30 years from professor to assistant provost

In just a little more than 30 years at Lenoir-Rhyne, Michael McGee, Ed.D., has played many roles in the university community — lead athletic trainer, professor, program director, researcher, dean of the College of Health Sciences, and, as of October 2023, assistant provost of graduate education and dean of the Graduate School.

“I’ve been very lucky to spend my career here, being able to do multiple things,” said McGee. “Over the years that flexibility and support has allowed me so many opportunities for personal and professional growth that I’m not sure I’d have found anywhere else.”

McGee grew up in Catawba County. After he completed his B.A. in biology and his M.A. in athletic training at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, he promised his parents to apply for a position closer to home if any were available. At a 1993 athletic training convention in Virginia Beach, he found a listing for a position at LR.

“I chose Lenoir-Rhyne because my first position here was unique among the offers I got at the time —  a faculty position allowing me to teach and to do athletic training. Being able to do both was a big draw for me,” said McGee. “Then they allowed me to complete my doctorate at UNC Greensboro while I was working. The feeling of support was extraordinary.”

Another draw that has kept McGee at LR for three decades has been the close connection among the faculty, staff and students.

“What I noticed early on was how people embraced each other here. I felt like I belonged, that we truly had a community here. We felt it, and the students felt it,” he shared. “I think the way we express it has changed over the years, but we still have that sense of belonging and shared purpose here.” 

For McGee that purpose comes back to student success and support. He recounted a story from his time as a professor and advisor working with a student who wanted to major in athletic training.

“She had some significant learning issues, and when we met her first year, I had a kind but very honest conversation with her explaining how challenging this path was going to be for her,” McGee recalled. “Watching her grow, seeing her work ethic, watching her graduate, knowing she passed her national board certification and went on to a successful career — that’s one of the privileges of my career.”

McGee has many similar stories about past students — academic triumphs, athletic recoveries, professional accomplishments — and in his new position he will likely accumulate more. As an assistant provost, he will lead the support of graduate students and graduate education, including partnering with colleges and programs through the Graduate Studies Council (GSC) and Dean’s Council, working with BEAR Central to support graduate student success and retention, and acting as the liaison between academic affairs and admissions to support and grow graduate recruitment. 

“I want to thank Michael for stepping into this very important role to support all faculty and graduate education at Lenoir-Rhyne University. In addition to partnering with the assistant provosts, deans, and the provost, he will holistically support the graduate program directors, faculty, and graduate students as we transition into a new era of graduate education at LR. I am thrilled to have him in this key role and part of my leadership team,” said Jennifer Burris, Ph.D., provost and vice president for academic affairs.

In addition to oversight of all aspects of graduate education and engagement, McGee looks forward to partnering with the provost and her team to address multiple facets of faculty affairs.

“My ultimate goal as an administrator is to make sure as many faculty as possible feel the support I have always felt at LR as we work together toward our goals as individuals and as an institution.”