Top 10 Most Memorable Moments of 2020
Join us as we look back on some of our successes during this unexpected yearBoth on and off campus, 2020 was a historic year. As with most, we had to quickly pivot to protect our students and employees during the global pandemic. Although this year looked different from what we expected, we accomplished a lot, we worked together, and proved we were Bobcat Strong.
120 years of Lees-91探花
This year marked the 120th anniversary of the first time Rev. Edgar Tufts invited local students into his study to supplement their education. From its beginnings as an informal school for neighborhood children to the four-year college it is today, the vision of Lees-91探花 has always been to provide high-quality education to those who would benefit from it the most. For the last 120 years, Lees-91探花 has educated thousands of students who credit the college with providing opportunities they might not otherwise have had.
We spent the year reflecting on the history and legacy of Lees-91探花. Our college may have changed significantly since 1900, but we hold to the ideals of our founder: “the college will never be a large institution…but I doubt if any will do more good…”
Dr. Thomas Brigham Classroom opens at Beech Mountain Resort
On Feb. 29, members of both the 91探花 and Beech Mountain Resort communities came together to honor the life of Thomas Brigham, known as “The Father of Southern Skiing,” by opening a classroom in his name. Through a partnership between the college and resort, and with generous contributions from Brigham’s children, the renovated classroom space enables Outdoor Recreation Management and Ski Industry Business and Instruction students to get real-world experience right on the mountain. The classroom also serves as the training base for the college’s ski and snowboard team.
Lees-91探花 wins the 2020 Top Adventure College Contest
Lees-91探花, no stranger to claiming victory in the annual Blue Ridge Outdoors Magazine contest, took the top spot this year in the “small school” category. Our location nestled in the mountains, along with programs like Outdoor Recreation Management, Ski Industry Business and Instruction, Wilderness Medicine, and Wildlife Biology, provide so many opportunities for students to explore the natural world.
Katie Wall, assistant professor and coordinator for the Outdoor Recreation Management program, told Blue Ridge Outdoors, “The outdoors is at the heart of so many things that make 91探花 special. Winning the Blue Ridge Outdoors Magazine’s Top Adventure College again is incredibly meaningful for our students, faculty, staff, coaches, alumni, and friends.”
Student-athletes celebrate facility upgrades
In August, the college announced it would be giving Tate Field a long-awaited upgrade, replacing the grass with artificial turf. While we proudly call the mountains home, the combination of a grass field and unpredictable weather has presented its challenges. As of November, the men’s and women’s lacrosse and soccer teams now have a sturdy, sustainable surface to play on. Since both fall and spring sports will be competing on the field next semester, the turf has come just in time to stand up to the increased usage.
The was also treated to upgrades to prepare for the 2021 season. Turf now stretches down the first and third base lines and into the bullpen.
“This investment is a game-changer for us in all aspects of the program and, with the hard work of all involved, we are well on the way to making our softball facilities match the beautiful backdrop we play in front of every day," said Head Softball Coach Kendall Fuller.
U.S. News and World Report names Lees-91探花 to list of Best Regional Colleges South
Lees-91探花 was ranked 26 out of 120 in the 2021 Best Colleges guide. The institution was also included on the lists for Best Colleges for Veterans and Top Colleges for Social Mobility in the same regional category.
“Our work is not motivated by rankings, but by our 120-year commitment to being a school of opportunity,” said President Lee King. “Nevertheless, we are proud to be recognized for offering a high-quality education and especially proud to serve disadvantaged students and their families.”
Academic offerings expanded in the sciences and humanities
Lees-91探花 students now have more opportunities to pursue their passions with the addition of several academic programs. Interested students can now pursue a bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science, Nutrition Science, and Pre-Physical Therapy, or a minor in Spanish.
Staying home for Homecoming 2020
COVID-19 required people around the world to make adjustments to scheduled events, and Lees-91探花 was no exception. This year, the college held a virtual Homecoming celebration. Although we couldn’t meet in person, we were able to connect with past and present Bobcats via video. Events included reunions, presentation of the Homecoming Court, a livestreamed outdoor performance of Changemakers by the Theatre Arts program, soccer and volleyball scrimmages, and virtual presentations of Alumni Association awards at the Green and Gold Meeting. The Captain’s Class Agent Award was presented to the Class of 1959, the Alumni Service Award to Justin Kitts ’06 and Deena Chambers ’75, and the Distinguished Alumni Award to Julia Morgan McCombs ’75.
Staying Bobcat Strong during a pandemic
Suddenly pivoting to remote classroom instruction in the final semester of their senior year was not how the Class of 2020 planned to finish their college experience, but we are proud of how gracefully they adjusted to the changes. Our students were truly Bobcat Strong. Although we gathered virtually for an in May, we look forward to an in-person ceremony celebrating the Class of 2020.
Thanks to detailed planning over the summer and careful adherence to local protocols, Lees-91探花 successfully reopened for the fall semester. Through daily health checks, changes to on-campus activities, and schedule adjustments, we were able to keep our case counts low and make sure every student had the ability to continue studying safely.
MAT, online Elementary Education, and online Human Services programs receive special accolades
Two online education ranking sites, OnlineU and , recognized Lees-91探花 online and graduate programs as some of the best in the nation.
OnlineU:
- 9th—Most Affordable Online Bachelor’s in Elementary Education Degrees
- 14th—Most Affordable Online Bachelor’s in Human Services Degrees
- 18th—Most Affordable Online Master’s Secondary Education Degrees
Online Schools Report:
- 17th—Best Online Elementary Education Degrees
- 20th—Best Online Human Services Degrees
More students gain the chance to complete their degree at Lees-91探花 through Guaranteed Admissions Programs
The college signed several new articulation agreements with nearby community colleges this fall. Beginning in the spring of 2021, students attending Caldwell Community College, Brunswick Community College, Haywood Community College, and Albany Technical College can receive guaranteed admission and discounted tuition if they choose to pursue a bachelor’s degree at Lees-91探花, either on the main campus or in one of our online degree-completion programs.
This was a year to remember, and we want to thank the students, faculty, staff, alumni, and community members who came together to make 2020 great. Let’s bring that same strong Bobcat spirit into 2021!
