Plan Development

How the Strategic Plan was Developed

Shine Ever Brighter was shaped through a thoughtful, inclusive planning process designed to reflect Lenoir-Rhyne University’s mission, values, and long-term aspirations.

The process began in August 2025 with listening sessions involving faculty, staff, and students, complemented by an online alumni survey and conversations with community partners and other external stakeholders. These perspectives helped identify key strengths, opportunities and challenges facing the university in a rapidly evolving higher education landscape.

In September 2025, a draft strategic framework was developed based on this broad input and further refined by a cross-campus Strategic Plan Steering Committee of faculty and staff representing diverse areas of the university. Working collaboratively, the committee shaped the plan’s strategic themes, goals, priorities, and initiatives — ensuring the final plan was both aspirational and actionable.

The result is a focused, measurable strategic plan that balances ambition with adaptability and provides a clear roadmap for institutional decision-making and investment from 2026 through 2029.

As implementation begins, Shine Ever Brighter will guide new programs, partnerships, and investments across the university—supporting current students while strengthening Lenoir-Rhyne for future generations.

Professor talks with students around a table during a class
Two students examine petri dish during science lab
Group of students in dining hall having fun during student life event

Strategic Plan Steering Committee

The Strategic Plan Steering Committee was convened to guide the development of Lenoir-Rhyne University’s strategic plan by gathering input from across the university community and identifying the goals, priorities and key initiatives that inform the plan.

The committee’s work focused on advancing academic leadership, enhancing the student experience, strengthening alumni engagement and aligning institutional strategy. The committee completed its charge with the delivery of the strategic plan, which reflects broad institutional perspectives and shared priorities.

Michael Flicker

Michael Flicker

Senior Associate Athletic Director
Cade Hamilton

Cade Hamilton

Teaching Professor of Communication and Director of Debate Program
Amy Hedrick

Amy Hedrick

Dean, College of Humanities and Social Sciences
Michael McGee

Michael McGee

Assistant Provost of Graduate Education and Dean of the Graduate School
Cat Niekro

Cat Niekro, Co-Chair

Vice President of Advancement and Communications
Tunay Oguz

Tunay Oguz

Associate Professor of Economics, College of Business and Economics
Chad Rimmer

Chad Rimmer

Dean and Rector, Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary
Scott Schaefer

Scott Schaefer

Associate Professor of Biology, College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics
Paula Swindle

Paula Swindle

Associate Professor of Counseling and Counseling program coordinator
Mary-Ellen Sherrill

Mary Ellen Sherrill

Director of Alumni and Donor Engagement
Courtney Thompson

Courtney Thompson

Director of Financial Aid

Harry Titus, Co-Chair

Vice President for Student experience and Dean of Students