• Winter Weather Updates

    We are monitoring a winter weather system that will impact university operations this weekend and into early next week. 

    • STATUS: All three campuses will close on Saturday, Jan. 24, at 2 p.m. due to forecasted snow, ice and sleet. Campuses will remain closed through Monday, Jan. 26, with remote work and remote instruction on Monday. Essential operations will continue during the closure. NOTE: LR will operate under normal university operations on Friday, Jan. 23.
    • FACILITIES (Hickory): The library and fitness center will be closed Saturday through Monday. The Cromer Center dining hall is expected to operate on a normal schedule unless otherwise communicated.
    • RECEIVE UPDATES: Check LR email and the LR website for official university updates.
    • STAY CONNECTED: If you haven't already, download and enable notifications for the SafeZone app for timely safety alerts and campus information.

    We appreciate your flexibility and patience as we continue to monitor the situation and prioritize the safety and well-being of our campus community.

    Storm Updates

LR at a Glance

Fast Facts


Students walking along campus sidewalk with LR red banners on light posts

Lenoir-Rhyne is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award bachelor's, master's and doctoral degrees. 

University Information


  • Founded in 1891 by four Lutheran pastors
  • Three locations: Hickory, N.C.; Asheville, N.C.; Columbia, S.C.
  • Motto: Veritas vos Liberabit (the truth shall set you free)
  • Alma mater: “Fair Star of Caroline”
  • Mission, vision and values
More About Lenoir-Rhyne

Student Body


  • 2,230+ students
  • 1,477 undergraduate (on-campus in Hickory, N.C.)
  • 753 graduate (on-campus and online)
  • Student distribution: 39 states/territories; 75 North Carolina counties; 29 countries
  • $30+ million awarded in scholarships and financial aid annually
  • $200,000+ in study abroad scholarships for LR students
  • 17,643+ living alumni (undergraduate and graduate degree holders) from all 50 states and many countries around the globe

In the Classroom


  • Majors Offered: 45+
  • Minors: 53
  • Graduate Programs: 20
  • Student-to-faculty ratio 15:1
  • Average class size: 22
  • Faculty: 127 full time; more than 80% hold terminal degrees
Explore Our Academic Programs

Athletics


  • Mascot: Joe Bear
  • Conferences: South Atlantic Conference
  • Affiliation: NCAA Division II
  • Teams: 23
Explore Bears Sports
William Stewart

As a transfer student, the counselors and professors have worked with me to decide what I wanted to major in and draw out a detailed map to help me reach that goal of getting a bachelor’s degree.

William Stewart '23, Finance
Percival Everett at the podium in PE Monroe Auditorium

Award-winning author Percival Everett drew a near-capacity crowd to Lenoir-Rhyne University as he reflected on writing, reading, race and the power of fiction to shape how we move through the world.

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Back view of a Buddhist monk facing a crowd and lights from the steps of Beam Hall in Columbia

When plans shifted during the Walk for Peace, a stop at Lenoir-Rhyne’s Columbia location became a powerful moment of connection, rest and shared spiritual practice.

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