• University Operations Update

    Return to Normal Operations - Tuesday, Feb. 3

    Lenoir-Rhyne will return to normal, in-person operations beginning Tuesday, Feb. 3, at all campus locations — Hickory, Asheville and Columbia.

    • Road conditions: We recognize that road conditions may remain hazardous in some areas and that travel may still be challenging.
    • Students: Those unable to travel safely to campus should communicate directly with their instructors to discuss absences.
    • Faculty and staff: Those unable to travel safely to campus should communicate directly with their supervisor to discuss appropriate arrangements.
    • Your safety remains our top priority, and we appreciate your continued communication and flexibility as we transition back to normal operations.
    • The university community is also invited to join President McGee for a Welcome Back Warm-Up on Tuesday from 8:30–9:30 a.m. in the Cromer Center on the Hickory campus. Stop by to enjoy donuts, coffee and hot chocolate as we reconnect and welcome one another back to campus.

    Operation Updates

LR at a Glance

Fast Facts


Students walking along campus sidewalk with LR red banners on light posts

Lenoir-Rhyne is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award bachelor's, master's and doctoral degrees. 

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
  • $200,000+ 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: 45+
  • 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
Yer Vang

One of the most important things that I’ve learned is that upperclassmen always say, 'once a Bear, always a Bear.' Now that I’ve been here a while, I truly believe that.

Yer Vang '20, Psychology
Students collaborate in an anatomy lab

Lenoir-Rhyne reports its largest application total in university history, reflecting growing interest in its academic experience and commitment to affordability.

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Students walking in front of Lineberger Administration Building into Rhyne Building

Five faculty members step into new assistant dean roles to strengthen student support, enhance academic programs, and provide more agile leadership across Lenoir-Rhyne’s colleges.

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