• Return to Normal University Operations on Thursday, Feb. 20

    Lenoir-Rhyne University will return to normal university operations on Thursday, Feb. 20, at our all of our campus locations—Hickory, Columbia and Asheville. Classes will resume as scheduled, and all offices will be open.

    UPDATE: Feb. 20, 9:15 a.m. (from Academic Affairs)
    Due to the recent weather changes in Hickory, you may opt to move your classes to remote delivery today if you have concerns about safely traveling to campus. If you choose to hold classes remotely, please notify your students and your dean as soon as possible.

    For those holding in-person classes, we ask that you exercise flexibility with attendance policies, understanding that some students may face transportation challenges or safety concerns. Students should not feel compelled to risk unsafe travel conditions to attend class.

    Please communicate your teaching plans to your students and your dean.

    Thank you for your cooperation in ensuring everyone's safety while maintaining academic continuity.

Hurricane Helene Recovery Assistance

Large fallen tree across roadway getting cut up

As we continue to deal with the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, our thoughts are with those whose lives have been impacted by the storm. Many have asked about relief efforts and ways we can assist as a campus community. Included below are ways you can contribute both needed items and financial support.

We invite you to bring donations (needed items are listed below) for Lutheran Disaster Response while you visit us for Homecoming or any time through Nov. 1, 2024. You may drop off your donations at the main entrance of Grace Chapel or the lobby of Shuford Gym. 

Flood Clean-Up Buckets: purchase a 5-gallon bucket with a resealable lid (no screw-on lids) and fill it with the following items

  • One 4-8 oz pump spray air freshener
  • Five scouring pads - no stainless steel or pads with soap (remove from packaging)
  • Seven sponges, assorted sizes, including one large
  • One scrub brush (with or without a handle)
  • 18 reusable, lightweight multipurpose dry cleaning towels - no terrycloth, microfiber or paper towels (remove from packaging)
  • One 32-64 oz or two 25 oz bottle(s) of liquid laundry detergent
  • One 16-34 oz bottle of liquid disinfectant dish soap
  • One 12-40 oz bottle of liquid concentrate household cleaner that can be mixed with water - no spray bottles
  • One package of 36-50 clothespins
  • One 50-100 ft clothesline - cotton or plastic line
  • Five dust masks - N95 particulate respirator dust masks preferred; no surgical masks
  • Two pairs of heavy-duty, waterproof dishwashing gloves - latex free, non-surgical, durable for multiple use (remove from packaging)
  • One pair of work gloves - cotton with leather palm or all leather
  • 20-28 heavy-duty or contractor-type 30-45-gallon trash bags on a roll (remove from packaging)
  • One 6-9 oz bottle of non-aerosol insect repellent - pump spray bottles must have protective covers, packs of 10-20 insect-repellent wipes are also acceptable

Children’s Comfort Kits: include the following items in a plastic shoebox

  • Small notebook
  • Bubbles
  • Stress ball
  • Hand sanitizer
  • Crayons
  • Small stuffed animal
  • Play-Doh

Fleece Blankets

If you have any questions, please contact Todd Cutter, university pastor, director of spiritual life and director of Cornerstone Counseling, at todd.cutter@lr.edu.

Utility crew cleaning up and repair electric lines near Hickory campus
Financial Support

Your contributions can make a significant difference in hurricane relief and recovery efforts. Below are a list of trusted organizations that are actively providing aid and helping to bring much-needed resources to those affected.

Lutheran Disaster Response: Hurricane Relief American Red Cross of North Carolina North Carolina Disaster Relief Fund Catawba County United Way United Way of Asheville and Buncombe County