Lenoir-Rhyne forms committee for presidential inauguration

Lenoir-Rhyne University is pleased to announce the formation of an Inauguration Steering Committee dedicated to planning the formal inauguration of its 13th president, Summer McGee, Ph.D.

The ceremony will take place on Thursday, October 16, 2025, in the afternoon, followed by a campus-wide celebration. This cornerstone event will take place during Lenoir-Rhyne's annual Homecoming week, making it an exceptionally special period of programming and celebration for the entire university community, including students, faculty, staff, alumni, and friends.

Official inauguration festivities also will include a special event for students on the evening of Tuesday, October 14 and an academically centered event to honor LR’s dedication to learning and discovery on Wednesday, October 15. Other events may be added, as well.

The Inauguration Steering Committee, comprised of representatives from across the university, has been charged with overseeing all aspects of the event planning to ensure a memorable and impactful occasion. The committee members are:

• Jennifer Burris, vice president for academic affairs
• Tanli Carlton, president of Student Government Association
• Ashley Causby, operations manager, Conferences & Events
• Jesse Childers, director of facilities management
• Randy Isenhour, director of public safety
• Jenny Marco, production manager, Conferences & Events
• Daron Montgomery, vice president for athletics
• Doug Minor, associate vice president for marketing and communications
• Cat Niekro, vice president for advancement and communications (co-chair)
• Mickey Payseur, chair of the board of trustees
• Mary Ellen Sherrill, director of alumni and donor engagement
• Dee Swinden, associate director for strategic marketing and communications
• Aaron Tankersley, director of dining services
• Harry Titus, assistant vice president for student affairs and dean of students
• Emry Tsitouris, women’s basketball head coach
• Christina Walker, associate professor of leadership and chair, Faculty Assembly
• Cameron Womack, executive assistant to the president (co-chair)
• Scott Woodard, director of Conferences & Events

Further details regarding the inauguration ceremony and the week's events will be shared in the coming months.