WINGATE — Wingate University President Jerry E. McGee recently signed a five-year contract extension which will renew his term through May 31, 2014.

McGee, a native of Rockingham, joined the university as the 13th president in 1992. During his tenure, the school has doubled enrollment, expanded its status from college to university and has become a doctoral granting institution. McGee expanded the university’s scope to include a School of Pharmacy, physician assistant studies program and the Doctor of Education degree. Most recently, he laid the ground work for a new facility on the main campus in Wingate to house a College of Health Sciences in fall 2011.

“The Board of Trustees is thrilled that Dr. McGee has agreed to remain as president of Wingate University for the coming years,” said Dennis Yates, board chairman. “His tenure to date has been exemplary and his leadership profound. His demonstration and hard work has allowed the university to flourish. He has developed a faculty and administration that is second to none.”

McGee is a graduate of East Carolina University. He also   holds a master’s degree from Appalachian State University and a doctorate from Nova University. McGee’s 35 years serving higher education included roles as vice president of Gardner-Webb University, Meredith College and Furman University.

In 2006 Dr. McGee received North Carolina’s highest civilian honor “The Order of the Long Leaf Pine” in recognition of his extraordinary service to the state.

“The Board of Trustees believes the best days for Wingate University, even in this most difficult time, are ahead,” said Yates. “We believe his visionary leadership will be a catalyst in the continued positive development of the university.”

Founded in 1896, Wingate University is a private four-year co-educational institution of  2,159 students offering active learning opportunities through personalized instruction, world travel, career discovery and community service.

Wingate offers more than 40 undergraduate majors in arts and sciences, business, communication, education, fine arts, music and sport sciences. It also offers graduate degrees in business, education, physician assistant studies and sport administration. In addition, the school awards the doctor of pharmacy and the doctor of education degrees.

Bulldog student-athletes compete in 17 NCAA Division II sports. Wingate University has won the South Atlantic Conference Athletic Excellence Award for the past three years.