Office of Multicultural Affairs

The Office of Multicultural Affairs at Lenoir-Rhyne University aspires to create a diverse community that welcomes people of different races, cultures, ages, genders, sexual orientation, religions, socioeconomic levels, political perspectives, abilities, opinions, values and experiences.

LRU strives to reflect these differences in its decisions, curriculum, programs and actions. We will also strive to create an environment that brings out the best in all people that leads to positive contributions to the Lenoir-Rhyne community. The University seeks to ensure that underrepresented groups have equal access to the education and resource opportunities available at the University. Policy and procedures will create and sustain an inclusive and productive environment for faculty, staff and students.

Director's Welcome

Lenoir-Rhyne University seeks to become a nationally recognized liberal arts institution of choice, known for building leaders for tomorrow. To reach this goal and to continue to foster the development of the whole person, we understand the value of diversity within our campus community. The Office of Multicultural Affairs seeks to establish a campus climate in which all members are able to freely express their culture and ethnicity and use such opportunities to educate faculty, staff and students of the valuable experiences and stories that are a part of our community.

The Office of Multicultural Affairs works with all areas of the University to enhance diversity on campus. With primary focuses on the recruitment and retention of faculty, staff and students from under-represented populations, the Office of Multicultural Affairs provides a variety of programs and services to meet the needs of our campus community.

As a growing university, we hope to encourage members from all backgrounds, who bring with them a desire for excellence, integrity, care and curiosity, to join our campus family. We encourage faculty, staff and students to reach beyond what has always been comfortable and stretch to learn about the many cultures and people that surround them. Through meaningful interactions with those who do not look like us nor share similar backgrounds, we are better equipped to understand who we are and ultimately who we can become. Lenoir-Rhyne University abundantly possesses the potential to reach the highest levels of multiculturalism.

I look forward to working with each of you as we continue to become a nationally recognized university, not only through academics, but also by preparing our students to be global citizens of a diverse society.

Emma Sellers
Director, Office of Multicultural Affairs