Liberty University

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Liberty University seal

Jerry Falwell evangelical and leader of the Moral Majority

Jerry Falwell Jr. (49270624903)

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Commons Lawn, 2024

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Liberty University School of Divinity (crop)

Liberty University is a private evangelical Christian university located in Lynchburg, Virginia, United States. Founded in 1971 by Jerry Falwell and Elmer L. Towns, the university has grown from a small college to one of the largest private, non-profit universities in the nation and the largest university in Virginia. Liberty University is known for its conservative values and its emphasis on integrating a Christian worldview into its curriculum.

History

Liberty University was established as Lynchburg Baptist College in 1971 by Jerry Falwell, a prominent Baptist pastor, and Elmer L. Towns, a religious educator. The university was conceived as a training ground for Christian leaders, both in the ministry and in the secular world, with a strong emphasis on evangelism and biblical literalism. In 1977, the college changed its name to Liberty Baptist College and then to Liberty University in 1985 to reflect its growth and broadening scope.

Campus

The university's campus spans more than 7,000 acres in Lynchburg, Virginia, and includes a range of facilities from academic buildings and libraries to student housing, a recreation center, and athletic facilities. The campus is also home to the Liberty Mountain Snowflex Centre, a year-round ski slope, and the Liberty University Convocation, the world's largest weekly gathering of Christian students.

Academics

Liberty University offers a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degrees through its 17 colleges and schools. These include the School of Law, the School of Business, the School of Divinity, and the College of Osteopathic Medicine, among others. The university is known for its distance learning programs, which serve a large online student body in addition to those on campus.

Athletics

Liberty University competes in NCAA Division I as a member of the Atlantic Sun Conference. The university fields teams in a variety of sports, including football, basketball, soccer, and track and field. The Liberty Flames and Lady Flames have achieved success in several sports, earning conference championships and making appearances in NCAA tournaments.

Controversies

Throughout its history, Liberty University has been involved in a number of controversies, primarily related to its conservative political stances, its adherence to fundamentalist Christian beliefs, and its policies on social issues. Critics have also raised concerns about the university's financial practices and governance.

Notable Alumni

Liberty University has produced a number of notable alumni who have gone on to achieve success in various fields, including politics, sports, business, and the arts. These include Rashad Jennings, a former NFL running back; Samantha Ponder, a sportscaster for ESPN; and Trey Falwell, a vice president at Liberty University.

Conclusion

Liberty University remains a significant institution within the evangelical Christian community and the broader educational landscape in the United States. Its commitment to providing a Christian education and its success in developing a large online program have contributed to its growth and influence.