Lenoir-Rhyne is a private liberal arts institution with locations in Hickory, NC; Asheville, NC & Columbia, SC. Extracurricular activities are abundant at LRU.
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 β such as the Lineberger Fellows β 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.
06/15/2026
Join us in celebrating Juneteenth across Catawba County! β¨
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
06/11/2026
Pulitzer Prize-winning author and journalist Tim Egan is coming to LR. π
Egan will deliver the inaugural Huffman Lecture on Social Justice in March 2027 as part of the universityβs Bears Engage series focused on democracy, civic engagement and the American experience.
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.
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06/08/2026
Every Bear has a bestie, and today we're celebrating them all. Happy National Best Friend Day! π»π«Ά
06/06/2026
π» National Black Bear Day calls for a Joe Bear appreciation post.
Every campus needs a mascot. Ours happens to be the best.
06/03/2026
Wave if you love LR ππ»
06/02/2026
This Pride Month, Lenoir-Rhyne affirms our commitment to creating a campus where all are welcomed, valued and supported.
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. β€οΈπ»
Join us in celebrating the lasting impact of LRβs 2026 retirees and emerita honorees β and feel free to share your memories, congratulations and well wishes in the comments.
Read the full story with the link in the comments!