Lenoir-Rhyne names Amy B. Wood, Ph.D., as provost and vice president for academic affairs

Lenoir-Rhyne has named Amy B. Wood, Ph.D., as its next provost and vice president for academic affairs following a comprehensive national search. An accomplished academic leader, LR alumna and former faculty member and senior administrator, Wood returns to Lenoir-Rhyne after helping lead the growth and development of Appalachian State University's Hickory campus. She will begin her new role Sept. 14, 2026.

Wood currently serves as vice provost of Appalachian State University's Hickory campus, where she is the chief onsite academic and operational officer. In this role, she provides leadership for academic programming, strategic growth, workforce connectivity, student success and community engagement while overseeing the daily operations of the campus.

"Amy is an accomplished, innovative and forward-thinking academic leader who understands both the changing landscape of higher education and what makes Lenoir-Rhyne distinctive," said Summer McGee, Ph.D., president of Lenoir-Rhyne University. "She brings the strategic vision, operational expertise and collaborative leadership needed to help us build on our momentum while remaining deeply committed to our mission of preparing students for meaningful lives and work. We are thrilled to welcome Amy home to Lenoir-Rhyne."

Prior to joining Appalachian State, Wood served Lenoir-Rhyne for more than 16 years as a faculty member, department chair, dean and assistant provost. An LR alumna, she earned her Master of Arts in Agency and Community Counseling from the university in 1995. During her tenure, she helped lead the university's expansion of graduate education by developing new academic programs, launching innovative learning opportunities for adult and working learners, and helping establish LR's Asheville and Columbia campuses.

At Appalachian State, Wood has provided leadership across academic affairs, enrollment, facilities, student services, marketing and external partnerships. Her broad leadership responsibilities have helped guide the continued growth of the Hickory campus while strengthening partnerships with business, community and educational leaders throughout the region.

A Hickory native, Wood maintains strong relationships throughout the region and currently serves on the boards of Carolina Caring, the Catawba County Chamber of Commerce and United Way of Catawba County. Her experience connecting higher education with business, industry and community partners will further strengthen Lenoir-Rhyne's commitment to serving the region while preparing graduates for meaningful careers.

“Returning to Lenoir-Rhyne University as provost truly feels like coming home. As a proud alumna, former faculty member, academic leader, and Hickory native, I have experienced firsthand the extraordinary impact this university has on the lives of its students and the vitality of our region,” said Amy Wood, PhD. “I am honored to have the opportunity to advance President Summer McGee's vision and to work alongside our exceptional faculty, staff, students, alumni, and community partners to build on Lenoir-Rhyne's strong tradition of preparing graduates to lead meaningful lives, serve their communities, and thrive in an evolving workforce."

As provost and vice president for academic affairs, Wood will serve as Lenoir-Rhyne's chief academic officer, providing leadership for the university's academic colleges, faculty and academic programs. She will work collaboratively with faculty and university leaders to strengthen academic excellence, support student success, encourage innovation and interdisciplinary collaboration, and align academic priorities with the university's strategic plan.

McGee also expressed appreciation to the members of the provost search committee and the faculty, staff and administrators who participated throughout the national search process.

"Selecting a provost is among the most important decisions a university makes," McGee said. "I am grateful to everyone who invested their time, thoughtful feedback and commitment throughout this process."