News | Lenoir-Rhyne University

Joe Bear poses in front of the Bear Grove Big Chair and a welcome sign

Bear Grove turns campus quad into a vibrant outdoor hub

With picnic tables, hammocks and a giant Adirondack chair the quad has leveled up to become Bear Grove—LR’s new favorite hangout spot.

Close up of a physican assistant studies student viewing a scan

Physician Assistant Studies program receives provisional accreditation

The ARC-PA has granted Accreditation-Provisional status to LR’s Master of Science in PA Studies. The program is expected to welcome its first class in January 2026.

Mortar Board chapter earns national Gold Torch Award

With standout student leadership and a mission rooted in service, LR’s Mortar Board honor society sets a national example and raises the bar for what it means to lead with purpose.

Home away from home: reshaping residence life

Anastasia Davis brings a student-centered approach to her new role as director of residence life and student conduct at LR, with a vision to make campus living a space for growth, connection and belonging.

Screenshot of redesigned LR homepage show two students in health sciences lab

A bold new look for Lenoir-Rhyne

Lenoir-Rhyne has launched a newly redesigned homepage at www.lr.edu, reflecting a more dynamic, engaging and student-centered online experience for prospective students, current students, families, alumni and the broader LR community.

Rocket team members secure their 2025 rocket to the launch rail in the Texas desert

AeroBears reach new heights at IREC 2025

In 2025, the AeroBears hit a new high with their most advanced rocket yet — overcoming sandstorms, hail and making their mark among fierce international competition.

Whitney Stewart and Brenda Wilson show their LR nursing pins

A tradition of care, from one nurse to another

As Whitney Stewart ’25 begins her nursing career, she’s guided by Brenda Watson ’64 — one of LR’s first nursing graduates and her soon-to-be grandmother-in-law.

Summer McGee and Joe Bear shake hands in front of George Hall

Lenoir-Rhyne forms committee for presidential inauguration

The countdown to inauguration has begun. LR has formed a cross-campus committee to plan the celebration of President Summer McGee’s official installation this October.

Exterior upper floor of the Daniel Efird Rhyne Building.

Alumni association welcomes new and returning directors

Get to know the new and returning members of the Alumni Association Board of Directors and why they’re committed to making a difference for the future of LR.

Lina San Juan Martinez sits on a wall with Granada in the background

Rooted in culture, driven by connection

From Hickory to Spain and back again, Lina San Juan Martinez ’25 is building a future in international education one connection at a time.

Visiting Writers Series receives grant for Pulitzer winner Percival Everett

The $10,000 grant from Arts Culture Catawba will fund the January 21 appearance of the author whose "James" re-imagines "Huckleberry Finn."

Mike Gerbitz works behind a computer screen in a campus lab

SMART and going places

One scholarship. Full tuition. A job after graduation. Michael Gerbitz ’27 just unlocked one of the best deals in higher education: the Department of Defense SMART Scholarship.