CC/Carnegie Work to Integrate Athletics at Lenoir-Rhyne University
- Robin Capehart
- Sep 15
- 2 min read
The Carnegie Academy, in partnership with Collegiate Consulting, recently completed a pivotal site visit as part of a comprehensive review of the athletics program at Lenoir-Rhyne University. This initiative, guided by a proposal from Collegiate Consulting, is designed to deliver data-driven insights and strategic recommendations that will align Lenoir-Rhyne’s athletics with broader academic and administrative priorities—ensuring athletics remains a positive force for institutional reputation, enrollment, and student success.
Dr. Robin Capehart of The Carnegie Academy played an integral role during the three-day campus visit, which featured an extensive schedule of interviews and focus groups. The review team met with a cross-section of campus leadership, including President McGee, the Vice President for Business and Finance, the Vice President for Advancement and Marketing Communications, and numerous athletics administrators, coaches, faculty, and student-athletes.
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he goal of these engagements was clear: to understand how athletics interacts with every facet of campus life—from academic support and compliance to facilities, fundraising, and student well-being. These conversations are central to the review’s mission of supporting Lenoir-Rhyne in maximizing the value of its athletics program, while maintaining alignment with the university’s mission and financial sustainability.
The review also included sessions with donors, alumni, and community members, as well as a presence at the Lenoir-Rhyne football home opener, providing a holistic view of athletics’ impact both on campus and in the broader community.
Moving forward, The Carnegie Academy will collaborate with Collegiate Consulting to analyze the data gathered, benchmark Lenoir-Rhyne’s athletics against peer institutions, and develop actionable recommendations. These will address everything from sport sponsorship and scholarship allocation to roster management and facility needs, ensuring the athletics department is positioned for long-term success and integration within the university’s strategic plan.
Collegiate Consulting continues to support Lenoir-Rhyne University in this important work and looks forward to presenting findings and recommendations to university leadership later this year.
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