BANNER ELK, N.C. – Lees-McRae College Associate Athletic Director / Senior Woman Administrator / Healthcare Administrator Rita Smith has announced her retirement after 40 years of service and dedication to the institution.
"As I reflect on my career and tenure with the College, I am grateful for the opportunities I have had to be a part of the growth and development of the institution," said Smith. "I will always cherish the relationships I have with colleagues and students, now alumni, and look forward to maintaining those in the years to come. My numerous roles as both faculty and staff allowed me to develop professionally and personally."
Smith has served Lees-McRae College since 1983 in various capacities as the Head Athletic Trainer, assistant coach for women's basketball and tennis, and current position as the Associate Athletic Director/SWA/Healthcare Administrator.
"The consummate professional, Rita is always wanting to take care of and provide for our young people to have a safe, positive experience," said Vice President of Athletics and Club Sports Craig McPhail. "Her dedication and commitment to Lees-McRae College is measured by the lives she touched. Her impact over 40 years of Bobcat student-athletes, coaches, administrators, and colleagues is profound. She consistently poured into our young people, encouraging them to be leaders and peer influencers within our campus community."
Smith started the Athletic Training Program in 1984 and worked with the AT staff to continually develop and improve the program. She supervised and coordinated the medical care for over 300 student-athletes at Lees-McRae.
"Rita Smith's legacy to Lees-McRae College is filled with servant leadership, I am forever grateful our paths crossed," said McPhail.
During her time at Lees-McRae she has received numerous awards including the Edgar Tufts Award for Excellence in Teaching, Edgar Tufts Humanitarian Service Award, and the Order of the Tower Special Recognition Award. In 2012, Smith was inducted into the Lees-McRae College Fred I. Dickerson Athletic Hall of Fame.
"I hope that my commitment to play a role in the College's mission to continually move forward and create positive experiences for our students and employees was impactful in some way," reflected Smith. It has been an incredible journey with so many invaluable memories!"
WHAT THEY ARE SAYING ABOUT RITA SMITH…
"Rita is a monumental pillar within Lees-McRae Athletics. Not just women's athletics, but the entire department. For 40 years she has dedicated her life to the well-being of student-athletes, coaches, faculty, staff, and parents. It was about so much more than wins and losses. She taught me as a coach to value the entire student-athlete experience from academics to competition to training to rehabilitation. Rita was one of the main reasons my family and I chose to come back to LMC. I knew that I would continue to grow professionally and personally with her as a leader. Her presence in Williams Gymnasium will be missed; however, her legacy will always live thanks to the hundreds of lives she touched, molded, and mentored."
Cally Morrill, Head Women's Soccer Coach
"One of the first people I met when I arrived on campus as a freshman student was Rita Smith. She hallmarks what makes a good college great working endless hours doing jobs that are unnoticed to most but required by all to succeed and thrive. She will be missed but never forgotten. Thank you, Rita, for your commitment to excellence."
Randy Bloemendaal '92, Head Men's & Women's Tennis Coach
"Rita took a chance on hiring me right out of college over a decade ago. Since then, she has been a professional and personal guiding figure in my life. She is leaving Lees-McRae better than she found it, which she taught me to do. Enjoy your retirement Rita, thank you for everything!"
Luke Carson, Head Athletic Trainer
"On behalf of the Men's basketball program, we appreciate what you've done for all student-athletes and Lees-McRae College. Your hard work and unwavering support will truly be missed. Best wishes on your retirement."
Desean Motley '17, Associate Men's Basketball Coach
"I don't know where to start. Miss Rita is the epitome of being a Lees-McRae Bobcat. She is someone that you can always go to for help, will always help nudge you back in line if you are slacking, will always look out for the staff and athletes and so much more. She is the standard for Lees-McRae and will make sure that you know it if you ever drop below the bar. But most of all she is a caring and loving person that just wants what is best for everyone and it often goes unsaid. Thank you is not enough for what she has done for this College and this community. We appreciate everything you have done more than you know and always remember once a bobcat, always a bobcat. Thank you, Miss Rita!"
Taylor Morton '17, Head Men's Soccer Coach
"Knowing her as a student-athlete myself and now colleague and friend, I can say there are few who are more devoted to the student-athletes than Miss Rita. Thank you for your time and service to our college and community! I wish you the very best."
Josh Shingleton '15, Head Men's Lacrosse Coach
"She has been a constant mentor since day one when she openly took me into the last class of athletic training. She has been a second mom to me and someone to aspire to be like as she has had such a huge impact alone on Lees-McRae. To me, she is like the glue of the athletics department as she has single-handedly at times directed most operations. I will forever have a deep love for her!"
Thomas Dellinger '18, Athletic Trainer
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