Summer Johnson McGee
The ceremony, under the theme “Shining Ever Brighter,” highlighted the university’s spirit, academic excellence and community traditions. Faculty, staff, students, alumni and local leaders attended. The program included student-led readings and musical performances by the Lenoir-Rhyne Brass and Percussion Ensemble and the A Cappella Choir.
The Rev. Emily Hartner, bishop of the North Carolina Synod of the ELCA, delivered the welcome and benediction. D. Michael “Mickey” Payseur ’73, current chair of the board of trustees, and Madeleine Dassow ’75, past chair and co-chair of the presidential search committee, administered the oath of office. Leaders representing higher education, the local community, campus faculty and staff, alumni and students, including Hope Williams, Ph.D., president of North Carolina Independent Colleges and Universities, and Hank Guess, mayor of Hickory, delivered remarks. Delegates from 43 institutions nationwide attended, and university presidents in North Carolina, Tennessee and beyond extended congratulations.
During her inaugural address, McGee reflected on the university’s legacy and the community that sustains it. “Today we celebrate not only an inauguration, but the continuation of a living legacy — a university rooted in tradition that is ready to do what is required for a new day: to inspire the people and ideas that will make our world a better place,” she said, expressing gratitude to all those assembled.
She also highlighted the values that define Lenoir-Rhyne: “Inauguration is a defining moment when we reaffirm who we are and the values that make this place extraordinary — excellence, integrity, curiosity and care. Those four words are the living rhythm of this community … the desire to compete and become the best version of oneself, the quiet acts of kindness I’ve witnessed in the Cromer Center, the pursuit of knowledge I’ve witnessed at conferences and in classrooms, the commitment to do what is right even when it is hard. This is what makes Lenoir-Rhyne such a powerful force for good.” “
Payseur, echoed that optimism in his remarks. “Dr. McGee is a leader who listens deeply, acts boldly, and leads with both intellect and compassion. Under her guidance, we are poised to rise even higher,” he said, highlighting the board’s confidence in her leadership.
Since joining Lenoir-Rhyne as president on July 1, McGee has introduced initiatives to enhance college access and affordability and begaun developing a new strategic plan for the university. A signature effort is the Lenoir-Rhyne Tuition-Free Guarantee, announced in September 2025, which will cover 100% of undergraduate tuition for new first-year and transfer students from North and South Carolina with a family adjusted gross income of $100,000 or less. She also initiated a series of listening sessions with faculty, staff, students and alumni to help shape the university’s strategic priorities.
Lenoir-Rhyne University