President Dr. Fred Whitt message to campus on announced retirement

August 7, 2024

To the Lenoir-Rhyne community,

After considerable reflection and multiple discussions with Donna since January, I write to inform you that I plan to retire from my position as president of Lenoir-Rhyne University at the end of the 2024-25 academic year.

It has been an extraordinary privilege and the highlight of my career to serve as president of Lenoir-Rhyne. Donna and I have been blessed to have this incredible opportunity, and we cherish our personal and professional relationships with each of you.

This has not been an easy decision, and it is bittersweet for Donna and me. I will turn 72 during the academic year and will conclude almost 50 years of an extremely rewarding career in higher education. We absolutely love LR and while making this decision is difficult, it is time to pass the torch. Once retired, we will then have more time to travel, spend time with our extended family and our five wonderful grandchildren (now ages 1 through 9). We realize good health is never guaranteed, particularly as we age. So, it is important to us, while healthy, to have the time for our grandchildren to make more memories with their “Nonna and Poppa.”

I have informed our chair and members of the Board of Trustees of my plan and recommended transition, and have their full support. I pledge to continue the work this academic year with enthusiasm, finish strong, and ensure a smooth transition of leadership. Making the announcement now should provide ample time to conduct a national search and have the new president on board before the 2025-26 academic year. In addition, I want to avoid creating a distraction at the beginning of a new academic year, so we keep the focus on the students, not the president.

The timing should align strategically in support of the new president. The new president will have the opportunity to lead the university through the next five-year strategic plan, begin their tenure with the transition of the new chair of the board of trustees, and will have the opportunity to complete the successful comprehensive campaign. In addition, we will have completed the relocation of LTSS to Hickory and implemented a budget with a positive margin without the use of one-time external funding. In addition, major capital improvements including the Daniel Rhyne Academic Building renovation, new Isenhour residence hall HVAC, renovation to the softball stadium and major roofing and heating/air conditioning projects all will be completed and funded.

This fall we expect to have our highest enrollment of undergraduate students since COVID, our second consecutive year of increased new student enrollment, and our highest number of on-campus residential students since COVID. These are all positive indicators that we are finally climbing out of the COVID enrollment dip that has impacted all higher education. Given these and other positive factors, Lenoir-Rhyne will be in a strong position to attract an outstanding individual to serve as the 13th president.

I am deeply grateful for the support and collaboration of the entire university community throughout my tenure. Together, we have accomplished significant achievements that have advanced our strategic plan and strengthened the vision and mission of Lenoir-Rhyne University. While so much has been accomplished, there is much more that we plan to do this year and beyond.

I will leave Lenoir-Rhyne with a profound sense of gratitude and admiration for the dedication and passion that permeates every corner of our institution. The memories and relationships forged during my time here will forever hold a special place in my heart. As some of you may know, I was keenly interested in becoming a student at Lenoir-Rhyne 54 years ago. While my educational pathway took a different turn, having the opportunity to lead this special place as president has been a blessing and honor.

Please accept my heartfelt thanks for the opportunity to serve as the president of Lenoir-Rhyne University. I will look forward to remaining a proud member of the LR family, being a loyal supporter to the university, and witnessing its continued success from afar.

With warmest regards and deepest gratitude,

Fling wide the Red and Black! O sing aloud her praises. This is the song we sing, Lenoir-Rhyne to Thee!

A Proud Bear Forever!

Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
 

Dr. Fred Whitt
President