Lenoir-Rhyne announces provost search committee

Lenoir-Rhyne University has formed a search committee to lead the national search for the university’s next provost following the announcement that Provost Jennifer Burris, Ph.D. has accepted an appointment as president of Buffalo State University.

The committee will partner with Coleman Lew Canny Bowen to identify a leader who will advance the university’s academic mission and help guide Lenoir-Rhyne into its next chapter.

“The provost plays a vital role in shaping the academic experience and supporting the success of our students, faculty and staff,” said President Summer McGee, Ph.D., CPH. “I am grateful to these colleagues for their willingness to serve and for the thoughtful leadership they will bring to this important process.”

The members of the provost search committee are:

• Teena Brooks, director of BEAR Central
• Amy Hedrick, dean of the College of Humanities and Social Sciences  
• Kathy Ivey, professor of English and director of general education  
• Judy Lineberger, executive assistant to the provost  
• Cat Niekro, vice president for advancement and marketing and communications (co-chair)  
• Terry Phillips, director of multicultural affairs  
• Chad Rimmer, rector and dean of Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary  
• Scott Schaefer, assistant professor of biology  
• Craig Schreiber, dean of the College of Business and Economics (co-chair)  
• Chad Spencer, vice president for enrollment management  
• Paula Swindle, associate professor of counseling and assistant dean for the College of Education and Human Services  
• Tabitha Toney, chair of the School of Nursing  

The search committee will begin its work immediately, and the position description is now available at Work at LR. All candidate applications and nominations will be managed directly through Coleman Lew Canny Bowen.  

Burris, who has served as provost since 2022, will continue in her role at Lenoir-Rhyne through June 30.