under Falwell, Jr.’s watch. Because of the school’s AA bond rating, the university can now afford a massive overhaul to its main academic campus, which will include the state-of-the-art Jerry Falwell Library, with an automated book retrieval and delivery system that will allow students to request a book and have it delivered to a designated location in the library. Liberty’s football program is readying itself for a move into the NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS), which will have Liberty competing at the same level as the University of Virginia and Virginia Tech. Liberty
would be the only private school in Virginia competing at that level. Late last year, Liberty readied itself for ascent to the FBS by hiring Turner Gill, a one-time Nebraska quarterback who is recognized as one of the bright young coaches in America. The school’s football team has either won outright or shared in the Big South Conference championship four straight years. The school has greatly expanded its Club Sports programs and facilities, allowing a greater number of students to participate in athletics. The university’s men’s and women’s Club
Sports hockey teams have been nationally ranked, as has the school’s competitive paintball team. Josh McDougal won the NCAA National Cross Country Championship in 2007. Sam Chelanga won the same title in 2009 and in 2010 became Liberty’s first outdoor track and field national champion when he won the 10K. Chelanga had the third-fastest 10K time in the world in 2010. “Dr. Falwell used to say, ‘If it is Christian, it ought to be better,’” Godwin said. “We try to make that our working mantra every day.”
J O E L CO L E M A N
JAN. 2012
Liberty opens Zaki Gordon Cinematic Arts Center
JAN. 2012
Liberty announces its second initial public bond offering, selling $100 million of taxable bonds
APRIL 2012
Liberty University Online hits 75,000 students
JAN. 2012
Pedestrian tunnel to Wards Road opens
MARCH 2012
MARCH 2012 First voting precinct opens on campus
MAY 2012
Jerry Falwell Library groundbreaking
Hancock Welcome Center nears completion
MAY 2012
DeMoss rooftop patio under construction LIBERTY JOURNAL
11