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.

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.

08/01/2026

🐾 Take your first steps toward becoming a Bear. Applications for the Class of 2031 are now open! Click the link in our comments to apply today!

07/30/2026

Lenoir-Rhyne University has named Amy B. Wood, Ph.D., as its next provost and vice president for academic affairs. An accomplished academic leader, LR alumna and former faculty member and administrator, Wood currently serves as vice provost of Appalachian State University’s Hickory campus. She begins Sept. 14.

Learn more with the link in the comments.

07/28/2026

Five days until you can start your LR journey. 🐻

Applications open Saturday, apply directly with the link in the comments!

07/24/2026

Community starts long before move-in. This summer, every incoming first-year and transfer student will receive a handwritten note from an LR alumnus welcoming them to the Bear family. 🐻❤️

Read the full story with the link in the comments!

Photos from Lenoir-Rhyne University's post

07/21/2026

The wait is almost over. One month until move-in, Bears! 🐻📦

07/20/2026

Getting move-in ready! 📦

New furniture has arrived at Fritz-Conrad Residence Hall, and we can't wait to see these spaces filled with Bears this fall. 🐻

07/15/2026

Can art inspire people to care more deeply about the natural world?

Claire Pope will explore that question as a Fulbright Scholar in Ireland this fall. Her research at the Burren College of Art will examine how experiences of awe and wonder can be translated into art that inspires environmental stewardship. 🌿

Read the full story with the link in the comments!

07/13/2026

Rooted in Tradition. Purpose Renewed. ✨
As Lenoir-Rhyne celebrates its 135th year, we're unveiling a revised Mission, Vision and Values that reflect who we are today while honoring the traditions that have shaped us for generations.

Rooted in our Lutheran heritage and focused on preparing life-ready graduates, these guiding statements will help shape the future of the LR experience for our students, faculty, staff and community.

Read more in the comments about this exciting milestone!

07/10/2026

You have arrived at your destination. 📍🐻

07/07/2026

It has been one year since President Summer McGee joined the Lenoir-Rhyne community. As we celebrate that milestone, we're sharing this Profile magazine feature, where she reflects on leadership, the people who make LR special and her vision for the future. 🎉🐻

Read the full story with the link in the comments!

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Location

Hickory

Website

http://www.lr.edu/

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

Lenoir-Rhyne University

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