Go Beyond Your Comfort Zone

Research & Scholarship


There are endless reasons why you should make the most of the research and scholarship opportunities available to you at LR.

You'll gain invaluable experience and mentorship opportunities with our expert faculty, build up your resume, gain leadership experience, get opportunities to study abroad, prepare for graduate or professional studies and network with prospective employers.

All LR undergraduates complete in their core curriculum the “Level II” course sequence as part of general education requirements. In these upper-division generalist courses, you select research topics, produce your work and, ultimately, complete your capstone requirement by means of a public presentation to the campus on your findings. In this regard, LR is among the very few colleges and universities that provide such attention to research and public presentation for all undergraduate students.

Many LR students also complete research presentations off-campus through state-wide, regional and/or national conferences. For example, each year, students in the natural sciences who are completing their senior research projects may present at the North Carolina Academy of Sciences Conference.

Similar opportunities exist for students in diverse programs such as mathematics and computer science, psychology, history and the health sciences. Many opportunities exist for creative expression in fine arts programs like music, art and theatre, where students showcase their talents in public settings.

Estefanny Villar-Matamoros

It can be overwhelming and intimidating in STEM, but our College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics is dedicated to the success of students. The energy and people are amazing.

Estefanny Villar-Matamoros '20, Pre-Medical Science

Opportunities for Every Student


If you're looking for a way to enrich your education and expand your knowledge, explore the variety of opportunities to LR students have to conduct research, scholarship and do creative work. 

  • Fritz Honors College

    The Fritz Honors College encourages highly motivated students to reach their full potential.

    As a student in the honors college, you will be put into specialized classes with your intellectual peers and Lenoir-Rhyne's finest professors to encourage further academic and personal growth.

    View Fritz Honors College
  • Nursing Scholars

    Nursing Scholars is a four-year program. Students are eligible to apply during the senior year of high school. The program aims to enhance the undergraduate experience of LR's high-performing students with an interest in earning a Bachelor of Science in Nursing.

    Throughout the program, you will receive personalized academic support, enrichment opportunities, and a learning community with other top-academic pre-nursing students. Additionally, students admitted to the program earn conditional admission into the School of Nursing directly out of high school.

    View Nursing Scholars
  • Teaching Scholars

    Teaching Scholars are placed in Hickory-area school districts throughout programs of study where you serve as tutors, small group leaders and instructional assistants.

    Students who receive Teaching Scholar scholarships are required to participate in ongoing professional development activities in addition to standard university academic requirements.

    Exceptional academic, professional and service-related performance is required in order to remain in the program. All scholars maintain residency on campus throughout their programs of study.

    View Teaching Scholars

As a child, Carly Godfrey '23, MBA '24, learned to swim at LR. Years later, a spot on the swim team would bring her back to learn so much more and make way for a bright future.

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Ellis Horton '24 has been a constant presence in student life and athletics during his years at LR -- and he has kept his long-term goal in sight the whole time.

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