Makenzie Saenger


  • M.A., Higher Education, Appalachian State University
  • B.A., Hispanic Studies, East Carolina University
  • B.S., Elementary Education, East Carolina University

Makenzie Mull Saenger joined Lenoir-Rhyne as the study abroad coordinator and international student specialist in 2023. In her role, she provides individualized advising to domestic students interested in studying and/or interning abroad and supports students through all phases of this process. She also leads the Shuford Center for International Education’s marketing efforts through content creation. Additionally, she supports international students by organizing various programs and events for those who have chosen Lenoir-Rhyne University as their place of study.  

Most recently, she worked for Cleveland County Schools, where she taught Spanish levels I-IV, served on the Scholarship Committee and sat as Department Chair for two years. A recipient of the North Carolina Teaching Fellows scholarship, Saenger worked as an educator in the North Carolina public school system for seven years prior to beginning her career in International Education. Her passion for this field began when she studied abroad, in Santander, Spain, during her undergraduate career. 

Saenger is a native of Hickory, and has fond memories of attending sporting events, plays and concerts at LR during her childhood and adolescence.