Training Champions for Christ since 1971 |
Media Kit
ion from the 71, Liberty’s miss 19 in d de un Fo sity. for Catholic Christian univer e world’s largest re Dame provides ot th ; N t ity ha rs w ve to ni r U y ila rt d academic lical Christians, sim Welcome to Libe for Liberty include iversity for evange als un s go e las -c Th ld h. or ut w a yo te iversity. We outset was to crea ovides for Mormon y major secular un ung University pr an Yo at m d ha ig un fo Br t s m ha w progra young people and and a faculty me facilities and Biblical morality in hletics, and the sa at ed I ot ro on t isi uc iv D nd universities t with a code of co excellence, NCAA job. While many istian environmen a hr st C ju t ely no tiv , nc ng sti lli a di a ca would maintain view teaching as ents, coupled athletic achievem ed Christians who d itt an m ic m co em ad by ac ely ’s ilar goals, Liberty populated exclusiv orld in every founded with sim ively impact the w y sit all po in ig to or ist e hr er C w r ld s fo in the New Wor aining Champion to its vision — Tr t en itm m m co g in with an unwaver e Liberty unique. profession — mak the Christian fundamentals of e th in ed ot ro t ctrinal statemen ent, individual idenced by its do limited governm ev of is es r pl te ci ac in ar pr ch ng Liberty’s unique le fostering a is nation’s foundi all disciplines whi ing respect for th in id h ab ut d tr an al ic ep bl de bi ed to integrating faith as well as a berty’s faculty faculty is committ d worldviews. Li an ur s O ie e. ph ris so rp ilo te ph en g liberties, and free explore competin s to hold sway ectness that seem urages students to rr co co en al at ic th lit t po en e th learning environm sion of ideas over d the free expres an om ed fre ic promotes academ iversities. at many major un over 50 new , Liberty is adding ne alo ar ye is Th ss. sities that can e of its uniquene sive list of univer cent years becaus clu re ex in ry y ve dl a pi ed ra in n w jo Liberty has grow ET-accredited s. Liberty has no ces school with AB to students’ need se ien sc on l sp na re tio in ta s pu m com ). academic progra engineering and (opening Fall 2014 d law school, an ite ed cr ac Aa medical school AB d an an y, er ar off in m to se im a , cla aviation program ic arts school, an at m ne ci a s, m ra prog rty University since 1985. Libe m ra og pr g in rn lea iversity in the ering a distance nprofit online un ult education, off ad no e, of at r iv ee pr on st pi ge a lar e st university Liberty has been d has become th is the seventh large rty eering program an be on Li pi s, at pu th m ca of t on Online grew ou e and over 12,000 sity in Virginia. nts enrolled onlin de stu 00 ,0 90 the largest univer er d ov an n, ith tio W na n. e th tio na in nprofit university t interest in largest private, no created significan e d th an n, ht tio lig na ot e sp th l in na e strive to rty into the natio ion in the U.S. W t has drawn Libe at en uc em ed ev er hi gh ac hi is rm Th ditional lieve could transfo unique blend of tra el, which some be a od h m ug s es ro th sin ed bu r id ou excellence is prov ition and ent where teaching ation, keeping tu nm uc ro ed vi er en gh hi an . te .S ea U cr s current trends in ers. y. Our model defie er liv de e idies from taxpay lin on d an gth without subs en str al ci an fin g le buildin fees affordable whi
Financial serv ices companie s have written about Liberty taxable bonds ’s growth and an “A1” ratin financial stabili g, cited our “u n “AA,” anticipat ty. Moody’s In commonly stro vestors Servic ed that Liberty ng operating e, which gave performance.” “will continue our Christian iden St to an en d ar jo d y & Poor’s, while strong studen tity and attrac t demand wit tive pricing fo ra ti n g our bonds h a successful r a nonprofit p Christian univ brand centere rivate universi ersity to surpas d on ty s .” $1 an In December billion in net evangelical 329 years to re 2012, Liberty assets. To illu ach this same became the firs strate the sign milestone in 19 ifi t evangelical cance of this ac 65. hievement, it took Harvard University As we move forward in 20 13 and beyo nd, Liberty’s throughout ev mission of Tra ery endeavor undertaken by ining Champi atmosphere th ons for Christ the university . I hope your at our studen will continue ts experience visit to campu to be pervasi every day. s will provide ve a glimpse into the life-changi If you have an ng y questions ab out campus, L (434) 582-22 iberty’s mission 50 or visit ou , or our plans r website at w for the future ww.Liberty.e , please conta du/PressKit. ct our media office at Thank you fo r visiting Liber ty University.
Jerry Falwell, Jr. Chancellor an d President
We recommend that you also visit www.Liberty.edu/PressKit
More information is available in this complete online press kit: ° Videos ° Photos for download ° Quotes, Newsfeed ° Doctrinal statement and other Liberty distinctives ° Extensive background information and full history Through this website, you can also request an interview.
Chancellor Jerry Falwell, Jr. and his wife, Becki
HISTORY
The Story of Liberty Training Champions for Christ since 1971 Believing that Candlers Mountain was the only tract of land
large enough to accommodate the great campus he had
The vision was to found a world-class Christian university. And
envisioned, Falwell approached the company that owned the
it started with one man.
property, asking if it was for sale. He received an answer that
In 1971, Pastor Jerry Falwell, Sr. challenged his congregation at
Liberty miracle. “Strange that you should ask,” the executive
became characteristic of many moments in the story of the
Thomas Road Baptist Church in Lynchburg, Va. to establish a
told Falwell. “Just days ago we decided to sell the exact piece
Christian college.
of land you need.” After writing a check for the earnest money,
Falwell’s dream became a reality that fall when 154 students
the way, please don’t cash the check for a few days. We don’t
Falwell shook hands and added as he headed for the door, “By
arrived for their first day at the newly established Lynchburg Baptist College. Classes were held in the educational buildings of the church. The entire staff consisted of four full-time faculty members and several unpaid, part-time faculty members. Small houses across the street from the church were purchased and turned into residence halls.
have any money right now, but we’ll get it!” Through those founding years, students and faculty were inspired to influence the moral and ethical course of America. Subsequently, the school’s name officially changed to Liberty Baptist College in 1975 and the colors were changed to red, white, and blue.
Construction began on Liberty Mountain in 1977.
In 1977, construction of the first buildings began on what was
Jerry Falwell, Jr., now chancellor and president, stepped
soon to be known as Liberty Mountain.
up to fill his father’s shoes and took the podium during Commencement 2007, just days after his father’s passing.
By 1985, the school had become recognized as a fully-accredited
Looking out at the graduates and their families, he proclaimed,
university, and was adding programs and garnering recognition
“We have prepared for this transition for 15 years or more.
from both mainstream culture and the world of academia.
All is well at Liberty.”
Distance learning was also pioneered that year, launching what is now known as Liberty University Online.
Challenges and Transition
Indeed, all was well. Over the next five years, Liberty grew exponentially in facilities and programs and in finances and influence. Enrollment increased from 9,600 to more than 12,500 residential students and from 27,000 to
The next decade proved especially rocky for the young
more than 80,000 online students. Liberty Mountain not
university, as a wave of financial struggles threatened its very
only grew to include of a multitude of new world-class
existence. Falwell brought his son and current chancellor, Jerry
facilities, but bolstered its existing campus with premium
Falwell, Jr., on board to help orchestrate a new business model
renovations and upgrades.
and financial turnaround.
Today on Liberty Mountain The extensive developments of the last five years will be followed by a long list of new facilities and improvements by the end of the decade. The $50 million Jerry Falwell Library, slated for completion in early 2014, will be Liberty’s largest investment in one structure to date. Two additional buildings, a School of Music and a Science Hall, are currently in the planning stages, projected to add an additional 200,000 square feet of academic space to campus.
Falwell, Jr. met the challenge and convinced lenders that this young college (not even 20 years old) could repay the loans they
Preparing for another wave of enrollment growth, high-rise
were seeking. Significant contributions bolstered the financial
residence halls will replace older structures, and sprawling lawns
restructuring. In 2003, Falwell, Jr. was named vice chancellor. In 2004, the owners of Hobby Lobby donated to the school a mammoth manufacturing plant destined to become an academic and administrative complex (Green Hall). With its finances turning the corner, the university moved forward with an ambitious plan to increase the size of the residential and online programs. Behind the scenes, Falwell, Sr. made plans for what would be his final gift to his beloved school: a multi-million dollar life insurance policy on himself, with Liberty named as beneficiary. When Dr. Falwell passed
and green spaces will enhance the beauty of a campus that
away in 2007, Liberty inherited the gift of becoming debt-free
already features stunning views of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
for the first time in its history.
New intramural fields, a basketball practice facility, and a new baseball stadium have been recently completed. Construction For a full digital press kit (including photos, videos, and extensive background information) visit: www.Liberty.edu/PressKit
HISTORY
has begun on the $40 million Center for Medical and Health
NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS), which would have it
Sciences, creating excitement and buzz about a facility projected
competing at the top level of NCAA Division I football.
to rival any medical school in the world.
A Clear Vision for the Future
“All of these buildings and programs are ultimately and primarily about building lives – the lives of our students and the lives of
One of Chancellor Falwell’s priorities at Liberty has been to
those they will impact,” Chancellor Falwell has repeated many
keep the university true to its roots and its Christian mission.
times. The university is constantly monitoring job market trends,
He has implemented policies to ensure that the university
evaluating and adapting its programs accordingly, so that Liberty
does not follow the lead of so many American universities that
students have the tools they need to be prepared for the future.
were founded with Christian missions similar to Liberty’s, but later changed their missions as they achieved academic,
The classroom is not the only arena where the chancellor’s
athletic, and financial prominence.
leadership is pushing Liberty to new levels. In 2012, he announced the football program’s readiness for a move into the
Chancellor Falwell is also passionate about basing Liberty’s
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• Lynchburg Baptist College is founded by Dr. Jerry Falwell
• Construction begins on Liberty Mountain
• Now known as Liberty Baptist College (LBC), the school receives full accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools
• LBC becomes Liberty University • The distance learning program is launched • Construction begins on the Arthur S. DeMoss Learning Center
• Liberty becomes the largest private university in Virginia
• The Vines Center and Williams Stadium are completed
• Green Hall (the former Ericsson building) is donated to Liberty
1971
1977
www.Liberty.edu/PressKit
1980
1985
1988
1990
2004
• The LaHaye Student Center and the Liberty School of Law open
growth on a sound business model that builds financial reserves
place them among the nation’s highest-rated universities
and continually increases the school’s financial resources to
for financial strength. The school ranks as one of the most
ensure the university’s future, while at the same time, insulating
affordable private universities in the country, and is accessible
the university from the financial pressures that have directly or
to a new generation of students who might otherwise never
indirectly caused many universities to compromise their core
attend a Christian college.
beliefs over time. Today, the leadership is framing a vision for the future that “I believe that if Liberty continues to be a good steward of the
ensures the university will remain on the cutting edge of higher
resources God has provided us, the resulting financial strength
education while staying true to the original charge.
will give us the ability to resist pressures to change our doctrinal statement or the values that are core to our mission.”
There has never been a more exciting time for Liberty University. Methods are changing, momentum is building, but the mission
Wall Street investors have taken notice of the school’s financial
—Training Champions for Christ — remains the same.
standing and Liberty has received strong credit ratings that
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• Jerry Falwell, Jr. becomes chancellor
• Online program enrollment hits 25,000
• *Facility highlights: Barnes & Noble Bookstore, Thomas Indoor Soccer Center, East Campus Residence Halls, Snowflex Centre
• Liberty’s tax-exempt education facilities bonds receive AA bond rating
• Total enrollment reaches 75,000
• First voting precinct opens on campus
2007
2008
• *Facility highlights: Lynchburg Inn and Conference Center, Tilley Student Center, Ivy Lake
2009
2010
• *Facility highlights: Tower Theater, Candlers Station shopping center, Williams Stadium expansion
2011
• *Facility highlights: The Sports Racket, Equestrian Center, Cook Tennis Center, Wards Road pedestrian bridge
2012 • Net assets reach $1 billion, making Liberty the youngest nonprofit university in American history to reach this milestone • *Facility highlights: Wingate hotel, Hancock Welcome Center, Arthur S. DeMoss Learning Center (top two floors finished; rooftop patio added)
*Facility highlights include selected properties and buildings acquired through donation or purchase, as well as those built or renovated by Liberty.
LARGEST CHRISTIAN
INFOGRAPHIC
U N I V E R S IT Y
in the
World
300
Programs of STUDY
206 residential programs | 166 online programs
More than100,000 RESIDENT & ONLINE STUDENTS
since 1985
pioneering distance education
Liberty is now the nation’s
20 NCAA DIVISION I
athletics
LARGEST
private, nonprofit online educator
NATION’S
7th LARGEST
UNIVERSITY
5-time Big South Football Champions
°
18 conference titles in the past two seasons
°
11 Sasser Cup wins in 16 years
°
31 club sports teams and a thriving intramural program
600, 000
MILITARY Friendly yellow ribbon program
2009
M
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I
T
A
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T
I
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E
S
hours of community service donated by
MOST POPULAR COLLEGES
Recognized as a “military friendly”
L A I C N TH A N I F RENGgs from ST ng credit ratinoor’s and
Liberty students
school by publications identifying
each year!
institutions that do the most to support military students, veterans,
and P Service d r a s Stand ’s Investor ng the o y rty am d Mood
Stro
and their families
Libe -rate place n’s highest ancial natio ies for fin rsit unive strength.
0 0 0 , 200 rly nea
25:1
$
17:1
$342 MILLION
STUDENT LOAN DEFAULT RATE The loan default rate for Liberty University students is less than half the national average – a key indicator that our graduates are securing jobs and finding stability in post-college life.
economic impact
LIBERTY UNIVERSITY ALL INSTITUTIONS FOR PROFIT
2.8%
2006
LIBERTY ALL INSTITUTIONS
central virginia
5.2% FOR PROFIT
3.9%
9.7%
LIBERTY
Accredited by
SACS
2007
The highest accreditation possible
6.7% FOR PROFIT
3.6%
11.0%
LIBERTY
2008
ALL INSTITUTIONS
7.0% FOR PROFIT
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools
ALL INSTITUTIONS
4.8%
11.6%
LIBERTY
2009
ALL INSTITUTIONS
8.8% FOR PROFIT
4.1%
15.0%
LIBERTY
2010
ALL INSTITUTIONS
9.1% FOR PROFIT
12.9%
Individual programs are also accredited by industry-specific agencies
2% 4% 6% 8% 10% 12%
Percentage of students defaulting on federal loans
Convocation CONVOCATION
Global Leaders Engage Liberty Students
“At Liberty, we like to think we have a free exchange of ideas… It is [the students’] job to eat the fish and spit out the bones and to discern what is good advice and what is not. And if you don’t learn that in college, when do you learn it?” Chancellor Jerry Falwell, Jr. Speakers of global significance from every sphere of influence
athletes, writers, psychologists, and thinkers from across the
are invited by Liberty University to address its student body.
intellectual continuum.
Convocation at Liberty is the largest weekly gathering of Christian young people in the world.
According to Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich, Liberty “has become one of the preeminent forums to
Three times each week, this unique platform allows students
discuss profound issues.” The speakers stimulate dialogue
to hear from an array of inspirational and educational figures,
and nourish inquisitive minds, as Liberty students learn
including CEOs, Hollywood directors, politicians, preachers,
to engage and discuss important issues of the day, not only in their individual areas of expertise, but all along the academic spectrum. Liberty’s goal is that graduates are not only proficient in their own fields of study, but that they are well-rounded, educated, and knowledgeable on a variety of relevant issues.
Convocations are aired live on www.Liberty.edu/Streaming, The Liberty Channel, and the Liberty Today mobile app. Past Convocations can also be viewed at those locations, as well as Liberty’s YouTube channel.
“You’re in such a good place. You’re in a place where there has been a spiritual legacy and a heritage that is being passed down to you, through so many who have invested their lives to teach the next generation. You, you’re their hope. You’re their hope to walk into this world, and change this world.” Kirk Cameron, actor/producer
g God … your goal “Because we serve a bi God you serve.” should be as big as the Quarterback, Tim Tebow, NFL winner Heisman Trophy
“This is an amazing school. …A ll over the world they are talking ab out it – Liberty University, what they ’ve done and in such a short time.” Donald Trump, business m ogul
“When I come to this cam pus,
I am blown away — the largest Christian un iversity in the world, with the most effective stu dent body leaving from this place and going out to change the world in every discipline imaginable. It is very true that the sun never set s on the graduates of Liberty University across the world.” Former Gov. Mike Hu ckabee ld be Liberty. This “If heaven had a university, it wou place is amazing.” hor Karen Kingsbury, best-selling aut
Campus Map
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5
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MARIE F. GREEN HALL
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LIBERTY UNIVERSITY BARNES & NOBLE BOOKSTORE
15
THOMAS ROAD BAPTIST CHURCH
7
HANCOCK WELCOME CENTER
16
LIBERTY MOUNTAIN CONFERENCE CENTER
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LIBERTY MOUNTAIN SNOWFLEX CENTRE
17
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www.Liberty.edu/PressKit
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For a full digital press kit (including photos, videos, and extensive background information) visit: www.Liberty.edu/PressKit
LIBERTY IN THE NEWS
Liberty in the News
Liberty University is increasingly being drawn into the spotlight as the nation takes notice of its evergrowing sphere of influence. Onlookers are struck by the school’s success in every arena, its attractiveness to conservative leaders and presidential candidates, and its commitment to encouraging students’ involvement in influencing the course of their country and the world.
“evangelical mega-university with global reach” The Washington Post, March 4, 2013
“one of the nation’s most influential citadels of Christian conservatism”
“the spiritual heart of the conservative movement” The New York Times, May 12, 2012
USA Today, Sept. 17, 2012
THE Washington post takes note of Liberty’s success “The surging enrollment for a bastion of Christian conservatism in the central Virginia foothills highlights the school as a market leader at the crossroads of religion and higher education … Liberty weaves biblical teachings into its courses, but faculty are committed to rigorous instruction in disciplines ranging from aeronautics to engineering to law.” The Washington Post, March 4, 2013
said, aims to be judged by how many students it educates and how well it educates them rather than how many it turns away. Liberty’s brand is a magnet not only for fresh-faced undergrads but for many adults who want online higher education with an evangelical Christian point of view. The Washington Post noted that no other American university has reached one billion dollars in net assets in so short a time. Utilizing a business model that is not only sustainable, but sound, Liberty now stands in the same financial league as universities such as Pepperdine, Georgetown, and Tulane.
Liberty’s online prowess and revolutionary approach to higher
President of Pepperdine University Andrew
education has caught the attention of the Washington Post. A
K. Benton said, [in higher education circles]
recent article noted that although academic reputations typically
Liberty is considered a school on the move.
take a long time to build, Liberty University is proving to be the
“For some reason, the word ‘upstart’ comes
school that challenges the status quo. “We believe that Liberty will
to mind,” Benton said. “They’re viewed as
redefine what is considered an academically prestigious university
new and pressing forward. There’s a high
in the future,” said Chancellor Falwell in the article. The school, he
energy there.”
a clause forcing every employer to provide federally mandated insurance, which would then require them to fund the abortioninducing drugs included with this insurance coverage. In 2011, their case was barred from being heard in the courts. On Nov. 26, 2012, the university’s appeal claiming that ObamaCare violated religious freedom and that vital parts of the lawsuit had been ignored by the courts, was heard. The Supreme Court agreed that the school’s case challenging the constitutionality of ObamaCare could go forward. At one
LIBERTY’S LAWSUIT AGAINST OBAMACARE REKINDLED IN THE COURTS From the day President Barack Obama signed his controversial health care bill into law, Liberty University has stood at the forefront of the resistance. Filing the first private lawsuit against ObamaCare in March 2010, and continuing to rise every time the courts knock them down, Liberty has charged that the bill violates the First Amendment’s free exercise of religion clause, as well as the 1993 Religious Freedom Restoration Act. At stake is
point that day, nearly 100 news stories per hour were being generated about the case.
“Liberty’s cause ... is fully consistent with American values that the highest law of the land should protect individuals from having their government compel them to act directly against their core beliefs.” Washington Times, Nov. 26, 2012
Media Inquiries We appreciate your interest in the university. All media inquiries are handled by the Media and Public Relations Office. Johnnie Moore, vice president for communications and spokesperson for the university, coordinates with media outlets from around the globe that wish to photograph or video our Lynchburg, Va. campus, schedule an interview, or simply ask a few questions. We also recommend that you visit www.Liberty.edu/PressKit, to view our digital press kit. Through this website you can request an interview, read executive bios, find a copy of our doctrinal statement, view Liberty distinctives, and navigate links to more in-depth information.
Johnnie Moore Vice President for Communications (434) 582-2250 johnnie@liberty.edu
More information is available in the online press kit: ° ° ° °
Videos Photos for download Quotes, Newsfeed Extensive background information
Training Champions for Christ since 1971
www.Liberty.edu/PressKit 1971 University Blvd. | Lynchburg, VA 24502
/LibertyUniversity
@LibertyU
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