• 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.

A heartfelt thank-you

Message from University President Dr. Fred Whitt

  • Published October 1, 2024
Utility crew cleaning up and repair electric lines near Hickory campus

I wanted to take a moment to express my deepest gratitude for the incredible resilience, flexibility and positivity you've all demonstrated during the aftermath of Hurricane Helene.

I know that the past few days have been incredibly challenging, but your ability to adapt, support one another and find creative ways to stay connected is truly inspiring. Whether it's gathering in the library for fellowship or simply checking in on your neighbors, your kindness and community spirit have been a bright light during this difficult time.

I want to extend a special thank you to our dedicated staff members at Aramark Food Service, facilities staff in Hickory and Columbia, Campus Security, Athletics and Student Life. Their tireless efforts have ensured the safety and well-being of our students throughout this period. I’d also like to thank Wayne Huddleston of Duke Energy for his support and assistance, Nat Auten at the Hickory YMCA for opening their doors to our students, Hickory-based MDI and Jason Ramsey for loaning us a refrigerated trailer to help with food service, Lake Electric for providing a temporary generator and Catawba College for hosting our football game. 

At Lenoir-Rhyne, caring is one of our core values, and I know that we're all deeply concerned about those who continue to recover from the storm. The devastation in western North Carolina is heartbreaking, and the needs are immense. I've spoken with the presidents of several neighboring institutions, and they face significant challenges in returning to full operations.

We have staff, faculty and students in western North Carolina whose homes have been damaged and whose families are dealing with unimaginable hardships. We are working to determine how best to support them as they recover.

Thank you again for your patience, understanding, and unwavering support. Your commitment to our community is truly commendable. You have shown the very best of Lenoir-Rhyne.

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Return to Normal University Operations on Thursday, Feb. 20

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