Lenoir-Rhyne announces 2026–2027 Visiting Writers Series lineup

Four acclaimed authors will visit campus for free public events this fall and winter.

Lenoir-Rhyne University has announced the lineup for the 2026–27 Visiting Writers Series, welcoming four acclaimed authors whose work spans memoir, literary fiction and narrative nonfiction. The series continues LR’s tradition of bringing notable writers to campus to engage students and the broader community in conversations about literature, storytelling and the human experience.

The 2026–2027 Visiting Writers Series features authors whose work explores identity, connection, resilience and the stories that shape our world.  

Andrew McCarthy | Thursday, Sept. 11

Actor, director and bestselling memoirist Andrew McCarthy will open the series with a discussion of his new book “Who Needs Friends: An Unscientific Examination of Male Friendship Across America.” Blending memoir, travel and cultural reflection, McCarthy explores the complexities of male friendship and what it means to form meaningful connections throughout life.  

Patrick Ryan | Thursday, Oct. 8

Award-winning author Patrick Ryan will present his novel “Buckeye,” a PEN/Jean Stein Book Award finalist and New York Times bestseller. Set in small-town Ohio, the novel traces interconnected lives navigating family, class and moral choices across generations, offering a compassionate portrait of contemporary American life.

Marjan Kamali | Thursday, Oct. 22

Bestselling author Marjan Kamali, known for the beloved novel “The Stationery Shop,” will discuss her latest work, “The Lion Women of Tehran.” The sweeping novel follows two childhood friends whose lives diverge amid political upheaval and social transformation in Iran, celebrating friendship, courage and resilience.

Michael Finkel | Thursday, Jan. 21

The series concludes with journalist Michael Finkel, whose #1 New York Times bestselling book “The Art Thief” recounts one of the most prolific art thefts in history. The riveting narrative chronicles the exploits of a man who stole hundreds of masterpieces from European museums while raising compelling questions about obsession, beauty and the limits of human passion.  

“We are thrilled to be bringing of authors of this caliber to LR,” said Cat Niekro, vice president for advancement and communications at Lenoir-Rhyne. “There is something for everyone in this year’s series, and we look forward to welcoming our community of readers for another sensational season.”  

The announcement follows a highly successful 2025–26 Visiting Writers Series, which drew large audiences from across campus and the Hickory community and continued to grow enthusiasm for literary programming at LR.

“Lenoir-Rhyne is proud to be a place where the arts are celebrated and shared with the broader community,” said Summer McGee, Ph.D., university president. “Programs like the Visiting Writers Series open our campus to the region and create opportunities for people to come together around ideas, creativity and culture. It’s an important part of how we fulfill our mission to serve and enrich our community.”

All events in the series are free and open to the public, though tickets will be required. Tickets will become available later this spring.