LR welcomes new dean of students

When Harry Titus, Ed.D., assumes his new role as dean of students at Lenoir-Rhyne on August 7, it will be the realization of a goal he has had for many years.

“As an undergrad, I had an amazing dean of students who really changed my life as a student and convinced me to continue my education when I was at risk of leaving,” Titus shared. “So, when I knew that I wanted to work in higher education, the goal was to become a dean of students.”

Titus began his career in the judicial system of Horry County, South Carolina as a case manager for alcohol education and truancy reduction with the county government’s Solicitors Intervention Programs, working to reduce substance abuse among high school and college students in the area.

Remembering the example of the dean of students he knew as an undergraduate, Titus felt drawn back to higher education. He returned to his alma mater, Coastal Carolina University in Conway, South Carolina, as case manager for student advocacy and intervention. There he supported students and helped them access resources to manage and overcome possible barriers to their success — from academic challenges to behavioral issues to healthcare needs to homelessness and food insecurity.

“The college years are a time for exploration, which is exciting but challenging. Students are learning a lot about themselves and the things they love about themselves. Working in student life, we get to be part of that story and help them navigate the learning curve, develop leadership and life skills. We change lives,” said Titus.

In 2018 Titus moved to Elon University and a new position as assistant director for student care and outreach, serving the same objective of student support and success but on a wider scale at the administrative level and continuing to build the knowledge and experience to propel him toward his goal of becoming a dean.

Titus rejoined the Division of Student Affairs at Coastal Carolina in 2021 as director of off-campus student services and community engagement. He quickly rose to associate dean of students a year later, and in 2023 he was promoted again to director of strategic initiatives and assessment. Then Lenoir-Rhyne offered him his dream job.

“I was looking for a small, relational institution, a place where I could make an impact, and that’s LR. The strategic plan focuses on providing a transformational experience and building a culture of engagement for students,” said Titus. “I’m looking forward to getting to know the campus, learning the traditions and working with the team to enhance the student experience.”

At Lenoir-Rhyne, the dean of students plays a vital role in students’ daily life, overseeing important areas such as student programming, residential communities, student support and outreach, intramurals and club sports, fraternity and sorority life, and student clubs and organizations. By providing guidance and support to students and fostering a positive campus environment, the dean of students promotes and ensures a well-rounded college experience at LR. Titus will join the team virtually for his first week before arriving on campus on August 14 as he relocates to Hickory from the Myrtle Beach area.

Laura Crawley, Ph.D., vice president for mission, engagement and innovation, expressed the university’s confidence and enthusiasm to welcome the new dean. “Harry has devoted his career to empowering students to discover their full potential and chart a course for greatness. With his knowledge of and experience in student development, his natural inclination toward collaboration and community building, and his energetic devotion to student success, Harry is sure to have a positive impact at Lenoir-Rhyne."