LR names new director of financial aid


Lenoir-Rhyne University has named Courtney Thompson-Ballard as director of financial aid. She assumed her role in mid-January after serving as interim director since October 2018.

Thompson-Ballard has 20 years of progressive experience at LR, where she has received multiple promotions and continuously increased her leadership responsibilities. As a key member of the enrollment team, Thompson-Ballard has led a variety of initiatives, including the administration of awarding endowments and scholarships, audit preparation, and professional development. In her current role, Thompson-Ballard's responsibilities include administration of the Office of Financial Aid, as well as responsible for the leadership and management of administering all financial aid operations, including institutional, state, and federal funds.

"I am excited to step into this role at Lenoir-Rhyne," Thompson-Ballard said. "In financial aid, I've experienced the constant changing complexity of the process and am confident that my background will refine the goal of making the aid process go as smoothly as possible for our students and families."

An LR alumna, Thompson-Ballard received her bachelor's degree in communication in 2004 and her master's degree in counseling in 2010.

Agnes Park Hacawa page and graduation photo

After immigrating from Korea to Hawaii, Agnes Park crossed a continent to attend Lenoir-Rhyne. She graduated in 1924, and in 2025, her granddaughter traced the journey of one of the first international Bears.

View More
LR Banners along campus sidewalk

Lenoir-Rhyne has formed a search committee to lead the national search for the university’s next provost following the announcement that Provost Jennifer Burris, Ph.D. has accepted an appointment as president of Buffalo State University.

View More