• University Operations Update

    Return to Normal Operations - Tuesday, Feb. 3

    Lenoir-Rhyne will return to normal, in-person operations beginning Tuesday, Feb. 3, at all campus locations — Hickory, Asheville and Columbia.

    • Road conditions: We recognize that road conditions may remain hazardous in some areas and that travel may still be challenging.
    • Students: Those unable to travel safely to campus should communicate directly with their instructors to discuss absences.
    • Faculty and staff: Those unable to travel safely to campus should communicate directly with their supervisor to discuss appropriate arrangements.
    • Your safety remains our top priority, and we appreciate your continued communication and flexibility as we transition back to normal operations.
    • The university community is also invited to join President McGee for a Welcome Back Warm-Up on Tuesday from 8:30–9:30 a.m. in the Cromer Center on the Hickory campus. Stop by to enjoy donuts, coffee and hot chocolate as we reconnect and welcome one another back to campus.

    Operation 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
Students looking over an assignment on a computer
Health students diagnose symptoms on a simulation
Business students working on a projects
Nursing student working in nursing lab
Turn Passion into Purpose

At Lenoir-Rhyne, you’ll explore meaningful programs that challenge you, support your goals and prepare you for a fulfilling career and life of purpose.

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
LR football celebrates in end zone after scoring in Moretz Stadium
Soccer players celebrating
Former LR star Kyle Dugger running with the football
A volleyball player spikes the ball
Go Bears!

LR's passionate fan base supports a number of championship-caliber intercollegiate athletic programs that compete as a member of the NCAA and South Atlantic Conference.

Athletics

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

With my need to work full-time and balance the role of fatherhood, I’m grateful Lenoir-Rhyne supported my efforts to complete my degree.

Randy Ortega

Financial Aid & Admissions

Students visit tables at a career fair in Hickory
Lenoir-Rhyne students connect with employers at Hickory career fair

“Careers. Well Crafted.” is a citywide, drop-in career fair offering students access to employers across industries, on-site preparation support and a welcoming space to explore next steps.

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Students collaborate in an anatomy lab
Lenoir-Rhyne University sets records for applications and campus engagement

Lenoir-Rhyne reports its largest application total in university history, reflecting growing interest in its academic experience and commitment to affordability.

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February 05 / Grace Chapel
Naval Academy Band Chamber Recital
February 06 / P.E. Monroe Auditorium
U.S. Naval Academy Band & LR Wind Ensemble Joint Concert
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