Training Champions for Christ since 1971 |
Media Kit
mission from the in 1971, Liberty’s d de un Fo y. sit er univ ovides for Catholic largest Christian t Notre Dame pr ha rsity; the world’s w ve to ni r U y ila rt sim be , Li ians ic Welcome to included academ evangelical Christ e goals for Liberty lass university for -c Th ld h. or ut w a yo te on ea m cr or outset was to lar university. We ity provides for M at any major secu m Young Univers d ha ig un fo Br t s m ha w ra d og an pr d young people ality and a faculty e same facilities an ed in Biblical mor I athletics, and th ot ro on t isi uc iv D nd co AA of C de ies excellence, N le many universit ronment with a co t just a job. Whi ely Christian envi no tiv , nc ng sti lli di ca a a n as ai led would maint who view teaching hievements, coup mitted Christians ic and athletic ac m co em ad by ac ely ’s siv rty clu be y , Li populated ex the world in ever with similar goals positively impact iginally founded to or ist e hr er C w r fo ld s or on W in the New Training Champi ent to its vision — itm m m co g in er av with an unw e Liberty unique. n profession — mak ls of the Christia the fundamenta in ed ot ro t en em ment, individual its doctrinal stat of limited govern es r is evidenced by pl te ci ac in ar pr ch ng ue di iq ering a n’s foun Liberty’s un iplines while fost ect for this natio sc sp di re l g al in in id h ab ut d tr al deep an integrating biblic faith as well as a s. Liberty’s faculty is committed to lty cu fa ur O ies and worldview e. ph ris so rp ilo te ph en g e fre tin d pe ay liberties, an ts to explore com seems to hold sw correctness that encourages studen al at ic th lit t po en e nm th ro er vi s ov learning en expression of idea om and the free ed fre ic em ad ac promotes iversities. new at many major un is adding over 50 rty be Li , ne alo ar ye at can uniqueness. This t of universities th ars because of its lis e ye siv nt ce clu re ex in ry y ve dl n rapi has now joined a redited Liberty has grow ol with ABET-acc nts’ needs. Liberty ho de sc stu s ce to se ien sc on l sp na tatio s in re ering and compu academic program Fall 2014). school, an engine law d ite ed al school (opening cr ic ac ed Am a AB d an an y, er ar in claim to off n program, a sem school, an aviatio ts ar ic at m ne ci a ity Online programs, . Liberty Univers 85 19 ce sin m ra og n. With stance learning pr ation, offering a di iversity in the natio uc un ed e t lin ul on ad of fit r ro ee np pion largest private, no e nation, Liberty has been a st university in th d has become the ge an lar m h ra nt og ve pr se g e rin th is onee s drawn campus, Liberty grew out of that pi is achievement ha d over 12,000 on Th an . e ia lin in on irg d V lle in ro y sit nts en the largest univer over 82,000 stude in the nation, and y sit er iv odel, which some un fit ro nonp in our business m st re te in t an the largest private, fic ni d created sig nment where tional spotlight an to create an enviro e iv str e W Liberty into the na . .S U ation in the delivery. Our form higher educ tional and online di tra of d believe could trans en bl ugh a unique ordable while e is provided thro tuition and fees aff g in ep ke teaching excellenc n, io at . higher educ ent trends in U.S s. model defies curr ies from taxpayer h without subsid gt en str al ci an fin building stability. th and financial ow gr ’s rty be Li t written abou our companies have 1” rating, cited Financial services ble bonds an “A xa ta r ou ve ga rs Service, which Moody’s Investo
“uncommonly strong operat ing performan continue to en ce.” Standard joy strong stu & Poor’s, wh d ile rating our en t demand with pricing for a n bonds “AA,” a su cc essful brand ce onprofit priva anticipated th te university.” ntered on an at Liberty “w $1 billion in n evangelical C In December ill hristian identi et assets. At C 2012, Liberty ty ommencemen be an ca m d e the first evan attractive University, wh t last May, I ill gelical Christia o only reached ustrated the si n university to gnificance of the same mile surpass this achievem stone in 1965 ent by compar — after 329 ye in g ar it s to of Harvard existence. 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 more
The next decade proved especially rocky for the young
than 80,000 online students. Net assets increased from
university, as a wave of financial struggles threatened its very
approximately $100 million in 2007 to over $1 billion
existence. Falwell brought his son and current chancellor, Jerry
in 2012, making it the youngest nonprofit university in
Falwell, Jr., on board to help orchestrate a new business model
American history to reach this milestone. Liberty Mountain
and financial turnaround.
not only grew to include of a multitude of new world-class facilities, but bolstered its existing campus with premium renovations and upgrades.
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 Falwell, Jr. met the challenge and convinced lenders that this
Music and a Science Hall, are currently in the planning stages,
young college (not even 20 years old) could repay the loans they
projected to add an additional 200,000 square feet of academic
were seeking. Significant contributions bolstered the financial
space to campus.
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
Preparing for another wave of enrollment growth, high-rise
away in 2007, Liberty inherited the gift of becoming debt-free
residence halls will replace older structures, and sprawling lawns
for the first time in its history.
and green spaces will enhance the beauty of a campus that already features stunning views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. For a full digital press kit (including photos, videos, and extensive background information) visit: www.Liberty.edu/PressKit
HISTORY
New intramural fields, a basketball practice facility, and a
announced the football program’s readiness for a move into the
new baseball stadium are scheduled for completion soon.
NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS), which would have it
Construction has begun on the $40 million Center for Medical
competing at the top level of NCAA Division I football.
and Health Sciences, creating excitement and buzz about a facility projected to rival any medical school in the world.
A Clear Vision for the Future
“All of these buildings and programs are ultimately and primarily
One of Chancellor Falwell’s priorities at Liberty has been to
about building lives – the lives of our students and the lives of
keep the university true to its roots and its Christian mission.
those they will impact,” Chancellor Falwell has repeated many
He has implemented policies to ensure that the university
times. The university is constantly monitoring job market trends,
does not follow the lead of so many American universities that
evaluating and adapting its programs accordingly, so that Liberty
were founded with Christian missions similar to Liberty’s,
students have the tools they need to be prepared for the future.
but later changed their missions as they achieved academic, athletic, and financial prominence.
The classroom is not the only arena where the chancellor’s leadership is pushing Liberty to new levels. In 2012, he
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. The LaHaye Student Center and the Liberty School of Law open.
1971
1977
www.Liberty.edu/PressKit
1980
1985
1988
1990
2004
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
NEARLY 100,000 RESIDENT & ONLINE STUDENTS
since 1985
pioneering distance education
Liberty is now the nation’s
LARGEST
20 DIVISION I
athletics
private, nonprofit online educator
NATION’S
7th LARGEST
UNIVERSITY
5-time Big South Football Champions
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17 conference titles in the past two seasons
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10 Sasser Cup wins in 14 years
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31 club sports teams and a thriving intramural program
600, 000
MILITARY Friendly yellow ribbon program
2009
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hours of community service donated by
MOST POPULAR COLLEGES
Recognized as a “military friendly” school by securing top spots in publications that identify schools that are doing the most to support military students, veterans, and their families
L A I C H N A FINRENGgTs from ST credit ratin r’s and
Liberty students each year!
o g Stron d and Po ervice r a sS Stand ’s Investor ng the o y Mood e Liberty am t-rated plac n’s highes ancial natio ies for fin rsit unive strength.
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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 specific industry 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. Liberty University regularly invites speakers of global
The topics stimulate dialogue and sharpen inquisitive minds,
significance from every sphere of society to address its
as Liberty students learn to engage and discuss important
student body in a thrice-weekly Convocation – the largest
issues of the day, not only in their individual areas of expertise,
weekly gathering of Christian young people in the world.
but all along the academic spectrum. Convocation invites participation in the global marketplace of ideas, and our
Convocation is a unique platform that allows students to
students are stronger for it. Our goal is that Liberty graduates
be exposed to an array of inspirational and educational
are not only proficient and on the cutting-edge of their own
influences, including business-savvy CEO’s, Hollywood
fields of study, but that they are well-rounded, educated, and
directors, politicians, preachers, and renowned psychologists.
knowledgeable on a variety of subjects. Liberty University is dedicated to providing opportunities for students to engage new ideas, discovering and refining their faith, values, and worldview.
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
me one of the “I believe this has beco discuss profound to s m ru fo t en in m ee pr e a better place issues...I can’t imagin that kind of in America … to have conversation.” eaker Former House Sp Newt Gingrich
“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.” y parent Karen Kingsbury, author, Libert
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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 ever-growing 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.
“the evangelical heart of the state” The Boston Globe, Oct. 14, 2012
“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 NEW YORK TIMES AND CNBC REPORT ON looking to play — and play well — at the top level of NCAA Division I football: the gridiron of the FBS. FLAMES FOOTBALL
“At Liberty, once a tiny Bible college but now a budding giant, the plan is for college football — big-time, always-on-television college football — to do for evangelical Christians in the 21st century what Notre Dame football did for Roman Catholics in the 20th.” The New York Times, Nov. 11, 2012 The merits of Liberty University football have caught the eye of The New York Times and CNBC Sports. Recently showcased by both, Liberty is emerging as a contender,
In a follow-up to that article, Darren Rovell, of CNBC’s “Sports Biz: Game On,” commented: “Liberty University wants a Division I football team so that others like (NFL quarterback Tim) Tebow can play at the highest level together.” The New York Times hinted that the highest level might not be so far off. “Liberty’s locker rooms and training facilities resemble those of a top college program, if not one in the NFL,” the article boasted.
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 far more compelling. It 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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