Lenoir-Rhyne leaders and alumni named to Hickory's Top 10 Under 40

From university campuses to health care organizations and local school boards, three members of the Lenoir-Rhyne University community are making their mark on Hickory — and earning recognition among the city's Top 10 Under 40. 

Harry Titus, Ed.D., vice president for student experience and dean of students, joins alumni Robbie Gonzales ’11 and Andrew Tate ’09, M.S. ’10 on the Hickory Young Professionals' 2026 Top 10 Under 40 list. The annual recognition celebrates emerging leaders for their professional accomplishments and contributions to the community. This year's honorees were selected by a committee of five community leaders.

Harry Titus, Ed.D. 

Titus joined LR as dean of students in 2023 and was promoted to vice president in January 2026, joining President Summer McGee's cabinet. A first-generation college graduate, Titus has focused his leadership on strengthening student engagement, leadership development and a sense of belonging on campus.

He has spearheaded initiatives, including the expansion of Kate's Cupboard and the creation of Bear Grove, part of an ongoing effort to strengthen campus connections and support student success. Titus also served as principal investigator for a grant supporting the Appalachian Male Success Collaborative, a partnership among Lenoir-Rhyne, Emory & Henry University and Mars Hill University focused on improving male student engagement, leadership development and retention.

Beyond campus, Titus serves as chair of the University City Commission and a member of the Hickory Museum of Art's board of trustees, extending his leadership into the broader Hickory community.

“At Lenoir-Rhyne, I have the privilege of helping students recognize their strengths, navigate challenges and imagine what is possible for their lives,” Titus said. “Being named one of Hickory’s Top 10 Under 40 is deeply meaningful to me because this community is where I lead, serve and continue to grow.”

Robbie Gonzales ’11 

Gonzales is a digital sales specialist at Royal Canin, a pet nutrition company and division of Mars Petcare. A biology graduate of Lenoir-Rhyne, Gonzales participated in the Broyhill Leadership Fellows program and the university's pep band. His professional background includes sales and business development positions in the pet care and medical device industries, including previous roles with Mars and Sarstedt.

A graduate of Newton-Conover City Schools, Gonzales serves as vice chair of the district's Board of Education. He was also appointed to the Catawba Valley Community College Board of Trustees in 2025 and participated in the Chamber of Catawba County's Leadership Catawba Class of 2025.

“You don't have to hold a title to make a difference,” Gonzales said. “You just have to be willing to give your time and do your part to leave the place you call home a little better than you found it.” 

Andrew Tate ’09, M.S. ’10

Tate is chief executive officer of Graystone Eye, a Hickory-based ophthalmic practice serving patients throughout western North Carolina. He assumed the position in May 2024, bringing extensive experience in health care administration.

Tate began his career as an occupational therapist at Hugh Chatham Memorial Hospital, advancing through clinical and administrative leadership roles before becoming vice president of ambulatory services and chief practice officer at Hugh Chatham Health. In that position, he oversaw 29 physician practices with more than 100 providers, along with multiple hospital departments and several hundred employees.

He earned a bachelor's degree in human occupational studies and a master's degree in occupational therapy from LR, as well as a Master of Health Administration from Appalachian State University.

The three honorees will be celebrated alongside seven other emerging community leaders at the Top 10 Under 40 Awards Ceremony on Thursday, Oct. 22, at Catawba Country Club.