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.
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.
Across ceremonies held in Hickory, Asheville and Columbia on May 7-9, LR celebrated 578 undergraduate and graduate students earning their degrees and stepping into their next chapters as alumni.
SOURCE 2026 highlighted student excellence across a range of disciplines, featuring Honors Thesis Competition winners and the inaugural Bears Engage awards.
Lenoir-Rhyne University students presented original research and earned statewide recognition, earning six awards at the 2026 North Carolina Academy of Science meeting.
More than 820 new undergraduate students have deposited as of National College Decision Day, including the largest first-year class in university history.
Lorena Rojas Reyes ’26 studies public health and draws upon years of lived experience and a deep commitment to improving health outcomes in her community.
Keanu Dugan ’26 approaches problem solving through hands-on learning and persistence through challenges as he prepares for a career in systems engineering.
Naomi Manea ’26 is shaping a future in medicine through clinical work, research and leadership at Lenoir-Rhyne, where patient care and public service remain at the center of her experience.
Grace Chatham ’26 is building her academic path through laboratory science at Lenoir-Rhyne, where her work is laying a foundation for future student researchers.
Gabriel Tarpley ’26 moves between stage and service at Lenoir-Rhyne, blending theatre, leadership and community engagement into a journey shaped by performance and purpose.
Lenoir-Rhyne University will celebrate the Class of 2026 during commencement ceremonies May 7–9, honoring 578 graduates across its Hickory, Asheville and Columbia campuses.
