Lenoir-Rhyne University

Lenoir-Rhyne University Lenoir-Rhyne is a private liberal arts institution with locations in Hickory, NC; Asheville, NC & Columbia, SC. Extracurricular activities are abundant at LRU.
(414)

Founded in 1891, Lenoir-Rhyne University is celebrating 125 years of providing exceptional higher education opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students. The private, coeducational, liberal arts university encompasses three campuses in two states: a primary campus extending over 100-acres in the heart of Hickory, North Carolina, the Center for Graduate Studies of Asheville, NC, and the Ce

nter for Graduate Studies of Columbia, SC which shares a campus with the LR Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary (LTSS). Today, more than 2,300 undergraduate and graduate students are enrolled across the three campuses. This past academic year, LR welcomed its largest freshmen class, largest number of international students as well as its largest graduate classes at its Hickory and Asheville campuses in school history. The student to faculty ratio is 13:1, and there are over 50 undergraduate majors and 26 graduate programs for students to choose from. Recently added majors include criminal justice and social entrepreneurship, as well as graduate programs in exercise science and physician assistant studies. The challenging academic course work is supported by internships, mentor opportunities, work study, and study abroad programs designed to enhance the learning experience. Academic honor societies and organizations – such as the Lineberger Fellows – offer additional opportunities to challenge the intellectually gifted. LR competes in the South Atlantic Conference of the NCAA Division II in 22 varsity sports for men and women. Recreational sports, fraternities and sororities, service organizations, music and theater programs, student government, and faith-based groups are just some of avenues that allow students to pursue their passions. Lenoir-Rhyne is affiliated with the NC Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and welcomes students from all religious denominations and backgrounds. At Lenoir-Rhyne University, we encourage thoughtful and insightful conversation from students, faculty, staff, family, alumni, and the community. We will delete comments that contain abusive, vulgar, offensive, threatening or harassing language, personal attacks of any kind, or offensive terms that target individuals or groups. Users who have a continued pattern of negative or disruptive behavior on Lenoir-Rhyne social media accounts may be banned from the pages and reported to the host site.

For years, Kate and Bob Esch have helped ensure LR students have the resources they need to thrive β€” from basic needs su...
06/24/2026

For years, Kate and Bob Esch have helped ensure LR students have the resources they need to thrive β€” from basic needs support through Kate's Cupboard to research, internships and career development opportunities.

Their latest gift will sustain LR's internship microgrant program through the 2028-29 academic year, helping students pursue valuable career-connected learning experiences.

Thank you, Kate and Bob, for your extraordinary generosity and commitment to our students. 🐻

Read the full story with the link in the comments!

Today, Lenoir-Rhyne University observes Juneteenth. University offices and operations are closed as we honor this import...
06/19/2026

Today, Lenoir-Rhyne University observes Juneteenth. University offices and operations are closed as we honor this important day of remembrance and reflection.

06/18/2026

First steps. New connections. A bright future ahead. ✨

Our newest Bears were on campus this week for New Student Orientation, where they began building friendships, learning their way around LR and getting ready for an exciting fall semester. Welcome to the LR family, Bears! 🐻

A record-breaking year for Lenoir-Rhyne University!Thanks to the generosity of alumni, parents, faculty, staff, students...
06/16/2026

A record-breaking year for Lenoir-Rhyne University!

Thanks to the generosity of alumni, parents, faculty, staff, students and friends, LR raised a historic $19.76 million during fiscal year 2026 β€” the most philanthropic support ever received in a single year.

The year also set records for donor participation, annual fund support and giving day engagement as the university continues to build momentum through the Charge Forward campaign. 🐻

Read the full story with the link in the comments.

Join us in celebrating Juneteenth across Catawba County! ✨On June 20, the Catawba County Juneteenth Collaborative will h...
06/15/2026

Join us in celebrating Juneteenth across Catawba County! ✨

On June 20, the Catawba County Juneteenth Collaborative will host its fifth annual Juneteenth Festival at Lenoir-Rhyne University, bringing together communities from across the county for an afternoon of culture, history, music and celebration.

Enjoy live performances, local vendors, cultural exhibits, family-friendly activities and more.

06/12/2026
Pulitzer Prize-winning author and journalist Tim Egan is coming to LR. πŸ“šEgan will deliver the inaugural Huffman Lecture ...
06/11/2026

Pulitzer Prize-winning author and journalist Tim Egan is coming to LR. πŸ“š

Egan will deliver the inaugural Huffman Lecture on Social Justice in March 2027 as part of the university’s Bears Engage series focused on democracy, civic engagement and the American experience.

Read more with the link in the comments!

π–π‘πšπ­ 𝐚 𝐲𝐞𝐚𝐫 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐑𝐞 𝐁𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐬 🐻 Lenoir-Rhyne finishes 22nd in the NCAA Division II Learfield Directors Cup standings. This i...
06/09/2026

π–π‘πšπ­ 𝐚 𝐲𝐞𝐚𝐫 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐑𝐞 𝐁𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐬 🐻

Lenoir-Rhyne finishes 22nd in the NCAA Division II Learfield Directors Cup standings. This is the third top 25 appearance in the last four years for the Bears.

πŸ”— bit.ly/3Q7gKZo

|

Every Bear has a bestie, and today we're celebrating them all. Happy National Best Friend Day! 🐻🫢
06/08/2026

Every Bear has a bestie, and today we're celebrating them all. Happy National Best Friend Day! 🐻🫢

Address

625 7th Avenue NE
Hickory, NC
28601

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 5pm
Tuesday 8am - 5pm
Wednesday 8am - 5pm
Thursday 8am - 5pm
Friday 8am - 5pm

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Lenoir-Rhyne University posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Share