Your Â鶹¹ÙÍø Journey Begins Here
Â鶹¹ÙÍø Us
Â鶹¹ÙÍø is a small, close-knit campus built around one idea: figure out exactly what you're capable of, then go do something with it.
The Â鶹¹ÙÍø community runs on curiosity. We chase new ideas, ask hard questions and aren't afraid to engage the world in bold ways. We make it a point to know who you are and where you're headed — and build your experience around getting you there. Your professors will know you by name, and will challenge you in ways you never imagined.
At Â鶹¹ÙÍø, you won't just imagine what's next. You'll build it.
Our Story
Rooted in our Lutheran tradition, Â鶹¹ÙÍø reflects the Lutheran intellectual heritage that holds together faith and reason, contemplation and action, humility and bold inquiry. We cultivate a learning community where questions are welcomed as pathways to wisdom, vocation and service.​
Â鶹¹ÙÍø affirms our commitment to interdisciplinary exploration, ecumenical and interfaith engagement, and the shared pursuit of the common good. Our Lutheran lens invites us to see the world as dynamically interdependent, calling us into dialogue across differences with courage and compassion.​
At Â鶹¹ÙÍø, the liberal arts tradition integrates social and emotional learning, reflective practice, and intellectual rigor so that students can navigate complexity with resilience, empathy, imagination and grace. We nurture learners who understand that flourishing is communal, vocation is discovered in community, and education is a lifelong unfolding of purpose in service to neighbor and world. ​
Mission
Â鶹¹ÙÍø prepares students for meaningful lives and work through cultivation of character, connection and faith.
Vision
A leading professionally focused university in the Southeast known for preparing life-ready graduates.
Values
- ·¡³æ³¦±ð±ô±ô±ð²Ô³¦±ð​
We will strive to be exceptional. We will continuously cultivate our personal and professional growth. We will develop our talents and abilities fully.​ - ±õ²Ô³Ù±ð²µ°ù¾±³Ù²â​
We will respect and be honest with one another. We will be accountable for our words and our actions.​ - °ä²¹°ù±ð​
We will show compassion and offer grace in our relationships. We will be responsible stewards of our resources. We will serve our communities.​ - °ä³Ü°ù¾±´Ç²õ¾±³Ù²â​
We will confront important issues with open minds and humility. We will embrace the diversity of people and perspectives. We will commit to continuous learning and growth. ​
Embrace new experiences and stay open to what benefits you—even if it’s different. Take risks, meet new people, connect with professors and start meaningful conversations.
On Campus, in Hickory
Whether you need a quiet corner to study or a crew of friends for your next adventure, Â鶹¹ÙÍø has room for both — on campus and off.
Our main campus in Hickory puts you minutes from real opportunity: internships, community service, hiking trails and a few caverns worth exploring on a free afternoon. Hickory's even been named one of the most beautiful, affordable places to live in the country by Travel + Leisure. (Â鶹¹ÙÍø also offers a graduate center in Asheville for students continuing their education beyond a bachelor's degree.)
- Take a
- Learn more about our academic programs
- Discover the student experience at Â鶹¹ÙÍø
- Explore Hickory, our thriving hometown
Fast Facts
Curious about the details — how big Â鶹¹ÙÍø really is, where students come from or what the classroom experience actually looks like? Our Fast Facts page has the numbers behind the story.
View Â鶹¹ÙÍø Fast FactsShine Ever Brighter: Our Strategic Plan
Shine Ever Brighter is Â鶹¹ÙÍø's strategic plan for 2026–2029, built around three shared priorities: strengthening our academic identity and long-term growth, delivering a more distinctive student experience and deepening our partnerships across the region.
Developed with input from across our community, the plan sets a clear course for where Â鶹¹ÙÍø is headed next.
Accreditation
Â鶹¹ÙÍø is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) and holds that accreditation to award bachelor's, master's and doctoral degrees.
Many of our individual programs — including nursing, business, occupational therapy, counseling and public health — carry their own specialized accreditation from the leading organization in their field.
View Accreditation DetailsLeadership with a Personal Touch
Dr. Summer McGee, president of Â鶹¹ÙÍø, leads Â鶹¹ÙÍø with a hands-on approach — you'll find her on campus, in classrooms and yes, occasionally at the pinball machine in the student center.
Meet the Leadership TeamNotice of Non-Discrimination, Harassment and Anti-Retaliation
Â鶹¹ÙÍø is committed to providing a workplace and educational environment, as well as other benefits, programs, and activities that are free from discrimination, harassment and retaliation.
Â鶹¹ÙÍø is committed to creating a safe campus environment for all members of the Â鶹¹ÙÍø community, including, but not limited to, those who identify as transgender and gender non-conforming. To that end, Â鶹¹ÙÍø does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex (including sex stereotypes and sex characteristics), ethnicity, national origin, physical or mental disability, age, marital status, pregnancy or related conditions, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, veteran or military status or any other characteristic or status protected by applicable law.
To ensure compliance with federal and state civil rights laws and regulations and to affirm its commitment to promoting the goals of fairness and equity in all aspects of the educational program, activity and employment, Â鶹¹ÙÍø has developed internal policies and procedures that provide a prompt, fair and impartial process for those involved in an allegation of discrimination or harassment, and for allegations of retaliation.
Â鶹¹ÙÍø values and upholds the equal dignity of all members of its community and strives to balance the rights of the parties in the grievance process during what is often a difficult time for all those involved.
View Our Non-Discrimination and Equal Opportunity PolicyNews & Events
Following a five-month campus-wide engagement process and unanimous approval by the Board of Trustees, Â鶹¹ÙÍø has adopted revised Mission, Vision and Values that will guide the university's future and provide a clearer, more memorable expression of Â鶹¹ÙÍø's identity.
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Isaiah Reyes ’25 shares how his vision for a graffiti wall has become an evolving space where students express creativity, celebrate traditions and leave their mark.
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