Passion and
Purpose Defined

We don’t just offer a world-class education—we offer a community of passionate learners to lift you up and inspire you to become your best self.

Lenoir-Rhyne University Homepage

What kind of student are you?

Named a U.S. News Top 40 School for Social Mobility and Best Value in the South.

97%


Employed or in Grad School

within six months of graduation.

John Amodeo

I had a phenomenal college experience, and I now hold a degree in a field in which I'm interested. I’m excited to utilize it in disease research.

John Amodeo '18, Biology

$30M


Financial aid awarded to students annually

Making college accessible & affordable.

Hickory Campus


Our picturesque campus serves as the backdrop of our students’ diverse and shared experiences. Our students are leaders, researchers and champions. LR Bears are the heart of this small-college town, and the City of Hickory fosters a thriving community for our students.

Explore Our Hickory Campus

News & Events


See who's making news and what's happening at LR.

Randy Isenhour, director of public safety

Director of Public Safety Randy Isenhour joined LR in fall 2024 after decades with the Hickory Police Department. He reflects on his career and shares his hopes and advice for a safer campus.

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Normandy Bryant presents a liturgical dance during the 2024 MLK Celebration

Campus and community will once again join to celebrate the legacy of the Civil Rights icon and continue his work through spiritual and public service.

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We shape the entire person for faithful service to the church and to the world.

ELCA


Only ELCA seminary in the southeastern U.S.

Live your faith through public ministry.

Amanda Burke

Each of the programs on the Columbia campus shares a beautiful piece in common, serving others. These programs all nurture students that are called to serve others...

Amanda Burke, M.Div'21

100%


Faculty who have doctoral degrees

Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary


As soon as you arrive at LTSS in beautiful Hickory, North Carolina, you’ll experience what it means to be surrounded by caring and passionate professors and a community atmosphere that is both captivating and supportive.

Learn About LTSS

News & Events

In front of red backdrop with LR logo visible, two female students hold out Bears Say Thanks stickers to foreground

Lenoir-Rhyne celebrates the success of Giving Tuesday, an annual global giving movement for the causes and organizations we care most about.

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Procession with the cross into Christ Chapel

LTSS faculty, staff, alumni, students and friends shared memories and looked ahead as they gathered at the decommissioning service for the Columbia campus.

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