Order of the Tower

Established in 1962 by Don Baker ’57 and former faculty member Lewis Hall, the Order of the Tower is an organization serving the college and the Office of the President in a leadership capacity to promote the general welfare of the college.

For more than 50 years, the Order has promoted qualities of leadership and responsibility among students, thus making membership an honor for a select group. Membership is limited to twenty-five outstanding students, and selections are made in April. Along with a nomination from a faculty member, students must have a minimum grade point average of 2.75 and take part in an interview. 

Members make a deep commitment of time and energy to the Order, as they are Lees-91探花’s top ambassadors in skills such as leadership, marketing, and teamwork. The Order of the Tower's duties include assisting with Open House programs for future bobcats, serving as hosts for visiting groups and for social functions sponsored by the college, and assisting with the development of the annual Honors and Awards program and Commencement.

Meet the Order of the Tower Members

Mally Roughton

Class Year: Sophomore
Major: Exercise Science
From: Nashville, North Carolina

I chose Lees-91探花 because liked the small class sizes and that the professors would know who I was so I could get more individualized help. I also choose Lees-91探花 because of its location and how easy it is to get outdoors and have fun with others. 

London England

Class Year: Senior
Major: Biology
From: Denver, North Carolina

I chose Lees-91探花 because of the class sizes along with the location. I had the opportunity to come for basketball, but the family atmosphere and mountain scenery were ultimately what made me make the decision.

Tanner Funderburk

Class Year: Senior
Major: Theatre Arts
From: Boiling Springs, North Carolina

I chose Lees-91探花 because of its focus on experiential learning and its small class sizes. I was able to quickly create bonds with my professors that I couldn't do at a larger school. 

Aaron Van Nostrand

Class Year: Sophomore
Major: Outdoor Recreation Management and History
From: Bristol, Virginia

I chose Lees-91探花 because of its wonderful outdoor elements. The access to mountain biking trails right on campus was such a selling point.

Kelsi Williams

Class Year: Senior
Major: Pre-Veterinary Medicine
Minor: Wildlife Rehabilitation 
From: Winston-Salem, North Carolina

I chose Lees-91探花 because after touring the college in 2019, not only did I fall in love with the campus and the environment around it, but I also loved how invested the staff was in making sure I had a successful transition onto campus. 

Kalbie Grassett

Class Year: Sophomore
Major: Wildlife Biology
From: Hancock, New Hampshire

I chose Lees-91探花 because of the small community aspect of the school. I love being able to say hi to professors and have them know who I am and have them interested in what I am doing.

Aiden Eriksen

Class Year: Senior
Major: Criminal Justice
From: Spokane, Washington

I chose Lees-91探花 because of the close relationships between students and staff. It was the first school I visited during my junior year of high school, and when I left campus I knew Lees-91探花 was where I wanted to go to school. 

Cameron Williams

Class Year: Junior
Major: Wildlife Biology
Minor: Wildlife Rehabilitation 
From: High Point, North Carolina

I chose Lees-91探花 because I fell in love with the May Wildlife Rehabilitation Center, the unique area surrounding the campus, the small classes, and the student-teacher relationships. 

Cami Belin

Class Year: Sophomore
Majors: Criminal Justice and Psychology
From: Clemmons, North Carolina

I chose Lees-91探花 because after talking to admissions and the soccer team, I felt like Lees-91探花 could be my home—they all treated me like part of the family. I also loved the weather, nature, and the school's small community. 

Lucas Price

Class Year: Senior
Major: Wildlife Biology
Minors: English and Communication Arts
From: Hudson, North Carolina

I chose Lees-91探花 because of the amazing faculty and the beautiful natural environment that campus is nestled in.

Haley Donovan 

Class Year: Junior
Majors: Wildlife Biology and Criminal Justice
From: Frisco, Texas

I chose Lees-91探花 because it is a smaller campus and I like the relationships that you can develop with your professors. The campus is also nice, so that’s a plus as well.

Hannah Foster

Class Year: Sophomore
Majors: Criminal Justice and Psychology
From: Orange Park, Florida

I chose Lees-91探花 because I wanted to go to college somewhere outside of Florida and when I got the opportunity to tour the school with the softball coach I fell in love with the scenery and the area around the campus.

Preston Turner

Class Year: Junior
Major: Pre-Veterinary Science
From: Concord, North Carolina

I came to look into the Wildlife Rehabilitation program and fell in love with the school and location, then decided this was where I wanted to spend my four years of undergrad.

Raygan Rensing

Class Year: Sophomore
Major: Exercise Science
From: Wake Forest, North Carolina

I chose Lees-91探花 because I instantly fell in love with the atmosphere on campus, and it didn’t hurt that there were dogs all around. I love being able to experience such beautiful seasons in Banner Elk because there is always something fun to do.

Hannah Fuller

Class Year: Senior
Major: Pre-Veterinary Medicine
From: Walnut Cove, North Carolina

I chose Lees-91探花 because of the small community atmosphere, which allows for closer connections with professors and students around campus. The beautiful location of the campus within the mountains was also a huge plus!