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LR launches redesigned homepage focused on brand, experience and engagement

Lenoir-Rhyne has launched a newly redesigned homepage at www.lr.edu, reflecting a more dynamic, engaging and student-centered online experience for prospective students, current students, families, alumni and the broader LR community.

Led by the Office of Marketing and Communications, the project began in December 2024 in partnership with OHO, a digital agency specializing in higher education with more than 100 college and university clients. 

“This project was about telling our story more clearly and creating an experience that reflects who we are as a university,” said Doug Minor, associate vice president for marketing and communications, who led the project. “It brings our mission to life—showing students that LR is a place where they can belong, be challenged and thrive.”

The redesign was grounded in extensive discovery work, including input sessions with key campus stakeholders from admission, advancement, student life and academic affairs, as well as a full review of LR’s branding, admission collateral and audience needs. Strategy, wireframes, creative design and technical specifications were developed collaboratively through multiple phases, ultimately leading to a homepage designed and implemented in Drupal, an open-source content management system widely used across higher education.

“Our goal was to deliver a homepage that’s visually compelling, accessible and focused on what matters most to visitors said Cat Niekro, vice president for advancement and communications. “Whether you're looking for a degree program, learning about campus life or just beginning your college search, the new homepage makes it easier to connect with the LR experience.”

From an admission perspective, the new homepage is a key tool in helping students navigate their next steps. “The redesigned homepage helps simplify the college search experience and gives prospective students direct access to the programs, pathways and support that make LR distinctive,” said Leah Beth Hubbard, assistant vice president for admission. “It’s an invitation to explore what’s possible at Lenoir-Rhyne.”

The homepage redesign complements a broader initiative to enhance how Lenoir-Rhyne presents itself to prospective students and families. In 2023-24, the offices of admission and marketing and communications also refreshed LR’s full suite of admission materials—including college brochures, print pieces and digital campaigns—all designed to reinforce the LR brand and reflect the vibrant, supportive experience students can expect on campus. The new homepage also lays the groundwork for broader changes in marketing and messaging, as the university continues to evolve how it communicates its brand and admission strategy in the months ahead.

The new homepage highlights:

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• Multimedia storytelling and more flexible content modules
• Student testimonials that reflect LR’s welcoming and supportive community
• Affordability and access initiatives, including the LR Promise and Bear Bound
• Location storytelling, showcasing Hickory, N.C., as a gateway to the mountains and as a great place to go to college, live and work
• Key LR differentiators, from accelerated master’s programs to outcomes-driven academics
• Expanded news and events sections with more items featured
• Improved usability across desktop and mobile

In addition, the homepage reflects LR’s commitment to accessibility by exceeding federal guidelines and aligning with WCAG 2.2 standards.

“Higher education websites have to do a lot—and fast. We focused on making sure prospective students can find what they need within a few clicks while also giving them a sense of who we are,” said Minor.

Future enhancements will continue to roll out in support of the university’s marketing and institutional priorities.

Visit www.lr.edu to explore the new homepage.