News | Lenoir-Rhyne University

Student returns to school after 20 years; finds home at Lenoir-Rhyne

With a drive for helping others, Jeannine Van Sandt was led to returning to the classroom to pursue a master's degree in counseling.

A group of students sit outside and pass a loaf of bread on a cutting board to each other

Breaking Bread

Philosophy professor Michael Deckard has found bread making to be a great way to destress, work with his hands, and offer a treat to his students.

Scholarship luncheon unites students, benefactors

The annual scholarship luncheon brought together students, donors, faculty and staff to honor the generosity of donors and celebrate scholarship recipients and their academic achievements.

Two masked female nursing students stand and look at a notecard

Grant provides scholarships to aspiring LR nurses

The university has received a $220,000 grant from the Lettie Pate Whitehead Foundation in support of undergraduate nursing scholarships for the 2022-23 school year.

Lenoir-Rhyne to award honorary degree to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy

The presentation is part of a national initiative among colleges and universities to honor Zelenskyy’s leadership and show support for the people of Ukraine since Russia invaded the country in February.

D.M. Spratley, right, sits with two students outside during a class

Visiting poet brings new perspectives to students

An award-winning poet, D. M. Spratley uses her storytelling experience to influence and challenge her class as the current writer-in-residence.

Daffodils bloom on campus in front of the Rhyne building on a sunny day

Alumna bestowed presidential award for teaching

Michelle Traynum ’96, a teacher at Homeland Park Primary School in Anderson, South Carolina, was named a recipient of the Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching.

Front row, left to right: Emma Throneburg, Angel Martin, Maggie Keller and, back row, left to right: Zach Norman, Maggie Lou Alice Carter, Gabriel Corn

LR students present research at annual meeting

Lenoir-Rhyne science students recently represented the university at the North Carolina Academy of Science annual meeting where they delivered oral and poster presentations that earned first and third place awards.

Lacey Triplett jumps over hurdles during an outdoor match

Student-athlete overcomes hurdles

Instructional studies major and track and field athlete Lacey Triplett '22 has persevered through shoulder surgery last season to earn all-region honors in the pole vaulting event for the 2022 season. Now, she sets her sights toward graduate school through the Bridges to Dreams program.

Three students standing outside smile at the camera while holding signs

Giving Day sets records in support of LR

Lenoir-Rhyne supporters showed the incredible strength of the Bear Family during the university’s annual giving day, Bears Give Back, setting an all-time high of $695,967 from 849 donors.

Members of the marching band play trumpets outside on the football field

Centennial celebration honors musical talent

The university celebrates its first century of bands on the Hickory campus with a performance and reception.

Two hands being held on table comforting someone

Three-day symposium to focus on mental health, caring, addiction and recovery

The aim of the symposium, scheduled for March 30, 31 and April 1, is to address the national mental health crisis on a local level by targeting two vulnerable groups in the community — hospitality workers and students.