News | Lenoir-Rhyne University

Summer McGee in academic regalia with the Lenoir Rhyne sign in the background

Summer McGee on the heart of LR: people, purpose and place

Go beyond the headlines as Lenoir-Rhyne President Summer McGee, Ph.D., reflects on leadership, community and the values shaping Lenoir-Rhyne’s future in this wide-ranging Q&A.

Agnes Park Hacawa page and graduation photo

The First Arrival

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 announces provost search committee

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.

Red and black streamers fly over smiling graduates on stadium field

Class of 2026 shines ever brighter at LR commencement

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.

Student explaining a display at 2026 SOURCE Day.

SOURCE 2026 recognizes student research, creative expression

SOURCE 2026 highlighted student excellence across a range of disciplines, featuring Honors Thesis Competition winners and the inaugural Bears Engage awards.

Full Lenoir-Rhyne delegation to 2026 North Carolina Academy of Science meeting.

LR students earn honors at 2026 NCAS meeting

Lenoir-Rhyne University students presented original research and earned statewide recognition, earning six awards at the 2026 North Carolina Academy of Science meeting.

LR students walking along sidewalk on campus with LR banners in background

Lenoir-Rhyne announces record-setting admission results for fall 2026

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: family, health, community

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: adaptation, precision, resilience

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: purpose, drive, compassion

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: research, persistence, community

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: theatre, service, belonging

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.