About Us
Discover how the small, supportive campus community at Lenoir-Rhyne University is an amazing place for living and learning on the way to obtaining your degree.
Our community passionately embraces the unknown. Our curiosity propels us to explore new ideas, to crave knowledge, and to engage the world in bold ways. United by our mission, we make it a point to know who you are and where you want to go. Your professors will know you by name, and will challenge you in ways you never imagined.
At LR, you’ll be inspired and prepared to make your mark in the world.
Our Story
Rooted in our Lutheran tradition, Lenoir-Rhyne University reflects the Lutheran intellectual heritage
that holds together faith and reason, contemplation and action, humility and bold inquiry. We cultivate
a learning community where questions are welcomed as pathways to wisdom, vocation and service.
Lenoir-Rhyne affirms our commitment to interdisciplinary exploration, ecumenical and interfaith
engagement, and the shared pursuit of the common good. Our Lutheran lens invites us to see the
world as dynamically interdependent, calling us into dialogue across differences with courage and
compassion.
At Lenoir-Rhyne, the liberal arts tradition integrates social and emotional learning, reflective practice,
and intellectual rigor so that students can navigate complexity with resilience, empathy, imagination
and grace. We nurture learners who understand that flourishing is communal, vocation is discovered in
community, and education is a lifelong unfolding of purpose in service to neighbor and world.
Mission
Lenoir-Rhyne prepares students for meaningful lives and work through cultivation of character,
connection and faith.
Vision
A leading professionally focused university in the Southeast known for preparing life-ready graduates.
Values
- Excellence
We will strive to be exceptional. We will continuously cultivate our personal and professional growth. We will develop our talents and abilities fully. - Integrity
We will respect and be honest with one another. We will be accountable for our words and our actions. - Care
We will show compassion and offer grace in our relationships. We will be responsible stewards of our resources. We will serve our communities. - Curiosity
We will confront important issues with open minds and humility. We will embrace the diversity of people and perspectives. We will commit to continuous learning and growth.
One of the benefits of being at a small college is that I know all my professors, and not only do they help me in their classes, but they also support me in other classes.
What Makes LR Home
Whether you are looking for a quiet place to study, opportunities to unwind and explore with lifelong friends, LR has you covered both on or off-campus.
Our campuses in Hickory, Asheville and Columbia are surrounded by thriving cities that offer great opportunities for internships, community service or recreational fun.
Notice of Non-Discrimination, Harassment and Anti-Retaliation
Lenoir-Rhyne University is committed to providing a workplace and educational environment, as well as other benefits, programs, and activities that are free from discrimination, harassment and retaliation.
LR is committed to creating a safe campus environment for all members of the LR community, including, but not limited to, those who identify as transgender and gender non-conforming. To that end, LR does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex (including sex stereotypes and sex characteristics), ethnicity, national origin, physical or mental disability, age, marital status, pregnancy or related conditions, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, veteran or military status or any other characteristic or status protected by applicable law.
To ensure compliance with federal and state civil rights laws and regulations and to affirm its commitment to promoting the goals of fairness and equity in all aspects of the educational program, activity and employment, LR has developed internal policies and procedures that provide a prompt, fair and impartial process for those involved in an allegation of discrimination or harassment, and for allegations of retaliation.
LR values and upholds the equal dignity of all members of its community and strives to balance the rights of the parties in the grievance process during what is often a difficult time for all those involved.
View Our Non-Discrimination and Equal Opportunity PolicyNews & Events
Isaiah Reyes ’25 shares how his vision for a graffiti wall has become an evolving space where students express creativity, celebrate traditions and leave their mark.
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Purchased by South Carolina-based Clear Dot Charter School, the historic campus will continue serving students through an educational mission.
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