Biology Alex Glass discusses his research on Amazonian birds alongside Nico Arcilla, an Affiliate Fellow at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Exercise Science alumni Lauren Davidson, Matthew Dunn, and Joshua Hall talk about the program and the many doors it has opened for them
The college climbed more than 10 spots from its 2024 ranking
Ashe County High School is the fourth high school in the area to establish this partnership with the college
Hundreds of students earned spots on the Dean’s and President’s Lists for Fall 2024
Another year of memories made in the mountains
Proceeds from the event will benefit the college’s Ski and Snowboard team
Professors of History Scott Huffard, Robert Turpin, and Mike Davis discuss their personal interests and why studying history is important
Sullivan Fellows Matthew Knafelz and Bea Adams participated in the two-week study abroad opportunity, which focused on social entrepreneurship
“Sweet Charity” is a dance-heavy romcom featuring choreography by Bob Fosse
Turpin was consulted by Good Morning America regarding his book "Black Cyclists: The Race for Inclusion" for their story on the topic
Future teachers will now be familiar with standard school curricula and able to be more flexible when designing lesson plans
The college has also improved on the lists of Best Value and Top Performers on Social Mobility
Sophomores Layla Tillery, Xavier Carey, and Lilly Anthony are the newest cohort of Lees-McRae College Sullivan Fellows
Seniors Melissa White and Seth Buie share their experience in the college’s Elementary Education distance learning program
Summer 2024 was another successful season of patient care and hands-on learning for students
The partnership will expand educational opportunities for Yancey County students
The college marks the largest student body in nearly 15 years
Kaplan joined the Lees-McRae Board of Trustees in 2019
A romantic comedy, a riveting docudrama, and an iconic tragedy will each take the Hayes Auditorium stage this year
As Santis begins her fourth year with the college, she plans to use her new role to strengthen relationships, academic programs, and the overall student experience
Dean of Arts and Humanities Michael Vines explains the wide-ranging applications of humanities degrees and why these skills are so valuable
This is the fourth year the college has earned this distinction
Tim Gardner for High Country Press
Ewing is participating in the workshop for early-career faculty at small liberal arts colleges provided by Eckerd College
The completion of this project represents the institution’s focus on the future as it marks its 125th anniversary
The college was also recognized for affordability and Business and Education academic programming
The camps are held each summer across two weeks, and are targeted toward high school students
Levy is earning a specialization in Wildlife Rehabilitation, and is combining the two prongs of the college’s Wildlife Biology program in her research
Summer orientation is an important time to get acquainted with the college’s campus, meet your peers, and prepare for life as a Bobcat
The MOU involves three parts: programming exchanges, the Lees-McRae Pre-College Initiative, and discounted tuition
Four students were awarded the full-tuition scholarships
The student-run experiential learning scenario gave Theatre Arts, Criminal Justice, Wilderness Medicine and Rescue, and Outdoor Recreation Management students a chance to show what they know
Black cyclists have always defied the odds in the overwhelmingly white sport and pastime, Lees-McRae College history professor and retired amateur competitor Robert J. Turpin observes in Black Cyclists: The Race for Inclusion, his unprecedented epic narrative of Black American cyclists.
The college joins outdoor recreation organizations around the country in pledging to make the outdoors more welcoming and inclusive.
More than 250 students were recognized on the Dean’s and President’s Lists for their academic excellence
Commencement celebrated the achievements of just over 200 accomplished graduates
The award is presented by the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce
Pyatte worked at Lees-McRae for 37 years
Seagle will be one of the graduating seniors delivering a speech at this year’s Commencement ceremony
The summer months offer opportunities for students to take courses in a different format
The English major and Creative Writing minor will be one of the student speakers at this year’s Commencement ceremony
Gear up for graduation with this hub for all things end-of-year
The annual tradition celebrates all things Appalachia with a week of special programming
The Outdoor Recreation Management and Wilderness Medicine and Rescue double-major is also the coach and captain of the college’s club climbing team
The ceremony celebrates the academic, athletic, professional, and service achievements of members of the Lees-McRae community
Turpin will deliver a book talk and reading from the text on campus later this month
After graduating with an associate degree in criminal justice from a local community college, Brawley’s interests shifted toward human resources
This is the latest agreement in the college's Guaranteed Admission Program
The 70-acre property was revitalized from an old landfill and today is a thriving ecosystem where Lees-McRae students conduct groundbreaking research
Jones is majoring in Business Administration and minoring in Psychology, and has incorporated the two disciplines into his student organization The Dreamer’s Club
Hamilton is currently working on her first novel, a project she plans to use for her senior seminar and to apply to graduate programs
The musical is a tale about love, adventure, and finding oneself along the way
Jernigan balanced full-time work, school, and parenthood thanks to the program’s flexibility
Barrineau has completed the Exercise Science program along a pre-physical therapy track and will begin physical therapy school in the fall
As she prepares for Commencement in May, the Criminal Justice and Psychology double-major reflects on how she has grown
The agreement is effective immediately and will commence for the Fall 2024 semester
Stevenson has been working in the healthcare supply chain for more than 20 years
The screening will be held at Beech Mountain Resort
Vesely has been with Lees-McRae for 10 years, but her vision for the future of the college has never been more clear
The college is the only private North Carolina higher education institution in the top 50
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
In December, a group of more than 20 Wildlife Biology students took a month-long trip to New Zealand where they discovered new species, explored foreign landscapes, and gained a renewed sense of purpose in their work
Seniors Mikayla Hamilton and Johnnie Crawford presented research papers at the State of North Carolina Undergraduate Research and Creativity Symposium, and the Blue Ridge Undergraduate Research Conference respectively
Each semester the Dean’s and President’s Lists honor students’ exemplary academic performances
Criminal Justice students take over Avery County courthouse to get full judicial experience
Each year the course tasks students with reviewing the latest science on climate change and constructing an art piece that addresses a particular environmental issue
Alumni Tessa Wells, Hannah Trimble, and Savannah Rees-Trask share their experiences in the different branches of the major
2023 marked another year of historic growth for Lees-McRae
The course, which is listed as a part of the Criminal Justice program, is useful for a variety of career paths including police officers, fire and EMS, and educators
The artist lecture and exhibit opening will take place Nov. 9 at 11 a.m.
Part ghost story, part contemplative psychological thriller, “Language of Angels” is the next show for Lees-McRae Theatre Arts
Director of the Stephenson Center for Appalachia Catherine Pritchard Childress dives deep into the Appalachian Studies minor at Lees-McRae and the impact it can have on the future of the region
The events will be held Monday, Oct. 30 and Tuesday, Oct. 31
Both Phillips and Trotter graduated from Lees-McRae with a Cycling Studies minor
The 15-year partnership between Lees-McRae and Reel Rock Film Festival continues with three exciting new films
The majority of this year’s cohort of Banner Elk Fire and Rescue volunteers are students in the Lees-McRae Outdoor Recreation Management and Wilderness Medicine and Rescue programs
The show, held on Thursday, Sept. 28, is free and open to the public
The rehabilitated hawk received care at the May Wildlife Rehabilitation Center and was released on the Lees-McRae campus
Risk management involves incident preparation and prevention and is a key skill for graduates who pursue a career in the outdoor industry
The college was also recognized among southern colleges for best value and social mobility
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
Samantha Morrison and Finnbar Maloney applied their education to internships in their potential career fields
Bees around the world face numerous threats and declining populations that could severely impact the global ecosystem
The season will also include productions of “Language of Angels” and “The Old Man and the Old Moon”
Each year the annual Convocation ceremony welcomes students back to campus and ushers in a new academic year
Catherine Pritchard Childress will read from and talk about her new book of poetry, “Outside the Frame,” which was published in April
Lees-McRae hosts the event each year, this year focusing on student involvement and the theme, “Back to Basics”
Nelson was brought to the Center with an injured wing as a baby and has lived, grown, and thrived there ever since
This two-week camp is targeted toward juniors and seniors in high school who are interested in wildlife
The high school counselor experience brings a group of counselors to the Lees-McRae campus each year to learn more about the college
Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society recognizes colleges and universities each year who excel in implementing an effective program for transfer students
Both Summey and Hill are pursuing careers in the business world, an industry for which internship experience is particularly important
Lees-McRae alumni Chrissy Turk ’20 and Bryce James ’21 talk building their careers in the outdoor recreation field following graduation from Lees-McRae
The Pre-Veterinary Medicine major is completing her summer internship at the foundation in Haines, Alaska
The general education course uses experiential learning and community service to motivate students and reinforce classroom instruction
Turpin recently made an appearance on the podcast “Read Beat (…and repeat)” where he discussed the cultural history of bicycle marketing in the United States, the topic of his 2018 book
Students must earn a 3.5 GPA to make the Dean’s List and a 4.0 to make the President’s List
Get the inside scoop on the May Wildlife Rehabilitation Center before summer wildlife presentations begin on Saturday, May 20
The newest cohort of Bobcat alumni enjoyed a weekend of fun and festivities in their honor
The aspiring physical therapist has been an invaluable member of the softball team and the wider Lees-McRae community
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.
Gaitan enrolled in the program at Lees-McRae to complete her bachelor's degree after earning an associate degree from another institution
This is the latest in a series of accolades the program has earned over the last few years
The Exercise Science major has found new passions, gained new skills, and discovered a new career path
The ceremony awarded departmental awards as well as honors for high performance in service, academics, and athletics
By double-majoring in Wildlife Biology and Communication Arts and Design, Wells set herself up for success in the field following graduation
The festival celebrates and highlights the heritage and history of the Southern Appalachian region
Childress will debut the poetry collection at an on-campus reading
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
Roughton’s involvement with Lees-McRae campus life taught her skills that she will continue to implement for years to come
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
Throughout her time at Lees-McRae Cochran has focused on biomedical sciences and wildlife rehabilitation, two passions of hers where she has gotten plenty of hands-on experience
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
Experiential learning exercises are extremely important to the Criminal Justice curriculum at Lees-McRae
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
Jackson’s senior internship opened doors for him in the professional field of criminal justice
The Elizabeth McRae scholarship, Sam and Mary Hart scholarship, and Trustee Awards were all given out
This year’s exhibition will be judged by artist and professor Chris Musina
The Musical Theatre major reflects on her last four years in the program and talks about how she has grown leading up to commencement
The agreements will give graduates from the Emergency Management and Human Services programs at CCC&TI a new path to earning their bachelor’s degrees at Lees-McRae
The show is the department’s first foray into children’s theatre, a learning experience for the students and faculty involved in its production
The college's red-tailed hawk ambassadors share a special bond that delights and inspires the student rehabilitators privileged to work with them
The group took a weeklong trip to Utah and Colorado where they toured outdoor recreation facilities and attended the Outdoor Retailer conference
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
The Bahamas excursion allowed ORM students and faculty to hone coastal-specific outdoor recreation skills
The college moved up 80 places from its 2022 ranking by the U.S. News and World Report
The department’s first foray into children’s theatre celebrates imagination and the magic of storytelling
Sophomore Grant East reflects on the trail building adventure in Old Fort and how it will make him better equipped for a career in the outdoor recreation field
The assistant professor brings more than a decade of experience as a professor, criminal profiler, and criminal psychologist to the position
The Dean’s and President’s Lists honor students who have exhibited particularly excellent academic performance in a given semester
Take a walk down memory lane and reflect on this historic year
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
Avery County courthouse serves as classroom for group of Lees-McRae Criminal Justice students getting hands-on experience with mock trial exercise
Communication Arts and Design students try their hand at the gourd craft tradition
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
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
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
The new major is being partnered with a new scholarship endowed by alumnus Dr. Lynn Lewis
After deciding to pursue vet school during her time in the Wildlife Biology program at Lees-McRae, Simerly successfully completed the program at UTCVM
The U.S. News & World Report ranks hundreds of colleges across the country as part of 2022–23 Best Colleges rankings
“Clue” will kick off an exciting year of theatrical productions when it opens this September
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
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
The 2022–23 Theatre Arts season will also feature “The Glass Menagerie” and “James and the Giant Peach”
The Lees-McRae Campus Bicycle Coordinator discusses her journey with the League of American Bicyclists
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
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
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
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
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 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 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
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
Horton has been working on a senior project about plant restoration in Venus fly traps
Simulations of real-world scenarios are important experiential learning tools for different programs at Lees-McRae
The Whalen Grant provides faculty with funds to further their research and continued education
Matthew Wimberley has published two award-winning books of poetry
Students, faculty, and staff are invited to learn how to take advantage of all the Learning Commons has to offer
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
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
As a researcher and a professor, Evelyn Brewer is working to identify and resolve the gaps between patient and caregiver
“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
Nursing, Human Services, and Elementary Education are among the online degree programs recognized
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 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
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
Improve your academic performance and college experience with this advice
Brown uses historical photography techniques to offer a fuller representation of modern Appalachia
"Proof" will run from Wednesday, Feb. 16 to Saturday, Feb. 19
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