Lenoir-Rhyne launches new strategic plan: "Shine Ever Brighter"

"Shine Ever Brighter" will guide the university’s vision and priorities from 2026–2029

Lenoir-Rhyne University has publicly launched its new strategic plan, "Shine Ever Brighter," an aspirational roadmap designed to strengthen the university’s mission, enhance the student experience and position LR for long-term success in a rapidly evolving higher education landscape.

Rooted in Lenoir-Rhyne’s mission and shaped by extensive community input provided in under six months, the plan reflects both the university’s proud legacy and its bold aspirations for the future.

“'Shine Ever Brighter' reflects what I have heard from our community since my first days at Lenoir-Rhyne — a deep commitment to our students and a shared desire to build momentum and create new opportunities for the future,” said President Summer McGee. “This plan gives us a clear and focused yet flexible path forward to ensure Lenoir-Rhyne is on a path to greater strength in a time of great change in our society and across higher education.”

An Inclusive Planning Process

The development of "Shine Ever Brighter" began in August 2025 with a series of listening sessions involving faculty, staff and students, along with an online survey of alumni and conversations with community partners and other external stakeholders. These early conversations helped identify Lenoir-Rhyne’s strengths, opportunities and key challenges.

In September 2025, a draft strategic framework was developed and refined by a cross-campus Strategic Plan Steering Committee composed of faculty and staff representing a wide range of disciplines and departments. Working collaboratively, the committee helped shape the plan’s strategic themes, goals, priorities and initiatives — ensuring the final plan is both aspirational and achievable.

Strategic Plan Themes

"Shine Ever Brighter" is organized around three strategic themes that will guide decision-making and investment across the university:

• Mission-Driven Momentum 
  Strengthening Lenoir-Rhyne’s identity, expanding academic innovation and driving enrollment growth and long-term sustainability.
• Excellence in Every Experience 
  Prioritizing student success through retention, belonging, academic quality and meaningful co-curricular experiences.
• Connection and Collaboration 
  Deepening relationships with alumni, donors, churches, community partners and other external stakeholders to extend LR’s impact.

Together, these themes provide a cohesive framework for advancing Lenoir-Rhyne’s mission while responding thoughtfully to the changing needs of students and society.  

As implementation begins this month, "Shine Ever Brighter" will guide new programs, partnerships and investments across the university from 2026 through 2029. Progress will be measured through clear goals and outcomes, with ongoing opportunities for community engagement and feedback.

The full strategic plan is available at www.lr.edu/strategic-plan.