BANNER ELK MY HOMETOWN
18 - Mountain Times Publications
Wednesday, December 26, 2018
Lees-McRae College: Diverse mountain learning BY THOMAS SHERRILL thomas.sherrill@averyjournal.com
At 3,740 feet, Lees-McRae College in the highest college on the East Coast. Nestled in the town of Banner Elk, the private four-year institution offers 20 majors and 20 minors that looks to prepare its nearly 1,000 students for a brighter future. “We have one mission: Lees-McRae educates and inspires students to approach life and work from a creative, collaborative, and critical perspective in preparation for diverse careers and environments,” according to the college’s website. “Through common ambition, we maintain our focus on the needs of all learners — residential on the main campus and degree-completion through our online programs. Some are athletes, some are in the honors program, and some are working while returning to school. Regardless of where you are and where you want to go, our expert faculty and committed staff will help you get there.” Founded in 1899 as an all-female high school by Presbyterian minister Rev. Edgar Tufts, the school eventually morphed into LMC in 1931, going to four-year degrees in 1990. The school is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. Boasting a 13-to-1 student-to-teacher ratio and offering 20 majors and 20 minors and through a strate-
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Educational Foundation (Educational opportunities) • Avery County Habitat for Humanity (Affordable Housing) • Avery County Historical Museum (Historic
PHOTO COURTESY LEES-MCRAE COLLEGE An early photo of Lees-McRae College.
gic plan and its new president Herbert L. King, Jr, who took office in June 2018, LMC looks to continually evolve to meet the changing demands of the workforce. “Over a hundred years after its founding, Lees-McRae College continues in the vision of the Rev. Tufts, meeting the educational needs of the Southern Appalachian region and beyond,” LMC’s website adds. “The college continues to live by its motto — in the mountains, of the mountains, and for the mountains — while extending educational opportunities and service to diverse populations.” Athletics are a big part of
Preservation) • Avery County Humane Society (Animal Care and Adoption) • Avery County Shrine Club (Children) • Banner House Museum/Greater Banner Elk Heritage Foundation (Historical Preservation) • Beech Mountain Com-
LMC campus life. Approximately 40 percent of LMC residential students compete in one of LMC’s 21 varsity sports. Most of LMC’s varsity sports are in the NCAA Division II and compete in Conference Carolinas. Men’s and women’s cycling compete in Division I and have won numerous national championships. Campus life is centered on LMC’s 400 acres in downtown Banner Elk. Recently, LMC was named No. 2 on College Raptor’s list of pet-friendly colleges and universities. “We are one of a handful of campuses in the nation to allow you and your pet to enroll,” LMC’s website states.
munity Club (Community Group) • Children’s Hope Alliance (Children) • Disabled American Veterans Chapter 87 (Veterans Organization) • Feeding Avery Families (Hunger) • High Country Caregivers Foundation (Care for
PHOTO BY CARTER NORTH Cheerleaders Sierra Beane and Raven Lewellen proudly carry the Lees-McRae College banner during the annual Fourth of July Parade in Banner Elk.
the Elderly) • High Country Charitable Foundation (Philanthropy) • High Country United Way (Philanthropy) • MAY Coalition (Economic Empowerment) • Move with Compassion Ministry (Hunger, Clothing)
• New Opportunity School for Women (Economic Empowerment) • OASIS (Abuse and Sexual Assault) • Reaching Avery Ministry (Hunger, Clothing) • VFW Pat Ray Post 4286 (Veterans Services) • Volunteer Avery (Community Service)
• Women’s Fund of the Blue Ridge (Economic Empowerment) • WAMY Community Action (Economic Empowerment) • Williams Academy (Children) • Yellow Mountain Enterprises (Adults with Disabilities)