Passion and
Purpose Defined

We don’t just offer a world-class education—we offer a community of passionate learners to lift you up and inspire you to become your best self.

Lenoir-Rhyne University Homepage

What kind of student are you?

Named a U.S. News Top 40 School for Social Mobility and Best Value in the South.

98%


Employed or in Grad School

within six months of graduation.

Demarius Hampton, Kyle Duggar and Dr. Doug Knight

LR taught us to use our time wisely and has provided me with a ‘keep moving forward' mentality. And Dr. Knight has always helped show us what we could be.

Demarius Hampton '19, Engineering Physics

$30M


Financial aid awarded to students annually

Making college accessible & affordable.

Hickory Campus


Our picturesque campus serves as the backdrop of our students’ diverse and shared experiences. Our students are leaders, researchers and champions. LR Bears are the heart of this small-college town, and the City of Hickory fosters a thriving community for our students.

Explore Our Hickory Campus

News & Events


See who's making news and what's happening at LR.

Summer McGee and Joe Bear shake hands in front of George Hall

The countdown to inauguration has begun. LR has formed a cross-campus committee to plan the celebration of President Summer McGee’s official installation this October.

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Exterior upper floor of the Daniel Efird Rhyne Building.

Get to know the new and returning members of the Alumni Association Board of Directors and why they’re committed to making a difference for the future of LR.

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Earn a graduate degree on your terms with learning that fits your life.

20+


Graduate Programs

With expert faculty focused on your success.

Cathleen Gaffney

The community and family aspect makes LR rare. I have never experienced a group of people that are more a family than Bear nation. The support we get from the Hickory area is unlike any other school.

Cathleen Gaffney '20 Finance/Marketing, MBA '21

900+


Graduate Students

Three graduate campus locations in two states

Hickory, Asheville & Columbia


Whether it’s reinventing your career, advancing your professional skills or elevating your business, our three locations offer quality academic programs paired with hands-on learning opportunities in cities filled with cultural and civic opportunities.

View Our Locations

News & Events

Summer McGee and Joe Bear shake hands in front of George Hall

The countdown to inauguration has begun. LR has formed a cross-campus committee to plan the celebration of President Summer McGee’s official installation this October.

View More
Exterior upper floor of the Daniel Efird Rhyne Building.

Get to know the new and returning members of the Alumni Association Board of Directors and why they’re committed to making a difference for the future of LR.

View More

We shape the entire person for faithful service to the church and to the world.

ELCA


Only ELCA seminary in the southeastern U.S.

Live your faith through public ministry.

Joshua Wullenweber

LTSS is beautifully diverse and made up of students of every age, race, gender and orientation. I was so thankful to find a great community of faith and learning so close to where I grew up.

Joshua Wullenweber MDiv’20

100%


Faculty who have doctoral degrees

Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary


As soon as you arrive at LTSS in beautiful Hickory, North Carolina, you’ll experience what it means to be surrounded by caring and passionate professors and a community atmosphere that is both captivating and supportive.

Learn About LTSS

News & Events

9 students holding thank you signs jump in the air in front of Shaw Plaza

Donor support in FY25 exceeded expectations across key areas, boosting scholarships, campus improvements and strategic initiatives.

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Taylor Newton gestures to a projected chart in front of a classroom

Twelve Lenoir-Rhyne faculty and staff reached significant achievements and transitions as the 2024-25 academic year drew to a close.

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