News | Lenoir-Rhyne University

While wearing a mask, Zakiya Ruth, left, writes on a whiteboard on the table while looking at a student who has her back to the camera.

Education student uses service to others as forefront of experience

Growing up, junior education major Zakiya Ruth was raised to be selfless and help others. Now as part of the Teaching Scholars program, she is tutoring students in the classroom.

Hubbard and Sanford '13 named to Hickory’s Top 10 Under 40

Leah Beth Hubbard, special assistant to the president for strategic initiatives, has been named to this year’s Top 10 Under 40 list by the Hickory Young Professionals.

Noah Jenkins wears a lab coat and safety glasses in an indoor lab

New perspective brought to LR community by veteran

After serving his country as a former medic with the 101st Airborne, Noah Jenkins is paving his way in academics and relationships at LR. With sights on a future career in pharmaceuticals or even more education, he is working toward a bachelor’s degree in biochemistry.

Passion for psychiatric nursing put into action

Post high school, veteran student Anthony Guy initially served in the United States Navy. He completed an additional 11 years of service and survived an explosion – being medically discharged, Guy uses his military benefits to pursue a degree in nursing.

Amy Sain, right, pours liquid from a beaker while masked in a lab

Navy veteran finds fulfillment in obtaining college degree

Transitioning from her service in the Navy to higher education, Amy Sain worked as a Master-at-Arms, or MP, at the Naval Air Station Oceana. Now she is working toward a bachelor’s degree in biology as part of her path to achieve her childhood dream of becoming a veterinarian.

Amy Sain, third from left, stands outside with her fellow Navy men outside in front of a ship

Veterans find place and purpose at Lenoir-Rhyne

As America celebrates Veterans Day, several veteran students are making their impact at Lenoir-Rhyne. Their years of service provide a depth of experience to the Bear community, and their lives enrich the communities in which they live.

All-American and all-time scoring record holder Eric Dickinson ’21 holds up the South Atlantic Conference championship trophy.

One to Remember

The men’s lacrosse team makes a historic run to the national championship game in spring 2021 season.

Avery Staley, right, shakes hands with a student, left, outside on campus.

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in Action

Appointed in June, the inaugural vice president for diversity, equity and inclusion and chief diversity officer – Avery Staley – sets his intentions and goals for the role.

Taylor Newton, Ph.D., far right, stands with a group of student volunteers at an outdoor event.

England, Elections and Vaccines: Professor Taylor Newton devoted to service in time of need

Professor Taylor Newton, Ph.D., had been approved to spend a year as a visiting researcher at the University of Birmingham before the pandemic. Instead, she used the time to address vaccine hesitancy in Catawba County and throughout the state.

Andrea Castillo wears a mask inside a classroom and practices looking for a heartbeat with her stethoscope on a baby manikin.

First-generation student rises above the challenges to help others

Andrea Castillo, a junior nursing student, is fulfilling a dream for herself and her parents by being the first in her family to attend college. Her Cherokee Indian and Mexican heritage fuels her passion in pursuing her degree.

Madeline Schmidt stands outside and looks through a telescope at night.

Infinity and Beyond

With a love for space travel and NASA, senior Madeline Schmidt spent 10 weeks of her summer as a NASA intern – leading to her completely changing the way she sees assignments and future job prospects.

On a coastal hike, Chrissy Elliott stands with her back to the camera overlooking the Loutro Bay in Crete, Greece.

Backpacking Bear

With a passion for traveling, alumna Chrissy Elliott '96 has been to 55 countries, 47 states and five continents in the last 25 years – and has no plans of slowing down.