Former Joe Bear returns as campus pastor

Joe Bear is coming back to lead worship at Lenoir-Rhyne University

LR is pleased to announce that alumnus — and former Joe Bear mascot — the Rev. Todd Cutter is coming home to serve as university campus pastor and director of spiritual life.

"I'm looking forward to having the opportunity to be present with students at one of the most important phases of their life," he said. "When we're in college, we look at what we believe and flesh out why we believe it. I love that Lutheranism grew out of a university setting, and I look forward to encouraging students to ask questions and think more deeply."

A veteran parish minister with more than 15 years at the pulpit, Cutter has LR black and red coursing through his veins.

He earned a bachelor's in elementary education in 1996 from LR, having served in student government and spending his last two years as an undergraduate as the school mascot Joe Bear.

"I got back from a study abroad semester in England, and the cheerleading coach was one of the admissions counselors. She remarked that they didn't have a Joe Bear, and I told her I'd do it. The first costume I had smelled awful," he laughed. "They got a new one my senior year, and it was the most terrifying costume in the world. Nowhere near as nice as the one we have now."

After graduating, Cutter joined the admissions department as a staff member where he began to work on his master's in counseling. He then followed his calling into the ministry, enrolling at LTSS, prior to its consolidation with LR, graduating in 2004 with a Master of Divinity.

"We are delighted that Pastor Cutter and his family have decided to come home," said Dr. Fred Whitt, university president. "As a minister in both the parish and higher education, he has the experience to help our students. In addition, as an alumnus, he understands the tradition and values we hold dear here at LR."

Cutter accepted his first call to a parish in Southern Pines, North Carolina, and soon after, met his wife Sara. They returned to South Carolina, where he accepted a position as campus pastor at Newberry College, while she completed her studies at LTSS. They spent 10 years in Cincinnati, Ohio, and the last three at a parish in Savannah, Georgia, prior to accepting the position at LR.

In addition to leading chapel services at LR, Cutter plans on supporting faith-based groups on campus while reviving some groups that have shrunk in size and strengthening relationships with community churches such as St. Andrews Lutheran, which is a neighbor to LR.

"There is so much structure with working in a parish between getting ready for Sunday service every week and day-to-day meetings that I look forward to the freedom that comes with working on a college campus," he said. "I can connect with students in the morning over a cup of coffee or in the afternoon while walking my dog."

Cutter, his wife and daughter Amelia, 9, are relocating to Hickory, and he plans to begin at LR on Aug. 16.

Called to Serve

Since officially joining the Bear family on Aug. 16, we caught up with Cutter for a quick Q&A to learn more about LR's new spiritual leader. 

Q: Which Bear statue on campus is your favorite?

A: The little bear in Shaw Plaza. I especially love it because my daughter says it looks like it has a human face.

Q: Where were your former residence hall rooms?

A: I was in Morgan as a freshman and spring semester of my junior year. As a sophomore, I was in Price Village. In the fall semester of my junior year, I was in Carriage House to complete my study abroad experience. Finally, as a senior, I was in Theta Xi House, which is now, sadly, a parking lot after the old house was torn down.

Q: What’s your favorite space on campus?

A: The quad. As a student, I especially enjoyed studying and napping there.

Q: What are your favorite LR events to attend?

A: Theater and music events, and any and all athletic games. I feel like I also better say chapel since I’m the campus pastor.

Q: Who was your favorite professor?

A: As an undergraduate, it was a four-way tie between Gail Summer, Suzie Jeffers, Thelma Rast and Bill Richter. Amy Wood and Ray Wooten were my favorite graduate school professors.

Q: Which LR professor scared you the most?

A: Lowell Ashman. I was terrified of his exams.

Q: Any plans to reclaim your position as Joe Bear? Perhaps in a mascot cheer-off?

A: Ha! I think I’ll leave it to the experts, but I’d enter a cheer-off. Better yet, maybe Joe Bear could preach at chapel.

Q: What is something new to campus that you’re excited to experience?

A: Everything feels new. This place has changed so much since I was a student and employee here. I’m most excited about experiencing the LREDI [Lenoir-Rhyne Equity and Diversity Institute] program.

Q: Anything that used to be on campus that you miss?

A: The Theta Xi House. Although not technically on LR’s campus, I miss El Sombrero. It was a Mexican restaurant that was right across the street from Fritz-Conrad. I enjoyed many fun times with friends at “The Hat.”

Q: Favorite activity in or around Hickory?

A: Running. I became a serious runner when I lived in Hickory in the ’90s. I love how runnable the city streets are.

Q: The first restaurant you visited upon your return to Hickory?

A: Olde Hickory Tap Room.