Jump to content

Liberty University: Difference between revisions

Coordinates: 37°21′09″N 79°10′49″W / 37.35242°N 79.18018°W / 37.35242; -79.18018
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Content deleted Content added
m Reverted edits by 76.106.89.248 (talk) to last version by ElKevbo
Wingram12 (talk | contribs)
mNo edit summary
Line 66: Line 66:
LU has been ranked in the Top-10 most conservative colleges in the U.S. by [[Young America's Foundation]].<ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.csmonitor.com/2005/0921/p02s01-ussc.html|title=More students are drawn to conservative colleges|date= 2005-09-21|publisher=Christian Science Monitor|last=Karlin|first=Adam|accessdate=2007-09-19}}</ref>
LU has been ranked in the Top-10 most conservative colleges in the U.S. by [[Young America's Foundation]].<ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.csmonitor.com/2005/0921/p02s01-ussc.html|title=More students are drawn to conservative colleges|date= 2005-09-21|publisher=Christian Science Monitor|last=Karlin|first=Adam|accessdate=2007-09-19}}</ref>


According to the U.S. News and World Report, Liberty University's ranking in the 2011 edition of Best Colleges is Regional Universities (South), Tier 2.<ref name="colleges.usnews.rankingsandreviews.com">{{cite web|url=http://colleges.usnews.rankingsandreviews.com/best-colleges/lynchburg-va/liberty-university-10392 |title=Liberty University - Best College - Education - US News |publisher=Colleges.usnews.rankingsandreviews.com |date=2010-08-17 |accessdate=2010-12-17}}</ref> It had been in Tier 4 until US New and World Report eliminated that tier <ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.usnews.com/articles/education/best-colleges/2010/08/17/how-us-news-calculates-the-college-rankings.html |title=How U.S. News Calculates the College Rankings - US News and World Report |publisher=Usnews.com |date= |accessdate=2010-12-17}}</ref> For comparison purposes, other universities in Tier 2 include [[Christopher Newport University]], [[Evangel University]], and [[Ferrum College]].
The U.S. News & World Report ranked Liberty University 80th in the 2012 edition of Best Colleges of Regional Universities in the South.<ref name="colleges.usnews.rankingsandreviews.com">{{cite web|url=http://colleges.usnews.rankingsandreviews.com/best-colleges/lynchburg-va/liberty-university-10392 |title=Liberty University - Best College - Education - US News |publisher=Colleges.usnews.rankingsandreviews.com |date=2010-08-17 |accessdate=2010-12-17}}</ref>


In 2005, ''[[Barron's Educational Series|Barron]]'s Profiles of American Colleges'' ranked LU as a "competitive" college, its fourth-highest of six ranks, indicating that it accepts students in the top 65% of their graduating class.<ref>''Barron's Profiles of American Colleges, 26th Edition (Barron's 2005)''. This comprehensive guide provides an index of college majors, admissions requirements, tuition and financial, student-faculty ratios, extra-curricular activities and campus life for more than 1650 schools</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.centerforpubliceducation.org/Main-Menu/Staffingstudents/Chasing-the-college-acceptance-letter-Is-it-harder-to-get-into-college-At-a-glance/What-do-you-mean-by-a-competitive-college.html |title=What do you mean by a "competitive" college? |publisher=Centerforpubliceducation.org |date=2010-01-15 |accessdate=2011-09-11}}</ref>
In 2005, ''[[Barron's Educational Series|Barron]]'s Profiles of American Colleges'' ranked LU as a "competitive" college, its fourth-highest of six ranks, indicating that it accepts students in the top 65% of their graduating class.<ref>''Barron's Profiles of American Colleges, 26th Edition (Barron's 2005)''. This comprehensive guide provides an index of college majors, admissions requirements, tuition and financial, student-faculty ratios, extra-curricular activities and campus life for more than 1650 schools</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.centerforpubliceducation.org/Main-Menu/Staffingstudents/Chasing-the-college-acceptance-letter-Is-it-harder-to-get-into-college-At-a-glance/What-do-you-mean-by-a-competitive-college.html |title=What do you mean by a "competitive" college? |publisher=Centerforpubliceducation.org |date=2010-01-15 |accessdate=2011-09-11}}</ref>

Revision as of 16:57, 18 September 2011

Liberty University
File:Aflamelogo.jpg
Former names
Lynchburg Baptist College
Liberty Baptist College
MottoKnowledge Aflame
TypePrivate
Established1971
AffiliationSouthern Baptist Conservatives of Virginia
ChancellorJerry Falwell, Jr.
Academic staff
1,838
Undergraduates13,400[1] and 60,000+ online[2]
Postgraduates5,814
Location, ,
CampusSuburban
Colorsnavy, white, and red
     
NicknameFlames
AffiliationsBig South Conference
MascotSparky
Websiteliberty.edu

Liberty University is a private Christian university located in Lynchburg, Virginia. Liberty's annual enrollment is around 72,000 students, including those not living on campus.[3] LU is currently the largest Evangelical Christian university in the world.[4]

It was founded as Lynchburg Baptist College in 1971 by Jerry Falwell, who was also the Senior Pastor of Thomas Road Baptist Church. The name was changed to Liberty Baptist College in 1976 before settling on its current name (Liberty University) in 1984, when it obtained university status.[citation needed]

History

Religious foundation

DeMoss Learning Center at Liberty University

Liberty University describes itself as a Christian academic community. Its mission and aims are stated as promoting both the intellectual and spiritual development of its students.[5] The students of Liberty University and all of its colleges must abide by the code of conduct entitled The Liberty Way.[6]

Liberty University Vines Center

Campus life

Students who live on campus are required to attend convocation three times per week. At these convocations, they have the opportunity to hear from speakers in all walks of professional life, be entertained by performers and musicians, and participate in live praise and worship. Past convocation speakers have included Presidential candidate John McCain, President Ronald Reagan, President George H. W. Bush, Rev. Billy Graham, Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas, Lt. Col. Oliver North, Steve Forbes, Leonard Davidson, former US Senator Jesse Helms, Sam Donaldson, John R. Rice, Elisabeth Elliot (wife of the late missionary Jim Elliot), Skip Erickson, Freddie Gage, Adrian Rogers, creationist Ken Ham, governor Tim Kaine, Sean Hannity, Bobby Bowden, Carrie Prejean, pro-wrestler Lex Luger, Gianna Jessen, Clint Hubbard and 2008 Presidential candidates Mike Huckabee and Ron Paul. Jerry Falwell regularly spoke at chapel, giving his "Never Give Up" speech in the first semester.

Mike Huckabee plays at Thomas Road Baptist Church.

Liberty University continues to invest heavily in capital projects. Liberty University's Campus East housing complex now boasts 30 new multi-story apartment style dormitories, the last six of which were completed in 2007. Students living in these dormitories can cook meals in their own kitchen, and enjoy a living room and private baths. There is a clubhouse which offers a swimming pool, billiards room, computer lab, private theater, and a convenience store. A tunnel connecting the east and west ends of the campus was completed in 2004. A second tunnel is scheduled to be completed in the near future to provide safe pedestrian passage under the Norfolk and Southern Railroad and access nearby shopping opportunities at Wal-Mart as well as the Wards Crossing retail stores. In addition, a campus bus/shuttle system was added in the fall of 2006, providing transportation both on and off campus until midnight most evenings.

The facilities at Liberty University include the 90,000-square-foot (8,400 m2) LaHaye Student Center, which boasts a lounge, basketball courts, cardio and weight Rooms, cafe, multi-purpose rooms, aerobic rooms and other amenities.[7] The adjacent Tilley Center features TV lounges, game tables, pool room, and social areas as well as a stage for frequent student performances, bands and small concerts. Other projects include a 60-mile Mountain bike trail system, a motorcross facility, paintball fields, 3D archery range, intramural sports program and several club sports such as lacrosse and LU ice hockey, which plays in an ice rink donated by Drs. Tim and Beverly LaHaye, and a new indoor soccer facility.

Williams Stadium, home of the Liberty Flames football program, received a major upgrade in 2010 with the first phase of a construction project. Seating for this phase increased from 12,000 to 19,200. Changes to the stadium include luxury suites, a Club level and a new media area. Additional phases of stadium expansion will increase seating to 30,000 by 2015.[8]

Construction was completed in August 2009 on the Liberty Mountain Snowflex Centre, a synthetic ski slope that features Snowflex, which was designed by England’s Briton Engineering. The Snowflex Centre includes beginner, intermediate and advanced slopes and is the first of its kind in the United States.[9]

On September 24, 2010, Liberty opened the new Tower Theater. The theater is state of the art and has the ability to seat up to 640 people. The Theater Department at Liberty has arranged for the 2010-11 theater season, with their opening show being Hairspray, and closing in Spring 2011 with The Phantom of the Opera.

Accreditation

Liberty was founded in 1971 and received Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) accreditation in 1980,[10] which was most recently reaffirmed in 2006.[11] In addition, it was accredited by the Transnational Association of Christian Colleges and Schools (TRACS) in September 1984, but resigned its TRACS accreditation on November 6, 2008.[12][13] Liberty has 60 accredited degree granting programs.[14] The law school, which opened in August 2004, gained provisional accreditation from the American Bar Association on February 13, 2006.[15] On December 9, 2009, Chancellor Jerry Falwell Jr announced that "Liberty University has received Level VI accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS). This is the highest classification from SACS and is reserved for colleges and universities that offer four or more doctoral degrees.[16] The law school received full ABA accreditation on August 5th 2010.[17]

Academics and rankings

Liberty's DeMoss Hall, the campus's main academic building exhibiting Jeffersonian architecture.

As of February 2009, Liberty offers 71 majors and specializations and among those offered are Aeronautics,[18] Philosophy and Religion, English, Worship & Music Ministry, Business, Criminal Justice, Education and Nursing. The university's Distance Learning Program offers 36 degree programs.

The acceptance rate for students entering LU in 2009 was 96% [19] (not including the 100% acceptance rate for online students); the 25th-75th SAT percentile ranges for 2008 freshmen were 430-540 for critical reading and 420-530 for math, according to U.S. News & World Report.[20]

Liberty University also offers a School of Aeronautics,[18] School of Law, School of Engineering and Computational Sciences, and a Theological Seminary.

LU has been ranked in the Top-10 most conservative colleges in the U.S. by Young America's Foundation.[21]

The U.S. News & World Report ranked Liberty University 80th in the 2012 edition of Best Colleges of Regional Universities in the South.[22]

In 2005, Barron's Profiles of American Colleges ranked LU as a "competitive" college, its fourth-highest of six ranks, indicating that it accepts students in the top 65% of their graduating class.[23][24]

In 2007 Liberty University School of Law, provisionally approved by the American Bar Association,[25] announced an 89% Bar passage rate from its first graduating class of Law Students. The bar passage rate far exceeded the State Average of 72%.[26]

In 2008 the School of Law announced a 94.4% first time passage rate on the Virginia Bar Exam, second only to the University of Virginia [27]

In 2009 the School of Business at Liberty University entered candidacy for full accreditation from the Association of Collegiate Business Schools and Programs.[28]

In 2010 the Liberty University School of Education received full accreditation from the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) [29][30]

In 2010, the American Bar Association Council of the Section of Legal Education and Admissions to the Bar awarded Liberty University School of Law full accreditation.[31]

Liberty University has an online component which is called LU Online, previously the Distance Learning Program (DLP). This component provides degrees from Associates level to Doctorate. The online component runs unilaterally with the semester program of the brick and mortar component of Liberty University. The difference is that LU Online only enables the student to take 16-week, or semester long, courses for a few of their cataloged courses while the remainder are taken in 8-week subterms which are title B, C, and D. The subterms run chronological 8-week sessions which provide the student the ability to take 8 week sessions while only overlapping for one three week period for the remaining 3-weeks and first 3-weeks of any given course. There is a separation at the 600-level and above where those courses are only offered in the B and D terms.[32]

Extracurricular activities

Athletics

File:LibertyFlames.png
Liberty Flames logo

The Liberty Flames are a member of the NCAA Division I Football Championships Subdivision (FCS) in football (formerly Division I-AA) and NCAA Division I sports level in other competition. Liberty is a member of the Big South Conference for 18 sports. Women's Lacrosse competes in the National Lacrosse Conference, while Women's Swimming will join the Coastal Collegiate Swimming Association, bringing the university total to 20 sports for the 2010/2011 season. The University regularly competes for the Sasser Cup which is the Big South's trophy for the university which has the best sports program among the member institutions. Liberty has won the Sasser Cup six times, second only to Coastal Carolina University, which has won it seven times.[33] Called the "varsity sport of the mind," Liberty's Quiz Bowl team has won Big South Conference Championship five out of the past six years (2006, 2007, 2008, 2010, & 2011),

Clubs and organizations

According to Liberty's website,[34] there are over 100 registered clubs on campus. This number includes a wide variety of clubs, each of which is led by students with the aid of a Faculty Advisor. After the University's revocation of the recognition of the College Democrats provoked controversy (see "Political clubs", below), the University removed official recognition from all political clubs on campus.

Debate

Liberty's Inter-Collegiate policy debate program, formerly led by Brett O'Donnell, was number one in the overall rankings Championships in the National Debate Tournament for 2005, 2006, and 2007.[35][36] The touting of this by Liberty and in the press[37] has led to controversy, as the overall ranking included results for novice and junior varsity debates. In varsity rankings, Liberty was 20th in 2005, 17th in 2006, and 24th in 2007.

Criticism of the debate program extends to the fundamentalist Christian community as well. John Lofton of The American View Christian radio show accused Liberty University of not being "a truly Christian college" when Jerry Falwell gave permission for the debate team to debate in favor of abortion when required.[38] The issue arose when the team was faced with the need to argue for abortion rights or give up the debate program for that year.

Finances

In the past, the institution faced a series of financial crises. Today, the university is sustained by tuition that is paid in part from subsidized government loans to students.[39] Total enrollment has increased to 12,000 students residentially, and to more than 60,000 students in their distance learning program in the past five years. Tuition has also increased significantly during this time, though not at a pace that exceeds tuition increases at other schools.[40] In 2007 Liberty was between $20 and $25 million in debt, but when Falwell died in May 2007, he had a $34 million insurance policy, which was used to pay off the debt.[41] In January 2009, Chancellor Jerry Falwell Jr. announced the university's plans to freeze tuition for Liberty University Online and lower tuition for residential students for the 2009-2010 academic year.[42]

Liberty has $530 million in net assets, which is expected by Chancellor Falwell to rise to 1 billion Dollars by 2014. On December 7, 2010, Liberty sold $120 million in facilities bonds which will be used to finance recent and future expansion.[43]

In 2010, students at Liberty University received approximately $445 million in federal financial aid money, the highest total of any school in Virginia and one of the highest in the country.[44] The total, a 56 per cent increase over the prior year, was mostly in the form of student loans, but also included some grants and other forms of aid.[44] The University's financial aid office has 138 employees.[44]

Controversy

The initials of Liberty University, on Candlers Mountain, as viewed from near campus.

1972 Securities and Exchange Commission investigation

Jerry Falwell started Lynchburg Baptist College by selling bonds to a small group of private investors. However, in 1972, the Securities and Exchange Commission investigated the bonds alleging Falwell's church committed "fraud and deceit" in the issuance of $6.5 million in unsecured church bonds.[45] The church won a 1973 federal court case prosecuted at the behest of the SEC, in which the Court exonerated the church and ruled that there had been no intentional wrong-doing.[46]

1989 bond issue

In 1989, Liberty University applied for $60 million in low interest bonds through the Lynchburg Industrial Development Authority. After the required public hearing period the bond issue was voted upon by the IDA and approved. Shortly thereafter litigation was brought against the IDA and Liberty University by Americans United (AU) and a decision (Habel vs. Lynchburg Industrial Development Authority) was handed down in 1991 denying Liberty the bond issuance. It was ruled that Liberty was too pervasively religious and therefore was not eligible for the bonds.

This case dealt a severe financial blow to the University which was unable to fund its construction projects needed to sustain its rapid growth. A subsequent case a few years later involving Regent University was decided in a similar manner, but was later overturned. The Virginia Supreme Court reviewed the case and based its decision on a more recent US Supreme Court ruling concerning issues of Separation and Sectarianism. Since then, Regent has received approval for bond funding with the stipulation that it may not fund the Divinity School.

1994 debt buy-out

Sun Myung Moon, founder of the Unification Church and the Washington Times, and his wife Hak Ja Han helped to financially stabilize the University through two of his organizations: News World Communications (an international media conglomerate which owns the Times and other news media), which provided a $400,000 loan to the University at 6% interest; and the Women's Federation for World Peace, which indirectly contributed $3.5 million toward the school's debt.[47] Liberty University spokesman Mark DeMoss said the school was not aware of News World's connection to Moon when it obtained the loan through a broker. "I'm not going to be pious and tell you we would have turned it down," DeMoss said. "Because it was a business transaction, we probably would have moved forward even if Falwell or somebody in the organization knew who News World Communications was."[47] Liberty University founder Jerry Falwell stated that the source of the funds does not influence his ministry: "If the American Atheists Society or Saddam Hussein himself ever sent an unrestricted gift to any of my ministries, be assured I will operate on Billy Sunday's philosophy: The Devil's had it long enough, and quickly cash the check."[48]

2005 Equality Ride

Liberty made news in 2005 when students from the Equality Ride visited the university and spoke informally with Liberty students.[49] According to organizers, they were turned away from the library when they tried to donate books about homosexuality. The organizers were also unable to turn over to Jerry Falwell, the founder and chancellor of the university, anonymous letters from alleged current students at Liberty who claim they are gay. They were, however, able to speak with some of the students who attend the school. In March 2006, the Equality Ride returned, resulting in 24 arrests for trespassing when they attempted to cross into campus property after being warned not to.[50]

Don Egle, director of public relations at Liberty, said, "We don’t feel that this situation warrants a comment."[49] When asked about the school's policies toward gay students, Egle said only "we follow Scripture."[49] Falwell reiterated the University's stance when confronted with the issue, "We do not believe in gay marriage or polygamy or any other family form than a man marrying a woman singly."[51] Jake Reitan, director of youth programs for Soulforce, said that the group requested the library accept books that could be added "that students could decide to read or not", and called for the University to designate some place on campus where students could talk about being gay without fear of being expelled or having their parents informed.

In early 2005, SoulForce asked to return and was granted permission by Liberty University to sit in quiet protest in one of Liberty University's weekly convocations.

In April 2006, Falwell allowed Reform Rabbi Eric Yoffie to speak at the university on behalf of gay rights citing legal protections for gay couples.[52] "You oppose gay marriage while we believe in legal protection for gay couples. We understand your reading of the Biblical texts, even if we read those texts in a different way." Falwell said Yoffie's tone was as important as his message.

Biology and fossils

Liberty University teaches Young Earth Creationism as an explanation for the appearance of life on earth. The university works with Young Earth creationist organizations including Answers in Genesis.[53][54][55][56] In biology classes students are taught both creationism and evolution and that creationism offers a better explanation of biological diversity than evolution.[57][58]

In October, 2006 the university published an advertisement in The Chronicle of Higher Education in an attempt to recruit staff to its biology department. The advertisement stated that the university was "seeking faculty who can demonstrate a personal faith commitment to its evangelical Christian purpose" and specified that "compatibility with a young-earth creationist philosophy [is] required."[59]

In the same month, Richard Dawkins was quoted saying the following about Liberty University; "If it's really true that the museum at Liberty University has dinosaur fossils which are labeled as being 3,000 years old, then that is an educational disgrace. It is debauching the whole idea of a university, and I would strongly encourage any members of Liberty University who may be here, to leave and go to a proper university."

In December, 1991 Creation reported, Arlton C. Murray "excavated a dinosaur for Liberty University’s museum", which proclaimed "this dinosaur was the first of its kind in any creationist museum."[60]

Liberty professor Marcus R. Ross was featured in a report on creationism.[61] Ross "believes that the Bible is a literally true account of the creation of the universe and that the earth is at most 10,000 years old." This is in contrast to his previous position as reflected when he earned his Ph.D. in geosciences from University of Rhode Island with a dissertation about "the abundance and spread of mosasaurs, marine reptiles that, as he wrote, vanished at the end of the Cretaceous era about 65 million years ago."[61] Ross explains in his Creation Science classes that it was necessary for him to "follow the rules" of secular science while earning his degrees for the sake of recognition of the validity of his scientific research and methods among the secular scientific community. He explains that he has held a young earth creationist view since he was very young, but few secular scientists are willing to listen to the arguments of anyone who has not gained academic recognition within the world of secular science. Ross has been criticized by some for taking this academic route, but Ross claims that it only firmed his belief in young earth creationism and has enabled him to find academic ground upon which to base the argument for his scientific credentials.[62]

Political clubs

On May 15, 2009, vice president of student affairs Mark Hine sent an e-mail to the president of LU's College Democrats, Brian Diaz, revoking the university's recognition of the club. "The Democratic Party platform is contrary to the mission of Liberty University and to Christian doctrine," Hine's e-mail stated, citing the party's positions on abortion and federal funding thereof, same-sex marriage, hate crimes, LGBT rights, and socialism as justification for the dissolution. While the club can still meet on campus, it cannot use the university's name or reserve university facilities.[63]

At a meeting with administration officials, the group was asked to apologize publicly for statements they had made to the media about this controversy. Diaz said he was baffled by the administration's decision, saying, "I want to be able to share the love of Christ, but I guess I can't do that on campus because I'm a Democrat as well."[64]

Chairman of the Democratic National Committee and Democratic ex-governor Tim Kaine and 2009 Democratic gubernatorial candidates Terry McAuliffe, Brian Moran and Creigh Deeds called on the college to rescind the ban.[65][66] Then-Republican gubernatorial candidate Bob McDonnell stated that he "personally disagrees" with Liberty's decision, but that because it is a private school, its leaders can make their own decisions.[65]

Liberty University president Jerry Falwell, Jr., subsequently stated that the university had not banned Democrats from campus nor had the club been banned from meeting and that neither the University nor its officials said that a person cannot be both a Christian and a Democrat.[67] On May 28, 2009, members of the club met with LU administration members again, and Falwell stated that he was "optimistic that if the university can work directly with the students that a compromise can be reached.'[68] Hine said that while the email was not clear, he did explain to the College Democrats leadership at the time he sent the email that the group could continue to meet in common areas on campus.[69]

Liberty's decision led some to question the University's tax-exempt status, and Americans United for Separation of Church and State filed a complaint with the Internal Revenue Service, asking for a review of the university’s tax status. Liberty University in turn filed a complaint with the IRS regarding the tax-exempt status of Americans United for Separation of Church and State.[70][71][72]

In late June 2009, Liberty University announced a new policy dealing with all political clubs on campus. The new policy removed official recognition from all political clubs on campus, relegating them to unofficial status. Chancellor Falwell said the previously suspended College Democrats "wouldn’t have to do anything" to be recognized under the new policy. Along with other stipulations, the policy allows unofficial clubs to use the university’s name, but they will not receive any funding from the university.[73] In response, Kaine said Liberty University solved the controversy "perfectly."[74]

Ergun Caner

On May 10, 2010, Liberty University announced that it would launch a formal inquiry into allegations of discrepancies in the claimed background of Ergun Caner, the Dean and President of the Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary and Graduate School.[75][75][76][77] The move came in response to media allegations pointing to several factual discrepancies about Caner's supposed upbringing as a devout Sunni Muslim in Turkey, and his claims of debating several Muslim apologists.[78] The divorce records of Caner's parents show that his family moved to Ohio when he was 3 or 4, contradicting Caner's claim of living as a teenager in Turkey.[79] Ergun Caner has stated "I am thrilled that Liberty University is forming this committee, and I look forward to this entire process coming to a close."[80] On June 25, 2010, Liberty University removed Caner from his position as Dean of the seminary after finding "discrepancies related to the matters such as dates, names and places of residence." However, Liberty University did decide to retain Caner as a full time faculty member of the seminary for the 2010-2011 school year.[81] Liberty University released a statement on July 2, 2010, appointing Dr. Dan Mitchell as Interim Dean of the Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary and Graduate School.[82] On August 25, 2010, Liberty University announced that co-founder of Liberty University, Dr. Elmer Towns would take over as Dean of the Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary while maintaining his status as Dean of the B.R. Lakin School of Religion.

Notable alumni and associates

Sports

Name Known for Relationship to Liberty University
Peter Aluma former NBA player
Sebastian Barrie former NFL player for Green Bay Packers, Arizona Cardinals, and San Diego Chargers
Fred Banks former NFL player for Cleveland Browns, Miami Dolphins, and Chicago Bears
Doug Brady[83] former MLB player for Chicago White Sox
Tony Beasley current MLB third base coach for Pittsburgh Pirates
Sid Bream former MLB player
Dwayne Carswell former NFL player with the Denver Broncos
Seth Curry current basketball player with Duke University
Kelvin Edwards former NFL player with the New Orleans Saints and Dallas Cowboys
Marcus Floyd former NFL player with the New York Jets, Buffalo Bills and Carolina Panthers Alumnus
Megan Frazee current WNBA player with the San Antonio Silver Stars
Katie Feenstra current WNBA player with the Atlanta Dream
Samkon Gado current NFL free agent. Former member of the Green Bay Packers and Tennessee Titans
Eric Green former NFL player
Lee Guetterman former MLB player
Wayne Haddix former NFL player
Rashad Jennings current NFL player with the Jacksonville Jaguars
Leroy Kinard former NFL player with the New York Jets
Matt Lambros currentCFL free agent and former player with the Toronto Argonauts and Montreal Alouettes
James McKnight former NFL player
Julius Nwosu former NBA player
Vince Redd former NFL player with the New England Patriots
Darryl Roberts current soccer player with Denizlispor
Stephen Sene former NFL player
Johnny Shepherd former Canadian Football League and NFL player
Donald Smith former NFL player with the Dallas Cowboys
Osei Telesford current soccer player with Puerto Rico Islanders
Randy Tomlin former MLB player
Erick Harris former NFL player with the Philadelphia Eagles and Kansas City Chiefs
Deborah Yow NC State Athletic Director Alumnus
Vic Shealy Football Coach at Kansas University
Richard Shelton Former NFL player and current Tennessee Titans scout Alumnus
T. J. McCreight Current Director, Pro Personnel for the Arizona Cardinals Alumnus

Entertainment

Politics and media

Name Known for Relationship to Liberty University
JT Turner, Roger Turner, Duke Cuneo, and Nate Smith Members of metal band Winter Solstice (Metal Blade Records) Alumni
Meredith Andrews Contemporary Christian music artist Alumnus
Shannon Bream [84] Television Reporter/Anchor Alumnus
Travis Doucette Contemporary Christian Music artist, songwriter and worship leader Alumnus
Darrell Farley Radio Personality and Music Producer Former Student
Terry Fator Ventriloquist, Terry Fator: Live from Las Vegas (2009) commentary Alumnus
Al Gross radio broadcaster, formerly with KJSL-AM Alumnus
Jody McBrayer Member of Christian vocal group Avalon Alumnus
Toby McKeehan, Michael Tait (now with Newsboys), and Kevin Max The members of dc Talk, a Christian hip-hop band Alumni
Jonathan Schneck Guitarist for Christian rock band Relient K Alumnus
John Reints Bass player for Passion, Watermark, Sonic Flood, Honestly Alumni
Vic Mignogna Anime voice actor Alumnus
Heidi Mueller [85] Television Actress Alumnus
Jeremy Nicholson [86][87] Emmy Award Winning Videographer Alumnus
Guy Penrod Former Member of the gospel group Gaither Vocal Band Alumnus
Richard Rossi [88] Filmmaker Alumnus
Phil Stacey Singer, American Idol contestant Distance-Learning Student
Bob Sturm Radio host on Dallas-based KTCK's BaD Radio Alumnus
Michelle Wright [89] Television Reporter/Anchor Alumnus
Name Known for Relationship to Liberty University
Jerry Falwell, Jr. Current Chancellor of Liberty University Son of founder, Jerry Falwell
Jonathan Falwell Senior Pastor of Thomas Road Baptist Church Son of founder, Jerry Falwell
Susan Wise Bauer Evangelical Christian professor of English at The College of William & Mary; author of best selling religious history books by Peace Hill Press Alumna
Shannon Bream Fox News' Supreme Court reporter
Kevin Beary Former Sheriff of Orange County, Florida
William Franklin Graham IV Evangelist; Billy Graham's grandson
Bethann Shaffer [90] Former News Anchor 540WFLA, Orlando Alumnus
Angela Elwell Hunt Christian author Alumnus
Johnnie Moore, Jr. Pastor, author, professor and university administrator Alumnus
Ben Parkhill Political consultant; Sr. advisor to Miss. Gov. Haley Barbour Correspondence student
Tony Perkins Family Research Council president and former Louisiana State Representative (1996–2004)

References

  1. ^ "Liberty University Admissions Profiles". Eduers.com. Retrieved 2011-08-24.
  2. ^ April 08, 2011 ¦ Liberty University News Service (2011-06-08). "Liberty Journal". Liberty.edu. Retrieved 2011-08-24.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link) CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  3. ^ Liberty University Online hits 60,000 students Liberty Journal, Liberty University News Service. June 8, 2011
  4. ^ Liberty University reviewing claims that seminary president lied about his past Washington Post, Michelle Boorstein. June 2, 2010
  5. ^ "About Liberty - Purpose/Mission". Retrieved 2007-09-19.
  6. ^ "Code of Conduct" (PDF). Liberty University.
  7. ^ LaHaye Student Center - Official Page - Liberty University[dead link]
  8. ^ "Bigger, flashier Williams Stadium readies for Saturday's game". Retrieved 2010-11-08.
  9. ^ Krystal, Becky (2009-11-29). "In Lynchburg, a skiing adventure, minus the snow". The Washington Post. Retrieved 2010-11-10.
  10. ^ "Commission on Colleges: Institution Details". Retrieved 2007-09-19.
  11. ^ "About Liberty - Institutional and Program Accreditation". Retrieved 2007-09-19.
  12. ^ "Accreditation Details: Liberty University". United States Department of Education. 2009. Retrieved 2009-02-28.
  13. ^ "Commission Action November 2008" (PDF). Transnational Association of Christian Colleges and Schools. November 2008. Retrieved 2009-02-28.
  14. ^ https://www.liberty.edu/index.cfm?PID=7650 Retrieved 2009-05-23
  15. ^ "Liberty University School of Law Awarded Full Accreditation by the ABA".
  16. ^ "News & Events - News Article - Liberty University". Liberty.edu. 2009-12-10. Retrieved 2010-12-17.
  17. ^ "Liberty University School of Law Awarded Full Accreditation Approval by the ABA". Christian Newswire. Retrieved 2010-12-17.
  18. ^ a b "University Offices - Official Page - Liberty University". Liberty.edu. Retrieved 2010-12-17.
  19. ^ "College Search-Liberty University". Collegeboard.com. Retrieved 2011-4-24. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help)
  20. ^ "US News". Retrieved 2008-12-17.
  21. ^ Karlin, Adam (2005-09-21). "More students are drawn to conservative colleges". Christian Science Monitor. Retrieved 2007-09-19.
  22. ^ "Liberty University - Best College - Education - US News". Colleges.usnews.rankingsandreviews.com. 2010-08-17. Retrieved 2010-12-17.
  23. ^ Barron's Profiles of American Colleges, 26th Edition (Barron's 2005). This comprehensive guide provides an index of college majors, admissions requirements, tuition and financial, student-faculty ratios, extra-curricular activities and campus life for more than 1650 schools
  24. ^ "What do you mean by a "competitive" college?". Centerforpubliceducation.org. 2010-01-15. Retrieved 2011-09-11.
  25. ^ "ABA Accreditation". Retrieved 2008-04-14.
  26. ^ "Liberty Journal". Liberty.edu. 2007-11-12. Retrieved 2011-09-11.
  27. ^ October 16, 2008 ¦ By Mitzi Bible (2008-10-16). "Liberty Journal". Liberty.edu. Retrieved 2010-12-17.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link) CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  28. ^ "Online Business Programs - Announcements - Liberty University". Liberty.edu. Retrieved 2010-12-17.
  29. ^ "School of Education receives good news on accreditation | Liberty University". Liberty.edu. 2010-03-02. Retrieved 2011-09-11.
  30. ^ "School of Education announces full accreditation | Liberty University". Liberty.edu. 2010-11-02. Retrieved 2011-09-11.
  31. ^ "News & Events - News Article - Liberty University". Liberty.edu. Retrieved 2010-12-17.
  32. ^ "Academic Calendar | Liberty University Online". Luonline.com. Retrieved 2010-12-17.
  33. ^ "Sasser Cup - Big South Conference". Retrieved 2007-09-19.
  34. ^ [1] Liberty University Clubs Webpage
  35. ^ National Debate Tournament Fall 2005 Report National Debate Tournament, 2005. (MS Word file)
  36. ^ National Debate Tournament Spring 2006 Report National Debate Tournament, 2006. (MS Word file)
  37. ^ Cut, Thrust and Christ Susannah Meadows. Newsweek, February 6, 2006.
  38. ^ A Truly Christian College Would Teach Biblical Defense Of The Faith Not "Debate" As A Game John Lofton, The American View, 2006
  39. ^ "The Liberty Champion". Liberty.edu. 2001-09-11. Retrieved 2011-09-11.
  40. ^ "Blue Ridge Business Journal". Bizjournal.com. Retrieved 2011-09-11.
  41. ^ Van Biema, David (October 27, 2007). "Oral Roberts to the Rescue?". Time. Retrieved 2007-11-04.
  42. ^ "Liberty News & Events". Liberty.edu. 2009-10-22. Retrieved 2011-09-11.
  43. ^ "LU sells $120M in facilities bonds". The News & Advance. 2010-12-08. Retrieved 2010-12-17.
  44. ^ a b c Barry, Liz (March 27, 2011). "Liberty tops state in federal aid for its students". The News & Advance. Lynchburg, Virginia. Retrieved 2011-03-28.
  45. ^ Inskeep, Steve (June 30, 2006). "Religion, Politics a Potent Mix for Jerry Falwell". National Public Radio. Retrieved 2007-01-04.
  46. ^ "Jerry Falwell, Moral Majority Founder, Dies at 73", New York Times, May 16, 2007
  47. ^ a b Fisher, Marc (November 23, 1997). "A Church in Flux Is Flush With Cash". Washington Post. Retrieved 2007-11-14. "Also in 1995, the Women's Federation made another donation that illustrates how Moon supports fellow conservatives. It gave a $3.5 million grant to the Christian Heritage Foundation, which later bought a large portion of Liberty University's debt, rescuing the Rev. Jerry Falwell's Lynchburg, Va., religious school from the brink of bankruptcy."
  48. ^ Kennedy, John (February 9, 1998). "Finance: Moon-Related Funds Filter to Evangelicals". Christianity Today. Retrieved 2007-10-30. "$3.5 MILLION GIFT: In November, the Los Angeles Times reported that the Women's Federation for World Peace (WFWP), which is headed by Moon's wife, contributed $3.5 million to Christian Heritage Foundation (CHF) of Virginia for "educational purposes" in 1995."
  49. ^ a b c Jaschik, Scott (April 26, 2005). "Gay Freedom Riders". Inside Higher Ed. Retrieved 2007-01-04.
  50. ^ "Gay Rights Activists Arrested at Liberty University". FoxNews. March 10, 2006. Retrieved 2007-11-13.
  51. ^ "Rabbi to Liberty University: Gay couples deserve rights". The Advocate. April 28, 2006. Retrieved 2006-11-04.
  52. ^ "Remarks by Rabbi Eric Yoffieat Liberty University, Lynchburg, VA". URJ. April 26, 2006. Retrieved 2010-12-17.
  53. ^ "Liberty University - Answers in Genesis". Answers in Genesis. Retrieved 7 January 2009.
  54. ^ Ham, Ken (31 July 2007). "Liberty University scholarship awarded to AiG research paper winner". Answers in Genesis. Retrieved 7 January 2009./
  55. ^ Ham, Ken (14 May 2006). "Graduation day at Liberty University". Answers in Genesis. Retrieved 7 January 2009.
  56. ^ "Liberty University and Answers in Genesis To Co-Sponsor 2005 Creation Mega Conference". Liberty University. 8 July 2005. Retrieved 7 January 2009.
  57. ^ Desrets, Christa (14 February 2009). "Liberty University disputing evolution". The News & Advance. Retrieved 10 June 2009.
  58. ^ Hendrix, Steve (2009-03-11). "Creationist Students Take Trip to Evolution Headquarters: The Smithsonian". The Washington Post. Retrieved 2010-05-07.
  59. ^ "Liberty University is looking for Biology Professors". Richarddawkins.net. 6 November 2006. Retrieved 10 June 2009.
  60. ^ Doolan, Robert (December 1991). "The fossils shout creation". Answers in Genesis/Creation magazine. Retrieved 2006-11-04.
  61. ^ a b Dean, Cornelia (February 12, 2007). "Believing Scripture but Playing by Science's Rules". New York Times. Retrieved 2007-02-12.
  62. ^ Dean, Cornelia (2007-02-12). "Believing Scripture but Playing by Science's Rules". The New York Times.
  63. ^ Reed, Ray (2009-05-21). "LU pulls plug on Democratic club". www.newsadvance.com/. Retrieved 2009-05-21.
  64. ^ http://hotlineoncall.nationaljournal.com/archives/2009/05/mcauliffe_jumps.php Skalka, Jennifer. McAuliffe Jumps Into Liberty U/Young Dems Battle, National Journal, Hotline OnCall, May 22, 2009
  65. ^ a b Kumar, Anita (May 23, 2009). "Liberty U. Drops Democratic Club". Washington Post. p. B1.
  66. ^ "Reed, Ray. "Kaine calls on LU to reconsider Democratic club ban." ''Lynchburg News-Advance'', May 22, 2009". Newsadvance.com. 2009-05-22. Retrieved 2011-09-11.
  67. ^ Falwell, Jerry (2009-05-24). "Media's misrepresentation of club controversy". Liberty University.
  68. ^ "LU officials meet with College Democrats". Liberty University. 2009-05-28.
  69. ^ "UPDATE: Liberty University Democratic club working to regain status". News & Advance. 2009-05-27.
  70. ^ "Questioning Liberty University's Tax-Exempt Status".
  71. ^ "Liberty U Drops Recognition of Democratic Club; Falwell Files Complaint Against AU". OMB Watch. 06/01/09. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  72. ^ http://lc.org/media/9980/attachments/ltr_au_%20irs_w_media_exhibits.pdf
  73. ^ "Liberty U. implements new club policy June 22, 2009". Wsls.com. Retrieved 2011-09-11.
  74. ^ "Kaine: Liberty solved club controversy 'perfectly'". The News & Advance. 2009-06-26. Retrieved 2010-12-17.
  75. ^ a b "News & Events - News Article - Liberty University". Liberty.edu. 2010-05-10. Retrieved 2010-12-17.
  76. ^ "LU officials to investigate Caner's background claims". The News & Advance. Retrieved 2010-12-17.
  77. ^ "Liberty Panel to Investigate Seminary President Caner's statements | Liveblog | Christianity Today". Blog.christianitytoday.com. Retrieved 2010-12-17.
  78. ^ "Bloggers Target Seminary President". Christianity Today. 2010-03-05. Retrieved 2010-12-17.
  79. ^ "Liberty U. demotes dean after inquiry". Washington Post. June 30, 2010. p. B1. {{cite news}}: Unknown parameter |authors= ignored (help)
  80. ^ https://www.liberty.edu/media/1162/newsletters/newsletter%205-11-10.pdf
  81. ^ "Ergun Caner Out as Seminary Dean". Christianity Today. 2010-02-07. Retrieved 2010-12-17.
  82. ^ "Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary & Graduate School // Full-Time Faculty". Liberty.edu. Retrieved 2010-12-17.
  83. ^ "Doug Brady Baseball Stats by Baseball Almanac". Baseball-almanac.com. Retrieved 2010-12-17.
  84. ^ April 01, 2009 ¦ Teresa Dunham (2009-04-01). "Liberty Journal". Liberty.edu. Retrieved 2010-12-17.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link) CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  85. ^ "Heidi Mueller". Nndb.com. 1955-01-10. Retrieved 2010-12-17.
  86. ^ "Wild Florida - a series from WPBT Channel 2". Wildflorida.tv. Retrieved 2011-09-11.
  87. ^ December 11, 2007 (2007-12-11). "Liberty Journal". Liberty.edu. Retrieved 2011-09-11.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  88. ^ "Aimee Semple McPherson | Movies & TV". Christianity Today. Retrieved 2010-12-17.
  89. ^ "Michelle Wright - WTAE-TV News Story". WTAE Pittsburgh. 2010-07-30. Retrieved 2010-12-17.
  90. ^ "WFLF-AM 540 Orlando". Cflradio.net. Retrieved 2010-12-17.
  91. ^ US Chamber of Congress

37°21′09″N 79°10′49″W / 37.35242°N 79.18018°W / 37.35242; -79.18018