Presidential search update


Students walking along sidewalk on campus with red LR banners on light poles As you know, the Board of Trustees is conducting a national search for the next president of Lenoir-Rhyne University to succeed Dr. Fred Whitt, who is retiring later this year. We are writing to provide an update on the progress of this important process.

The Presidential Search Committee has been working diligently with our search firm, Coleman Lew Canny Bowen. We have reviewed a significant number of highly qualified candidates and are excited to announce that we are moving to first-round interviews later this month. Our process will include inviting select candidates to campus this spring, and we will share more details about the campus visit process when they are finalized.

Our goal remains to name the next president of Lenoir-Rhyne University later this spring. We are confident that we will find an exceptional leader who will build upon our strong foundation and guide us into the future.

We appreciate your continued support and engagement in this important process. We will continue to provide updates as we progress through the search.

Madeleine Dassow ’75
Chair of the Board of Trustees
Co-chair of the Presidential Search Committee

Cat Niekro
Co-chair of the Presidential Search Committee

News & Events

Close up of a physican assistant studies student viewing a scan

The ARC-PA has granted Accreditation-Provisional status to LR’s Master of Science in PA Studies. The program is expected to welcome its first class in January 2026.

View More
Anastasia Davis

Anastasia Davis brings a student-centered approach to her new role as director of residence life and student conduct at LR, with a vision to make campus living a space for growth, connection and belonging.

View More