LR at a Glance

Fast Facts


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

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

Athletics


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

My professors have an open-door policy and are more than willing to walk me through a concept or even have a broader discussion to enhance my understanding of the material.

Olivia Thorn '21, Biology
Banners on light posts along the quad by Mauney-Schaeffer during installation in late spring

Improvements around campus include HVAC units in Isenhour dorm rooms, fresh paint, new floors as well as cutting-edge technology in Rhyne building classrooms and much more.

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Fred Whitt

Lenoir-Rhyne University’s 12th President, Dr. Fred Whitt, has announced that he plans to retire at the of the 2024-25 academic year, ending what will be 50 years of a distinguished career in higher education.

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