Lees-McRae College (LMC)

Lees-McRae College, affiliated with the Presbyterian Church (USA) is a small, private college nestled in the mountains of northwestern North Carolina. Founded in 1900 by the Reverend Edgar Tufts to meet educational and spiritual needs in the area, the purpose of the college is to fulfill its motto, “In the mountains, of the mountains, and for the mountains,” while extending its ministry of education and service to diverse populations.

Lees-McRae College is an engaged learning community where students are inspired to pursue excellence and make a difference in the world.

We offer a challenging intellectual environment for every student in a setting that is rich in heritage and natural beauty with faculty and staff who nurture talents, inspire success, and prepare students for lives of meaning and purpose.

Academics at Lees-McRae College is a 360° experience, no doubt. From our vantage point in the spectacular mountains of North Carolina, we view the world as our classroom and seek to understand other people, places, and cultures and to become agents of change to help shape a more just future. Drawing upon our heritage of service and a liberal arts tradition, we welcome diverse viewpoints, exercise creative and imaginative approaches in the search for truth, and develop positive habits of the mind and of the heart.

Lees-McRae College provides students opportunities to dream of new possibilities, dare to make meaningful contributions while demonstrating personal responsibility, and achieve excellence in all they do. Faculty truly cares about each individual student and provides support and individual attention that contribute to student success. A variety of programs in the School of Arts and Sciences and the School of Professional Studies challenges students to explore their world while also preparing them to enter the professional world or graduate school.

We believe in the development of the whole student to include the physical, emotional, intellectual, and spiritual components of life. We provide learning opportunities designed to challenge you to become well rounded individuals. We are here to provide guidance and assistance to students through programming, consultation, or referral."

Lees-McRae College, located in the village of Banner Elk, North Carolina, has the highest elevation of any college campus east of the Mississippi. Situated 4,000 feet above sea level in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Western North Carolina, the College has an invigorating and healthful climate.

Get More Information