Lees-McRae College in Banner Elk, North Carolina offers liberal arts education in the scenic Blue Ridge Mountains, emphasizing outdoors education, environmental stewardship, and community engagement. The residential college encourages close-knit community and outdoor recreation. The mountain setting shapes institutional identity and experiential learning. The college values personal development, leadership, and social responsibility.
The academic program integrates traditional liberal arts with environmental studies, outdoor recreation, and service learning. Faculty emphasize engaged teaching and student-centered learning. The college maintains strong outdoor program and field experiences. Small classes enable meaningful faculty-student interaction and mentoring. Students develop leadership skills through residential life and campus organizations.
Lees-McRae attracts students passionate about the outdoors, sustainability, and community service. The mountain location and institutional mission support experiential learning and environmental awareness. Alumni work in education, nonprofits, environmental organizations, outdoor recreation, and various professions throughout the Southeast and beyond.