News | Lenoir-Rhyne University

Lenoir-Rhyne surpasses $90 million Charge Forward campaign goal ahead of schedule

Lenoir-Rhyne University has surpassed the $90 million goal of its Charge Forward comprehensive campaign ahead of schedule, reaching a historic milestone in the largest fundraising campaign in university history.

Ethan Craig sits in a red-orange chair in a hallway in the Mitford Museum

At home in the Mitford Museum

First-year student Ethan Craig ’30 turned a summer internship at the Mitford Museum into hands-on experience in museum curation — and caught a glimpse of the places his passion for art might someday lead.

Lenoir-Rhyne celebrates 135 years—and looks ahead

Lenoir-Rhyne University will mark a milestone throughout the 2026-27 academic year, celebrating 135 years of educating leaders, serving communities and transforming lives.

Two students in volleyball shirts wheel a cart outside Fritz-Conrad

Fun facts for Move-In Day 2026

Who are the newest Bears? Get to know Lenoir-Rhyne’s record-breaking incoming class by exploring the facts about where they’re coming from, what they’ll study and more.

President Summer McGee addresses faculty and staff at 2026-27 opening meeting

Historic growth and record investment mark start of Lenoir-Rhyne’s new academic year

Record enrollment, historic fundraising and major campus investments set the stage for Lenoir-Rhyne’s 2026-27 academic year as the university builds for the future.

Summer McGee chats with two students at the President's Cookout on Welcome Weekend

Welcome Weekend and Welcome Week launch the 2026-27 academic year

Nine days of events welcome Bears to campus with LR traditions, new activities and opportunities to connect with the university and Hickory communities.

Dominic Jackson with the quad and an LR banner in background

Focused on student-centered leadership

Mentorship transformed Dominic Jackson's college experience. As Lenoir-Rhyne's new assistant dean of students, he's helping students find purpose, belonging and opportunities for growth.

Andrew McCarthy opens Visiting Writers Series Sept. 10

From “Pretty in Pink” to bestselling memoirs, the actor, director and author will kick off the Visiting Writers Series with a discussion of his latest book, “Who Needs Friends.”

Ritchie family makes $5 million lead gift for recreation center

A landmark commitment from Cliff '76 and Amy Ritchie names the university's newest signature facility and launches a bold new era for student wellness.

Lenoir-Rhyne names Amy B. Wood, Ph.D., as provost and vice president for academic affairs

A Hickory native with more than 16 years of prior service at LR, Wood brings broad experience in academic innovation, student success and regional partnerships to the university’s chief academic role.

Sydney Bowen puts students at the center of the LR experience

Lenoir-Rhyne's director of new student programs and engagement believes the best college experiences begin with listening, connection and a welcoming campus culture.

Students gather around a fire pit to socialize during Welcome Weekend

Building community and belonging one note at a time

More than 900 handwritten notes from LR alumni welcomed the university's largest incoming class, offering encouragement, campus traditions and a sense of belonging before move-in.