Meet the Enrollment Staff

Counselor chat is available during the following times:

Sunday: 5:30 PM - 8:30 PM
Monday-Thursday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM and 5:30 PM - 8:30 PM
Friday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Bonnie Johns

Enrollment Counselor
(828)328-7871
bonnie.johns@lr.edu

Bio: Bonnie grew up in the small town of Mt. Pleasant, NC. Maybe that small-town experience is what attracted her to Lenoir-Rhyne, which is a close-knit community. She earned a bachelor’s degree in English Education from L-R, as well as a certificate in Youth and Family Ministries. >> more

Brett Frenier

Assistant Director of Enrollment Management
(828)328-7660
brett.frenier@lr.edu

Bio: Brett was born in Chicago, but moved to Hickory with his family when he was 8. He has a bachelor’s degree from N.C. State and is currently working on his MBA at L-R. >> more

Samantha "Sam" Upshaw

Enrollment Counselor
(828)328-7305
samantha.upshaw@lr.edu

Bio: Sam is originally from Ohio, but decided to enroll at Lenoir-Rhyne after high school. "It was the scariest, but best, decision I ever made," she says. She's now working toward a master's in counseling here. >> more

Frank O'Hagan

Assistant Director of Enrollment Management
(828)328-7722
frank.ohagan@lr.edu

Bio: Frank is an avid car enthusiast who enjoys playing the drums and reading. While in school, his favorite subjects were history, art and psychology. His musical tastes range from The Police to Wynton Marsalis. >> more

Shana Hewitt

Enrollment Counselor
(828)328-7303
shana.hewitt@lr.edu

Bio: Shana knows that sometimes you don't have to travel far to follow your dreams. She grew up in Newton, N.C., and found her true calling at nearby Lenoir-Rhyne, where she earned a degree in marketing. >> more

Janet McKee

Assistant Director of Enrollment Management
(828)328-7303
janet.mckee@lr.edu

Bio: Janet is a real people person. In college, she started as a nursing major, but quickly switched to psychology. “I loved math and chemistry, but I enjoyed studying people more,” she says. >> more

Erin Cook

Associate Director of Enrollment Management
(828)328-7328
cooker@lr.edu

Bio: Erin was involved in just about everything as a student at L-R: student government, Greek life, campus activities, Wesley Fellowship and more. She is currently continuing her education at L-R by pursuing a master’s degree. >> more

Nick Jenkins

Associate Director of Enrollment Management and Financial Aid Counselor
(828)328-7356
jenkinsn@lr.edu

Bio: Nick is from Cranford, NJ. He found L-R in his senior year of high school, graduated in 2004, and has been here ever since. As a student, Nick was a political science major who was really involved in Greek life and intramutrals. >> more

Courtney Thompson

Associate Director of Enrollment Management
(828)328-7182
thompsonc@lr.edu

Bio: Courtney is a firm believer that you can never have too many shoes. She describes herself as a shopaholic, with a special passion for shoes. “I have over 300 pairs!” she says. Courtney also enjoys music, reading, going to amusement parks and eating. >> more

Stacey Brackett

Director of Student Success & Retention/Associate Director of Enrollment Management
(828)328-7309
bracketts@lr.edu

Bio: Stacey played the French horn in high school and felt destined to be a musician. But he found a new interest after taking a college psychology class, and earned a degree in that subject.
>> more

Rachel Nichols

Vice President for Enrollment Management
(828)328-7306
allenr@lr.edu

Bio: Rachel knows first-hand what it’s like to be a student at L-R, earning two degrees here: a bachelor's in business administration and a master’s in counseling. When she’s away from the office, she likes to work out and have fun with her family. >> more

Eric Brandon

Director of Enrollment Services
(828)328-7301
brandone@lr.edu

Bio: Eric grew up in Durham, NC, and attended Lenoir-Rhyne, earning a degree in sports management. He was also a member of the football, and track and field teams at L-R. In his spare time, Eric enjoys cruising on his boat or personal watercraft and fishing. >> more

Karen Feezor

Director of Admissions
(828)328-7392
feezork@lr.edu

Bio: Karen was born and raised in North Carolina. As a lifelong Lutheran when she got ready to go to college, Lenoir-Rhyne was a natural choice. She majored in music and business and enjoyed singing with the A Capella Choir. >> more