Lenoir-Rhyne partnership supports summer interns in Hickory

Fourteen college students from across North Carolina are spending the summer in Hickory through the Well Crafted Interns Program, an initiative of the Center for Creative and Compassionate Communities that connects students with local employers while helping them build meaningful connections to the community.

A key partner in the program, Lenoir-Rhyne University is hosting interns from outside the Hickory area on campus and providing space for professional development workshops, networking events and community-building activities throughout the summer. The cohort includes students from Lenoir-Rhyne University as well as Appalachian State University, North Carolina State University, UNC Charlotte and Western Carolina University. The program's emphasis on connection and belonging is one of the reasons Lenoir-Rhyne chose to partner in the initiative.

"When I was in college, I went to Wichita, Kansas, for an internship — alone," said Cat Niekro, vice president for advancement and marketing communications at Lenoir-Rhyne. "When I heard about this program, I thought of how I would have liked to have a support system like this. Internships aren't just about preparing for jobs but finding and building places where we can live and thrive. I hope participants in the Well Crafted Interns Program find that sense of belonging here in Hickory."

Harry Titus, Ed.D., vice president for student experience at Lenoir-Rhyne, said the program offers benefits that extend beyond workplace experience.

"The program encourages students to reflect on the skills they are developing, build authentic professional networks and relationships, and better understand how these experiences prepare them to be exceptional employees and leaders beyond graduation," Titus said.

Maggie Lou Alice Carter '22, who participated in a similar cohort-based professional development program as a student and now assists with Well Crafted, said the networking and workshop components help participants become more intentional about their growth.

"It's good for students to be involved in networking as a way to build confidence," Carter said. "The regular workshops on professional development will make the interns more intentional and reflective about their internship, which will help them get more from the experience."

Interns are working with local organizations including Vanguard Furniture, Century Furniture, Hickory Chair, Hancock & Moore and the City of Hickory's Parks, Recreation & Sports Tourism Department. Their academic backgrounds span disciplines including psychology, management, engineering, cybersecurity, sports management, marketing, industrial design, supply chain management, environmental health, accounting, finance, mathematics and computer science.

"Even after retiring from Lenoir-Rhyne, I'm committed to serving the greater good," said Rand Brandes, Ph.D., professor emeritus of English and founder of the Center for Creative and Compassionate Communities. "I built a strong network of contacts during my years at LR, and I wanted to use my connections to the community to attract talented young creatives and professionals to Hickory."