• Welcome Dr. Summer McGee as LR’s 13th President

    Lenoir-Rhyne University Board of Trustees Appoints Dr. Summer McGee as President
    Lenoir-Rhyne University has selected Summer McGee, Ph.D, as the institution’s 13th president. Her appointment was enthusiastically approved by the Lenoir-Rhyne Board of Trustees after a national search.

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Passion and
Purpose Defined

We don’t just offer a world-class education—we offer a community of passionate learners to lift you up and inspire you to become your best self.

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Named a U.S. News Top 40 School for Social Mobility and Best Value in the South.

97%


Employed or in Grad School

within six months of graduation.

John Amodeo

I had a phenomenal college experience, and I now hold a degree in a field in which I'm interested. I’m excited to utilize it in disease research.

John Amodeo '18, Biology

$30M


Financial aid awarded to students annually

Making college accessible & affordable.

Hickory Campus


Our picturesque campus serves as the backdrop of our students’ diverse and shared experiences. Our students are leaders, researchers and champions. LR Bears are the heart of this small-college town, and the City of Hickory fosters a thriving community for our students.

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Students in the audience at the 2025 Student Life Awards

A shining night of celebration and community, the Student Life Awards returned to honor the passion, leadership, and spirit that define LR’s campus life.

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The door to Toni Oakes' office covered with post-it notes from students, Theta Xi flag to the left

Beloved professor. Inspiring mentor. Joyful presence. Lenoir-Rhyne remembers Dr. Toni Smith Oakes, who shaped the heart and spirit of the OT program.

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Earn a graduate degree on your terms with learning that fits your life.

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Graduate Programs

With expert faculty focused on your success.

Hailey Venable

I gained essential hands-on experience during my occupational therapy internships, which helped prepare me for providing acute inpatient rehabilitation as an occupational therapist.

Hailey Venable MS'18

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Three graduate campus locations in two states

Hickory, Asheville & Columbia


Whether it’s reinventing your career, advancing your professional skills or elevating your business, our three locations offer quality academic programs paired with hands-on learning opportunities in cities filled with cultural and civic opportunities.

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News & Events

Students in the audience at the 2025 Student Life Awards

A shining night of celebration and community, the Student Life Awards returned to honor the passion, leadership, and spirit that define LR’s campus life.

View More
The door to Toni Oakes' office covered with post-it notes from students, Theta Xi flag to the left

Beloved professor. Inspiring mentor. Joyful presence. Lenoir-Rhyne remembers Dr. Toni Smith Oakes, who shaped the heart and spirit of the OT program.

View More

We shape the entire person for faithful service to the church and to the world.

ELCA


Only ELCA seminary in the southeastern U.S.

Live your faith through public ministry.

Kim Bryant

I am grateful for the preparation for ministry and the knowledge we need to serve. The challenges of the courses gave us additional insight and improved our understanding of what it means to serve.

Kim Bryant, MACM '21

100%


Faculty who have doctoral degrees

Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary


As soon as you arrive at LTSS in beautiful Hickory, North Carolina, you’ll experience what it means to be surrounded by caring and passionate professors and a community atmosphere that is both captivating and supportive.

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News & Events

Newly appointed LR president Dr. Summer McGee

Lenoir-Rhyne University has selected Summer McGee, Ph.D, as the institution’s 13th president. Her appointment was enthusiastically approved by the Lenoir-Rhyne Board of Trustees after a national search.

View More
Sidewalk leading to Cromer Center in the shadow of trees during summer

The presidential search committee is pleased to announce that, after conducting a third round of interviews, we have confirmed two finalists for the presidency. As we shared earlier, we will host on-campus forums for these finalists, providing opportunities for faculty, staff, and students to engage with them.

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