• Announcing the Lenoir-Rhyne Tuition-Free Guarantee

    Lenoir-Rhyne announces tuition-free guarantee for North and South Carolina students
    With the Lenoir-Rhyne Tuition-Free Guarantee, tuition will never stand in the way of your dreams. Starting in fall 2026, eligible students from North and South Carolina can earn a world-class education tuition-free—powered by scholarships and grants, not loans.

    View the Lenoir-Rhyne Guarantee

University honors Omari Alexander with posthumous degree


Lenoir-Rhyne University will honor student-athlete Omari Alexander with a posthumous degree during the Hickory campus commencement ceremony on Friday, May 10.

Omari Alexander

Alexander, a 19-year-old sophomore from Concord, North Carolina, and member of the LR football team, was killed at an off-campus incident on November 20, 2021.

“Omari was a special young man who had a bright future. He will always be remembered fondly by his teammates and the LR community,” said Kim Pate, vice president for athletics.

Members of Alexander’s family will be in attendance at the commencement ceremony including his parents, the Rev. Russell and Shonja Alexander, who will accept the degree on his behalf.

“There is nothing more devastating for a university community than the loss of a student. This was particularly difficult for our LR campus, as we are a family who cares deeply for one another,” said Fred Whitt, Ed.D., university president. “I want to personally thank the Alexander family for joining us on campus. I hope they will take consolation, and some joy, in the knowledge this university forever remembers their son’s accomplishments, contributions and mark on our community.”

To honor his memory and provide assistance to future athletes who will pursue higher education at Lenoir-Rhyne, the Omari Alexander Memorial Scholarship fund was created last spring.

Student in audience smiles to camera while attending commencement ceremony

Lenoir-Rhyne expands access to higher education with a bold initiative that removes tuition costs for families across the Carolinas.

View More
Rolanda Gilliard

At 72, Rolanda Gilliard blends decades of service in social work and teaching with a lifelong love of writing, sharing faith through her ministry.

View More