Presidential Search Committee

The Lenoir-Rhyne University board of trustees has announced the formation of a presidential search committee to lead the search for the 13th president of Lenoir-Rhyne.

View of entrance to campus and university sign

The Presidential Search Committee — appointed by Board of Trustees Chair Madeleine Dassow — features 17 members of the LR community and includes board members, alumni, faculty, staff and student representatives.

Presidential Search Committee Members

  • Madeleine Dassow, Trustee, Chair of the Board of Trustees
  • Cat Niekro, Vice President for Advancement
  • Chris Peek, Trustee
  • Jearld Leonhardt, Trustee
  • Leslie Lambert, Trustee
  • Bishop Tim Smith, Bishop of North Carolina Synod and Trustee
  • Mike Thomas, Trustee
  • Stephanie Delgado, Trustee                          
  • Rob Fritz, Trustee
  • Harry Titus, Dean of Students and Assistant VP for Student Affairs
  • Chad Rimmer, Faculty Member and Dean of Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary
  • Carly York, Faculty Member  
  • Tammy Ice, Board of Visitors
  • Jamie Treadaway, Business Advisory Council  
  • Anthony Laxton, Alumni Board
  • Matt Winters, Bears Club
  • Issac Riggs, SGA President

The committee will be assisted in the search by Coleman Lew Canny Bowen, an executive search firm with offices in Charlotte, North Carolina, and New York City.  

“This diverse group, comprised of dedicated members of the LR community, brings a wealth of experience and perspectives that will be invaluable in guiding us toward the selection of our next visionary leader,” said Madeleine Dassow, chair of the Lenoir-Rhyne University Board of Trustees. “Together with the expertise of Coleman Lew Canny Bowen, we are confident in conducting a comprehensive and successful search process to identify a new president who will build upon Dr. Whitt's legacy and propel Lenoir-Rhyne University to even greater heights.”

Lenoir-Rhyne University President Dr. Fred Whitt announced in August that he will retire at the end of the 2024-2025 academic year, ending what will be 50 years of a distinguished career in higher education.