Lenoir-Rhyne University opened in 1891 as, created by four Lutheran pastors who wanted a school that would provide a sound education based on religious principles. Then called Highland Academy, it opened with 12 students enrolled. The school began on the estate of Captain Walter Lenoir. Before his death, Captain Lenoir donated the land to be used as a church-sponsored institute of higher learning. Four months after Highland College opened, it changed its name to Lenoir College in Captain Lenoir’s honor.
Old Main was destroyed by fire in 1921 and, because it was not covered by insurance, the school began a bond funding drive to replace the building as well as to build a women’s dormitory and dining hall. Local newspapers called on the public to donate books to replace ones lost during the fire in the library. The effort raised $900 and the school collected more than 9,000 books. In 1928, Daniel Efird Rhyne, a Lutheran businessman, donated $150,000 to the college toward their rebuilding efforts. The college was renamed Lenoir-Rhyne in his honor. Mauney Hall was constructed that same year after the Jacob and Andrew Mauney families paid for the construction.
Like many colleges, the end of World War II brought a significant increase in enrollment as soldiers returned from war and took advantage of the GI Bill. New courses were added and joint degree programs in partnership with other institutions were offered.
In 2007, John and Marilyn Moretz, alumni of the college, gave the largest gift in the history of Lenoir-Rhyne. The $5.1 million was used to fund a nursing scholarship and improve athletic facilities. A generous gift from Irwin Belk gave the university a statue of Martin Luther in 2010.
Today, the goal of Lenoir-Rhyne is to be a nationally recognized liberal arts university, known for its excellence in building tomorrow’s leaders. The college seeks to liberate mind and spirit, help students grow in their faith and foster physical wholeness in an effort to create leaders with a global focus.
Lenoir-Rhyne Accreditation Details
Lenoir-Rhyne University is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. Accreditation indicates that the university meets or exceeds criteria set forth by the agency that indicates excellence in education. In addition, specific programs are accredited by the following associations or organizations:
- Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs
- Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics
- Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education
- Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant
- Commission on Accrediting of the Association of Theological Schools in the United States and Canada
- Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
- Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs
- National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education
Lenoir-Rhyne University Application Requirements
First year undergraduate students must complete an application for admission and pay the applicable fee. Students must provide an official high school transcript as well as official ACT or SAT scores. Transfer students must complete an official application and pay the fee. They must also provide official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended as well as a dean’s reference form from each college and university attended. If the student has earned less than 24 semester or 36 quarter hours, they must provide official high school transcripts and may be required to provide ACT or SAT scores. No more than 64 semester or 96 quarter hours may be transferred from junior or community colleges while a maximum of 96 semester hours may be transferred from other institutions.
Graduate students must complete an application for admission as well as all documentation required by the program they are choosing to enter. Admissions decisions are normally received within five to ten days of application submission unless students are entering cohort-based programs including:
- Athletic Training
- Dietetic Internships
- Occupational Therapy
- Physician Assistant Studies
Tuition and Financial Aid
Full-time undergraduate tuition at Lenoir-Rhyne University is $33,730 per year. Graduate tuition is $550 per credit hour except for the following programs:
- Occupational Therapy or Dietetic Internship – $790 per credit hour
- Master of Arts in Christian Ministry – $707 per credit hour
- Master of Divinity and Master of Arts Religion – $16,275 full-time per year
- Physician Assistant Studies – Full-time – $86,878 estimate for full program
Financial aid is available for all students. In order to qualify, students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Aid is available in the form of subsidized and unsubsidized loans, PLUS loans, grants and scholarships.
Sports Management
Offered through the College of Health Sciences, the Sports Management degree at Lenoir-Rhyne provides students with a rich understanding of the growing sports management industry. The program provides a comprehensive foundation of the business aspects as well as skills necessary to be successful in Sport Management. The program includes instruction in business management, economics of sports, facilities, event management, law, marketing and issues that are faced in the industry, both psychological and social. Students have the opportunity to focus on a particular area of interest in order to specialize in the industry. Internships are highly recommended and encouraged as part of the program, providing students with the ability to learn a variety of career options while also gaining hands-on work experience.
Coursework includes health, exercise science along with business and economics. It is designed using guidelines of North American Society of Sports Management as well as the National Association for Sports and Physical Education. Major requirements for the program include:
- Business Management
- Critical Issues in Sport
- Economics of Sports
- Facility and Event Management
- First Aid/Emergency Care
- Introduction to Kinesiology
- Marketing
- Personal Health
- Principles in Sports Management
- Psychology of Sport and Physical Activity
- Sport in Society
- Sports Law
- Sports Marketing
Students must also complete a Sports Management Field Requirement or another program approved by their Program Director.
Degree programs offered through Lenoir-Rhyne University are based in a Christian philosophy, providing students with excellence in education as well as a strong connection to their faith. Programs are designed to create leaders in their field who will carry faith into their careers as well as the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed. Lenoir-Rhyne University provides students with the ability to advance in a current career or move into a new career through higher education.
Related Resource: What Does A Sports Nutritionist Do?
