News

Lees-McRae Historical Inauguration of Dr. Herbert L. King Jr. Set For Friday, Oct. 5

Last Updated on October 3, 2018 3:56 pm

Lees-McRae College will host the inauguration of its 16th President, Dr. Herbert L. King Jr., Friday, Oct. 5 on the campus in Banner Elk. The celebration will conclude a series of events honoring the institution’s location and its motto, “In the Mountains, Of the Mountains, For the Mountains.”

The 2 p.m. installation ceremony will be held in the Historic Commons and is open to the public. The ceremony will bring together college stakeholders—students, faculty, staff, alumni, parents, community, friends and donors—and provide an opportunity to celebrate shared values and a commitment to the future.

Lees-McRae will commemorate King’s inauguration throughout the week:

Wednesday, Oct. 3

Mountain Day of Service, 9 a.m.
Students, faculty, staff, and friends of the college will give back and work together on service projects in the community. All participating volunteers are invited to close the day with a celebration at Wildcat Lake.

Thursday, Oct. 4

Founder’s Day Ceremony, 4:30 p.m.
Lees-McRae and the Town of Banner Elk will co-host a celebration of their beginnings in Tate-Evans Park in Banner Elk, with a twin-tree planting and presentation of shared history.

Family Picnic and Concert, 5 p.m.
The college and local communities will continue festivities with a picnic and concert in Tate-Evans Park. The event will feature live entertainment, food trucks, inflatable games, and interactive novelties.

Friday, Oct. 5

Prayer Service, 10 a.m.
An interfaith prayer service at the Banner Elk Presbyterian Church will surround President King with blessings and prayer as he begins his tenure.

Inauguration Ceremony, 2 p.m.
Representatives from the students, faculty, staff, alumni, and the community will provide greetings before President King is sworn in and bestowed with the symbols of office. A reception will follow in Swank Park.

Annual homecoming events, including alumni awards brunch, tailgating, and athletic events will continue Saturday, Oct. 6. Events are open to the public. Updates and additional information can be found at lmc.edu/inauguration.

King assumed the role of president on June 1, 2018. He holds a Doctor of Education in educational leadership from The University of Virginia, a Master of Education in educational administration from Lynchburg College and a Bachelor of Arts in English and history from Hampden-Sydney College.

Before coming to Lees-McRae, King served as Vice President for Institutional Advancement at Hampden-Sydney College in Hampden Sydney, Virginia.

Back to top button