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.
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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.

This Pride Month, Lenoir-Rhyne celebrates our LGBTQ+ community and reaffirms our commitment to creating a campus where a...
06/02/2026

This Pride Month, Lenoir-Rhyne celebrates our LGBTQ+ community and reaffirms our commitment to creating a campus where all are welcomed, valued and supported.

For decades, these faculty and staff members have helped make Lenoir-Rhyne feel like home for generations of students, c...
05/31/2026

For decades, these faculty and staff members have helped make Lenoir-Rhyne feel like home for generations of students, colleagues and alumni. ❤️🐻

Join us in celebrating the lasting impact of LR’s 2026 retirees and emerita honorees — and feel free to share your memories, congratulations and well wishes in the comments.

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More than a century ago, Agnes Myung Sool Park crossed the Pacific Ocean 🚢, traveled by train across the American West 🚂...
05/28/2026

More than a century ago, Agnes Myung Sool Park crossed the Pacific Ocean 🚢, traveled by train across the American West 🚂 and arrived in Hickory to begin her studies at Lenoir-Rhyne.

In 1924, she became the university’s first international student graduate. 🌏🎓

In 2025, her granddaughter Karen Higo visited campus to retrace that journey and reflect on the courage, independence and curiosity that shaped her grandmother’s remarkable life.

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Today, Lenoir-Rhyne University remembers and honors the brave men and women who gave their lives in service to our count...
05/25/2026

Today, Lenoir-Rhyne University remembers and honors the brave men and women who gave their lives in service to our country. Their sacrifice will never be forgotten.

📸🐻 One last scroll through the school year
05/21/2026

📸🐻 One last scroll through the school year

📸 Smiles, campus tours and future Bears everywhere!Orientation season continues at LR with upcoming overnight sessions o...
05/18/2026

📸 Smiles, campus tours and future Bears everywhere!

Orientation season continues at LR with upcoming overnight sessions on June 15, June 25. Followed by one-day sessions on July 25 and August 20. We’ll see you on campus soon! 🐻

Senior Spotlight season is here 🎓 — meet Lenoir-Rhyne students shaping their futures through clinical experience, resear...
05/17/2026

Senior Spotlight season is here 🎓 — meet Lenoir-Rhyne students shaping their futures through clinical experience, research and community service as commencement approaches, including Naomi Manea ’26, whose work reflects a deep commitment to patient-centered medicine 🧬✨

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05/14/2026

Years of hard work led to this moment. A look back at commencement and the Class of 2026 crossing the stage. From first day on campus to graduation, these students have grown as scholars, leaders and individuals. This is more than a ceremony — it’s the start of an exciting new chapter. Congratulations to Lenoir-Rhyne’s newest alumni! 🎓🐻

Six Lenoir-Rhyne University students earned awards for their research presentations at the 2026 North Carolina Academy o...
05/13/2026

Six Lenoir-Rhyne University students earned awards for their research presentations at the 2026 North Carolina Academy of Science meeting🔬🧪🏆

Twenty-one Bears attended the conference, sharing original work across biology, chemistry, biochemistry, medical studies and environmental science, with 10 presenting and six recognized for outstanding presentations.

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Senior Spotlight season continues — today we celebrate Lorena Rojas Reyes ’26, whose journey has come full circle at Len...
05/12/2026

Senior Spotlight season continues — today we celebrate Lorena Rojas Reyes ’26, whose journey has come full circle at Lenoir-Rhyne.

Lorena once worked behind the counter at the Bear’s Lair, serving students as she quietly imagined becoming one herself. This week she graduates with a major in public health, turning years of lived experience into a future rooted in family, health and community. ⭐⭐

Read the full story with the link in the comments!

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

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