Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

LR fosters an inclusive and welcoming environment for all systemically underrepresented student populations at the university.

Lenoir-Rhyne University seeks to become a nationally recognized liberal arts institution of choice, known for building leaders for tomorrow. To reach this goal and to continue to foster the development of the whole person, we understand the value of diversity and inclusion within our campus community.

As a growing university, we encourage members from all backgrounds, who bring with them a desire for excellence, integrity, care and curiosity, to join our campus family.

We encourage students, faculty, staff to reach beyond what has always been comfortable and stretch to learn about the many cultures and people that surround them.

We strive for a campus climate in which all members are able to freely express their culture and ethnicity.

It is through meaningful interactions with those who do not look like us nor share similar backgrounds, where we as a community are better equipped to understand who we are and ultimately who we can become. By valuing these differences and all that we share, you learn how to interact effectively with a wide variety of people, which builds community and prepares you for the working world.

Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

The Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI), along with the entire Lenoir-Rhyne community, seeks to ensure LR is a place where all of our students, faculty and staff feel welcome. The DEI office works closely with administration, faculty and staff to be inclusive, in providing an excellent educational and work experience.

We value everyone regardless of culture, religion, gender, race or socioeconomic status. We are committed to finding strength in our differences and producing leaders who embrace and advance diversity, equity and inclusion. This work includes developing policies, procedures and practices that advance our goal of inclusion.

We encourage you to learn more about our work, including our Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Council and our Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Commitment Plan.

Multicultural Affairs

Our Office of Multicultural Affairs aspires to create and support a diverse community that welcomes people of all races, cultures, ages, genders, sexual orientation, religions, socioeconomic levels, political perspectives, abilities, opinions, values and experiences.

We strive to reflect these differences in our decisions, curriculum, programs and actions. As a university community, we seek to ensure that underrepresented groups have equal access to the education and resource opportunities available at Lenoir-Rhyne.

Multicultural Affairs organizes and co-sponsors dynamic programs, which range from speakers and films to cultural celebrations—each representing a small piece of the diversity displayed at LR.

Shuford Center for International Education

There are many co-curricular activities that enrich the Lenoir-Rhyne education. By participating in study abroad or interacting with international students on our campus, you will expand your knowledge and engage other cultures in ways that broaden your perspective.

Our William and Robert Shuford Center for International Education initiates and supports events and programs that contribute to a global education. Not only do we provide support to our international students, but also facilitate the study abroad process.