News | Lenoir-Rhyne University

The door to Toni Oakes' office covered with post-it notes from students, Theta Xi flag to the left

Beloved professor. Inspiring mentor. Joyful presence. Lenoir-Rhyne remembers Dr. Toni Smith Oakes, who shaped the heart and spirit of the OT program.

Four student researchers from LR pose for group photo at NCAS

LR students leave their mark at 2025 North Carolina Academy of Science meeting

Lenoir-Rhyne University students showcased their academic excellence and research expertise at the 2025 North Carolina Academy of Science (NCAS) annual meeting in late March.

Newly appointed LR president Dr. Summer McGee

Lenoir-Rhyne University Board of Trustees Appoints Dr. Summer McGee as President

Lenoir-Rhyne University has selected Summer McGee, Ph.D, as the institution’s 13th president. Her appointment was enthusiastically approved by the Lenoir-Rhyne Board of Trustees after a national search.

Brent Owen to remain at Lenoir-Rhyne as head men’s basketball coach

Lenoir-Rhyne University has announced that Brent Owen has signed a new three-year contract extension to remain as head men’s basketball coach through April 2028.

Joe Bear sitting next to The Cub statue holding a red sign that reads "Thank you!"

Record number of donors powers Bears Give Back 2025

Thank you to the 1,469 donors who made Bears Give Back 2025 a success, raising $695,472 to support Lenoir-Rhyne University programs and students. Your generosity strengthens our community and fuels our future.

Lucas Quinn sits on the floor between stacks in the library and shelves a small pile of books

Rudisill Library: a campus sanctuary

For graduate assistant Lucas Quinn, M.A. '25, Carl A. Rudisill Library is more than a workplace — it’s a space for leadership, advocacy, and community.

LTSS transition update from the LR Hickory campus

In this update, Rev. Dr. Chad Rimmer, rector and dean of Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary (LTSS), shares exciting developments as LTSS settles into its new home on the campus of Lenoir-Rhyne University.

Zaniya Parks wears a Bears Give Back t-shirt in front of the charge

Spirit gives back

From the sports sidelines to the admission office, Zaniya Parks ’25 shows in her journey, the LR spirit isn’t just about game day—it’s about giving back.

Megan Bedingfield wears a black Bears Give Back t-shirt and stands in front of the Charge

Performance gives back

Megan Bedingfield '25 followed her heart to Lenoir-Rhyne and found her place on the stage, where she shares her passion for music, theatre and the arts with her classmates and community.

Hagan Suchocki standing in front of the Charge wearing a black Bears Give Back t-shirt

Nursing gives back

Lenoir-Rhyne offers students opportunities to grow in themselves and give back to their communities. Hagan Suchocki '25 has embraced those opportunities with unmatched enthusiasm.

Thinh Truong with his wife holding their dogs in a snowy landscape

Entrepreneurship, nuclear physics and the perfect pot of tea

Fulbright Scholar Thinh Truong ’17, M.S., has built his family and career by embracing adventure. His journey proves success is about the experiences that shape us.

Sidewalk leading to Cromer Center in the shadow of trees during summer

Presidential search update - upcoming on-campus forums

The presidential search committee is pleased to announce that, after conducting a third round of interviews, we have confirmed two finalists for the presidency. As we shared earlier, we will host on-campus forums for these finalists, providing opportunities for faculty, staff, and students to engage with them.