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To mark the beginning of the 2024-25 academic year, faculty and staff gathered in Belk Centrum at the annual opening celebration on August 22. During the program, 5 new full-time faculty members representing 4 disciplines, 12 staff members, 7 athletics staff members, and 21 new coaches were welcomed to campus.

Jennifer Burris, Ph.D., university provost and vice president for academic affairs, recognized faculty promotions. The Rev. Dr. Mindy Makant was promoted to the rank of professor; Melissa DiNatale, Ed.D., the Rev. Dr. Melanie Dobson and Katherine Gerlaugh, Ph.D., were promoted to the rank of associate professor with tenure.

Additional faculty and staff were recognized for their years of service to university, ranging from 5-25 year milestones. Five members of the LR community have surpassed those milestones into 30+ years: Kathy Ivey, Ph.D. (33), Michael McGee, Ed.D. (31), Kerry Thompson, Ph.D. (34) and Becky Sharpe, M.A. (36).

As part of President Fred Whitt’s annual presentation, he awarded a select number of staff with the Presidential Parachute Award, which recognizes unsung heroes from all areas of campus. This year’s recipients included:

• Terrance Cansler and Rudy Jagernauth, Hickory Police Department

• Carla Fowler, M.A., director of student support and outreach

• Erica Freeman, senior human resources generalist

• Lisa Herman, advancement data manager  

• Paula Lane, housekeeping staff, Aramark

• Donna Whitt, wife of Fred Whitt, Ed.D., university president

Two staff members were recognized at the end of the celebration as the Jeff Norris Non-Teaching Employee of the Year. This year’s recipients are Morgan Logan, assistant director of undergraduate admission, and Shena Hollar, softball head coach.

At the of the celebration, faculty awards were presented to the following recipients:

• Adjunct Faculty Teaching and Service Award, Kristen Mayle, M.A., and Scott Owens, M.A.

• Faculty Scholar Award, Carly York, Ph.D.

• Raymond M. Bost Distinguished Professor, Judy Moore, Ph.D.

• Roediger Distinguished Service Professor, Josh Ring, Ph.D.