Fred Whitt

  • Ed.D., Kinesiology and Exercise Science, University of Tennessee
  • M.A., Kinesiology and Exercise Science, Appalachian State University
  • B.S., Health and Physical Education, Appalachian State University

Frederick (Fred) K. Whitt is Lenoir-Rhyne University's 12th president and assumed his role on February 1, 2017.

Whitt has more than 30 years of leadership experience in higher education at Appalachian State University and Georgia Southern University. Under his leadership, the university continues to record enrollment growth – both at the undergraduate and graduate level and increased alumni donor participation and record-breaking funding.

Since his inauguration, the university created the Lenoir-Rhyne Promise, giving North Carolina students access to a more affordable education and the inaugural class for the first doctoral program – Family Nurse Practitioner/Doctor of Nursing program, which started in 2018. In addition, the Master of Public Health program received national accreditation, making it the only MPH program among private universities in North Carolina. In its goal to address diversity and social equity issues, the university developed the Lenoir-Rhyne Equity and Diversity Institute, based out of the Asheville Center in summer 2020. Additionally, LR added five club sports, including women's triathlon and bass fishing.

By implementing Whitt's strategic plan, Pivoting to a New Level of Excellence, the university has enhanced its reputation as a nationally recognized liberal arts university. In the first year of its implementation, the university launched a pilot program for first-generation students and student life enhancements occurred on all three campuses via multiple building projects, including the Alex and Lee George Science Hall on the Hickory campus and the new Health Sciences building housing the occupational therapy program at the Columbia Campus.

A native of North Carolina, Whitt grew up in Mt. Holly, about 40 miles south of Hickory. His wife, Donna, is also a North Carolina native and a nurse educator. They have been married for more than 40 years and are the proud parents of two adult married sons. In his spare time, Whitt enjoys landscaping and yardwork, music, the arts, following college sports and spending time with family.