• University Storm Recovery Updates

    UPDATE: Tuesday, Oct. 29, 8:30 a.m.
    We are pleased to announce that Wi-Fi service has been restored to the Asheville Center. Current students, faculty, and staff may now access the building for study, work or other necessary activities. Please note there may be occasional short outages as our service provider continues the recovery process.

    Drinking water is not available in the building. Some bottled water is available on site, but we encourage anyone using the building to bring their own drinking water if possible. The bathrooms on site now have working toilets.

    We appreciate your patience and understanding as we navigate the challenges posed by Hurricane Helene. Please stay tuned for further updates.

    University Storm Recovery Updates

LR at a Glance

Fast Facts

LRU students on campus
Lenoir-Rhyne University

Lenoir-Rhyne is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award bachelor's, master's and doctoral degrees.

University Information

  • Founded in 1891 by four Lutheran pastors
  • Three locations: Hickory, N.C.; Asheville, N.C.; Columbia, S.C.
  • Motto: Veritas vos Liberabit (the truth shall set you free)
  • Alma mater: “Fair Star of Caroline”
  • Mission, vision and values
More About Lenoir-Rhyne

Student Body

  • 2,230+ students
  • 1,477 undergraduate (on-campus in Hickory, N.C.)
  • 753 graduate (on-campus and online)
  • Student distribution: 39 states/territories; 75 North Carolina counties; 29 countries
  • $30+ million awarded in scholarships and financial aid annually
  • $100,000+ in study abroad scholarships for LR students
  • 17,643+ living alumni (undergraduate and graduate degree holders) from all 50 states and many countries around the globe
A student looks through a microscope
Students looking over an assignment on a computer
Health students diagnose symptoms on a simulation
Business students working on a projects
Find Your Future

Lenoir-Rhyne has a number of engaged and challenging programs that can lead you down the path to a fulfilling career.

In the Classroom

  • Majors Offered: 50+
  • Minors: 53
  • Graduate Programs: 20
  • Student-to-faculty ratio 15:1
  • Average class size: 22
  • Faculty: 127 full time; more than 80% hold terminal degrees
Explore Our Academic Programs
The full football stadium on gameday
Soccer players celebrating
Former LR star Kyle Dugger running with the football
A volleyball player spikes the ball
Go Bears!

LR's passionate fan base supports a number of championship-caliber intercollegiate athletic programs that compete as a member of the NCAA and South Atlantic Conference.

Athletics

  • Mascot: Joe Bear
  • Conferences: South Atlantic Conference
  • Affiliation: NCAA Division II
  • Teams: 23
Explore Bears Sports
Aaron Cotteral

At Lenoir-Rhyne, I learned to accept and step up to challenges. As a student-athlete, I developed communication and leadership skills that prepared me for success in multiple arenas.

Aaron Cotteral '07, Communication

Financial Aid & Admissions

Bear cub statue with fall leaves and Mauney-Schaeffer in the background
LR board of trustees welcomes new members

Beginning their terms of service on the board this year are three enthusiastic alumni who have already gone far to improve campus life and student opportunities.

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University Updates text with Lenoir-Rhyne University logo
University storm recovery updates

Thank you for your patience as we navigate the effects of Hurricane Helene on the Hickory, Columbia and Asheville campuses and the surrounding areas. Check the Lenoir-Rhyne website regularly for the latest updates.

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October 29 / Rudisill Library
Yalidy Matos, Ph.D.: “Race, Ethnicity and Politics” 
November 07 / Grace Chapel
Visiting Writers Series: Andrew Aydin
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