Liberty University

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Liberty University
Image:Aflamelogo.jpg
Motto: Knowledge Aflame
Established: 1971
Type: Private
Faculty: 833
Undergraduates: 14,438
Postgraduates: 5,814
Location: Lynchburg, Virginia, USA
Campus: Suburban
Former names: Lynchburg Baptist College
Liberty Baptist College
Colors: navy, white, and red
              
Nickname: Flames
Mascot: Sparky
Affiliations: Big South Conference
Website: www.liberty.edu
www.libertyu.com

Liberty University is a private, Baptist, Evangelical Christian, liberal arts university located in Lynchburg, Virginia. While the majority of its students take classes online,[1] it is currently the largest evangelical university in the world, with 5,000 more students than the second-largest, Indiana Wesleyan University.

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 in 1985 when it obtained university status.

Contents

[edit] History

[edit] 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.[2]

Liberty University Vines Center

[edit] Campus life

Students who live on campus are required to attend convocation three times per week. At these convocations they have opportunity to hear from speakers in all walks of professional life, be entertained by talented 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, Col. Oliver North, Steve Forbes, Leonard Davidson, Former US Senator from North Carolina 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, and 2008 Presidential Candidates Mike Huckabee and Ron Paul. Dr. Jerry Falwell regularly spoke at chapel, giving his "Never Give Up" speech in the first semester.

Mike Huckabee plays at Thomas Road

Liberty University continues to invest heavily in capital projects. Liberty University's Campus East housing complex now boasts 32 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 are two clubhouses which offer a swimming pool, billiards room, computer lab, private theater, restaurant 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 fall of 2009 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.

July 2, 2006 marked the first Thomas Road services to be held in the new sanctuary building adjacent to Liberty's campus. Many of the students attend and participate in services at this facility. The University has official ties with Thomas Road Baptist Church, the church that founded the University.

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.[3] 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 an extensive Mountain bike trail system, a motorcross facility, paintball fields, 3D archery range, intramural sports program and several club sports such as LU ice hockey which plays in an ice rink donated by Tim and Beverly LaHaye, and a new indoor soccer facility.

Construction is currently underway on 5,000-acre (20 km2) university-owned Candler Mountain (commonly called Liberty Mountain) that flanks the campus to complete an outdoor sports park. The park is planned to feature additional hiking and biking trails, a ski lift and Snowflex slope, and downhill bike trails. It will be open to both students and the public. The Snowflex slope is scheduled to be opened August 29, 2009.[4]

Williams Stadium at Liberty University

[edit] Liberty Way

The university has a code of student conduct, documented in "The Liberty Way", which states: "It is the duty of every student to respect Liberty's Statement of Doctrine and Purpose. They may not engage in any activity on or off campus that would compromise the testimony or reputation of the University or cause disruption to Liberty's Christian learning environment." [5] The code of conduct includes possible reprimands and, later, fines, for such activities as attending dances, violating curfew, viewing R-rated movies, drinking, smoking, viewing sexually explicit material, entering the bedroom of a member of the opposite sex, having an abortion, and participating in unauthorized petitions.[6]

The phrase "That's not the Liberty Way" is commonly heard across campus, used by students and professors alike as a good-natured "poke" at the school's rules.

In the summer of 2005, the university announced it was slightly relaxing its in-class dress code to allow flip-flops, capri pants, jeans, and other casual articles of clothing (but not shorts) to be worn in the classroom as long as the clothing did not have holes in them. Rules such as collared shirts for male students still apply. Faculty members work under a contract requiring them to abide by similar behavioral codes.

[edit] Faculty

Using "non-tenured teaching faculty" was a matter of pride to Falwell, as it allowed the administration to keep a firm grip on the behavior of the academic community.[7] As Falwell once stated, "When we ask a faculty member be dismissed when he's teaching something wrong, our president understands and it's good to do that — because your paycheck may not be coming along next week if you don't."[8] Though Falwell had opposed tenure in the past, the University tenured its first faculty member, Bruce Green, in 2004 and Professors Roger Bern and Jeffrey Tuomala followed within a few years. In 2007 Mathew D. Staver became the 4th tenured professor at Liberty.

[edit] Accreditation

Liberty was founded in 1971 and received Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) accreditation in 1980[9], which was most recently reaffirmed in 2006.[10] 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.[11][12] Liberty has 60 accredited degree granting programs.[13] The law school, which opened in 2003, gained provisional accreditation from the American Bar Association in 2006.[14]

[edit] Academics and rankings

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

As of February 2009, Liberty offers 71 majors & specializations and among those offered are Aeronautics[15], 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 in 2008 was 94.3%[16], making Liberty one of the least selective schools in the United States.[17]

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,[19].

The U.S. News & World Report currently ranks Liberty University as a Fourth Tier institution in the Universities Masters (South) category.[20] Other schools listed on the same tier and category are Southern Wesleyan University, Bethel College, and Norfolk State University.[21]

In 2005, Barron's Profiles of American Colleges ranked LU as a "competitive" college.[22]

In 2007 Liberty University School of Law, provisionally approved by the American Bar Association[23], announced an 89% Bar passage rate from its first graduating class of Law Students. The bar passage rate far exceeded the State Average of 71.97%.[24]

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 [25]

[edit] Extracurricular activities

[edit] Athletics

 It has been suggested that this section be split into a new article entitled Liberty Flames. (Discuss)
Liberty Flames logo
Liberty Hockey Team

The Liberty Flames are a member of the NCAA Division I-AA level Big South Conference for 18 sports. 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.[26] In addition, Liberty University students won the inaugural Big South Conference Quiz Bowl competition in 2006, and won again in 2007.

Perhaps the most prominent athlete to come through Liberty is current senior Josh McDougal. McDougal is a 12 time cross country and track All-American and in November 2007 outkicked Oregon's Galen Rupp to win the NCAA Division I Cross Country Championship. He has also helped lead the Flames' cross country and track teams to numerous Big South Championships.[citation needed]

Liberty Flames men's basketball in 2008

Liberty's football program is headed by Danny Rocco (2006 & 2007 Big South coach of the year), who had coached for the New York Jets and Virginia Cavaliers under Al Groh.[27] In 2007 Rocco's team narrowly lost at Division I FBS team Toledo. Liberty plays their home games at Williams Stadium which has a capacity of 12,000.

The University gained some media attention in the winter of 2005 when their women's basketball team, the Lady Flames led by Katie Feenstra, made the Sweet Sixteen of the 2005 NCAA Women's Division I Basketball Tournament, being labeled a "Cinderella" team. After defeating fourth-seeded Penn State and fifth-seeded DePaul, the Flames' winning streak was halted by top-seeded LSU. Feenstra was later drafted by the San Antonio Silver Stars of the WNBA. Volleyball and both Men and Women's Basketball are played inside the 9,000 seat Vines Center, which also hosts special events and concerts, such as WinterFest.

2006 marked an important event in Liberty athletics, as the Flames returned to wrestling competition for the first time since 1994. Former Flames’ wrestler Jesse Castro was hired as Liberty’s new head wrestling coach; he graduated from Liberty University in 1981 with a bachelor's degree in physical education. Liberty University previously had wrestling teams from 1974 to 1994. The reinstatement of the wrestling program was aided by the support of the Liberty University Wrestling Foundation.

[edit] 2007 Big South Conference Champions

Liberty Flames football in 2007
Liberty Flames football in 2007

On November 17, 2007 the Flames captured their first Big South Conference Football championship with a commanding 31-0 victory over Gardner-Webb University. The Flames capped off their second year under head coach Danny Rocco with an 8-3 record and an unblemished 4-0 Big South record to claim the title. The same week, The Liberty University Men's Soccer team beat Radford University 2-1 to capture the Big South Conference soccer title and their first appearance in the national tournament. Also that same week, the Liberty Women's Volleyball team shutout Winthrop in the finals of the Big South Volleyball tournament. it was the first conference championship for the volleyball team since 2001. The Liberty Men's and Women's cross country teams also won the Big South Championship with Josh McDougal, Jordan McDougal and Jarvis Jelen sweeping the top 3 positions in the men's race for the third straight year. [28][29]

[edit] 2008 Big South Conference Champions

Topping its 2007 performance, Liberty ran its unbeaten Big South streak to 11-straight games, finishing back-to-back conference championship seasons with a 30-10 victory over Gardner-Webb. The Flames finished with a 10-2 record on the year and finished the conference slate unbeaten at 5-0. Liberty’s victory allowed the Flames to become the first team in Big South history to win five conference games in a season and to join Gardner-Webb as the only two teams to post consecutive unbeaten seasons. Liberty finished ranked 15th in the FCS Coaches Poll and 14th in the Sports Network Poll. [30][31][32]

[edit] Sparky (Mascot)

Sparky
Sparky
Sparky
University Liberty University
Conference Big South
Description Bald Eagle
First seen August 31, 2006
Official website Liberty Flames

Sparky is the Liberty University costumed mascot. Sparky is a cartoonish representation of a bald-eagle, which is the symbol for Liberty University athletics.[33] Sparky makes appearances at all major sporting events, on the court or field, or in the stands with spectators, cheering on the Flames.

The current version of Sparky was unveiled in 2006 by the University's athletics department. In 2008, Sparky competed in the write-in competition of the 2008 Capital-One Mascot Bowl. Liberty Flames fans were encouraged to vote for their mascot as a part of the "Vote for Sparky" campaign that was held around campus.[34] Sparky led for much of the competition,[35] and finished as the second place write-in competitor.[36] With the rise to prominence of the athletics program, Sparky has taken a very prominent role in promoting Liberty University Athletics, both on campus and online via his YouTube page, Facebook Fan Club, and the 2008 Capital One Bowl Mascot Write-In competition.

Liberty University athletics also sponsors the "Sparky" awards,[37] which are named for the University's mascot, and are awarded for outstanding athletic achievements during the year.

[edit] 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.[38][39] The touting of this by Liberty and in the press[40] 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 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.[41] 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.

[edit] Finances

In the past, the institution faced a series of financial crises. Today, the university is self sustaining and financially independent.[42] Total enrollment has increased to just over 11,000 students residentially, and about 30,000 students in their distance learning program in the past five years — a 74% increase. Tuition has also increased significantly during this time, though not at a pace that exceeds tuition increases at other schools.[43] 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.[44] In January 2009, Chancellor Jerry Falwell Jr. announced the university's plans to lower tuition for the 2009-2010 academic year by almost $6 million.[45]

[edit] Controversy

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

[edit] 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.[46] The church won a 1973 federal court case prosecuted at the behest of the SEC, in which the Court completely exonerated the church and ruled that there had been no intentional wrong-doing.[47]

[edit] 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 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's University was decided in similar manner and then later was overturned. The Virginia Supreme Court reviewed the case and based it's decision on a more recent US Supreme Court ruling concerning issues of Separation and Sectarianism. Since then Regent's has received approval for bond funding with the stipulation that it may not fund the Divinity School.

During this same period of time the scandal surrounding PTL Ministries and involving TV Evangelist Jim Bakker and later a similar discovery of improprieties by Jimmy Swaggart led to a severe downturn in charitable giving to televangelism organizations such as Falwell's which resulted in a decline of contributions to the fledgling University.

This combination of event's began a period of deep indebtedness for Liberty University.

[edit] 1994 debt buy-out

Sun Myung Moon, founder of the Unification Church and the Washington Times, helped to financially stabilize the University through two of his organizations: News World Communications, 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.[48] 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 Dr. Falwell or somebody in the organization knew who News World Communications was."[48] Liberty University founder Jerry Falwell stated that the source of the funds does not influence his ministry, Stating: "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."[49]

Ron Godwin, now Vice Chancellor at Liberty University, was previously employed under Rev. Moon as Vice President of the Washington Times.[50]

[edit] 2005 Equality Ride

Liberty made news in 2005 when students from the Equality Ride visited the university and spoke informally with Liberty students.[51] 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.[52]

Don Egle, director of public relations at Liberty, said, "We don’t feel that this situation warrants a comment."[51] When asked about the school's policies toward gay students Egle said only "we follow Scripture."[51] 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."[53] 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. After the convocation, the Soulforce members were met with kindness from Liberty faculty and staff- many who stayed after the service to have friendly conversations with the Soulforce members. Students at Liberty University even baked homemade cookies for members of Soulforce. Soulforce sent word back to Liberty saying that they were pleased with the way they were treated.[54]

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.[2] "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. "He came across in a loving, respectful way," and students were also responsive, and expressed interest in common ground.[53]

[edit] Biology and fossils

Liberty University teaches Young Earth Creationism as a plausible scientific explanation for the appearance of life on earth. The university works with Young Earth creationist organizations including Answers in Genesis.[55][56][57][58] In biology classes students are taught both creationism and evolution and that creationism offers a better explanation of biological diversity than evolution.[59] [60]

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."[61]

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."[62]

Liberty professor Marcus R. Ross was featured in a report on creationism.[63] 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," but 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."[63] Dr. Eugenie C. Scott of the National Center for Science Education said fundamentalists who capitalized on secular credentials "to miseducate the public" were doing a disservice to society.[63] Whereas, Dr. Michael L. Dini said, "Scientists do not base their acceptance or rejection of theories on religion, and someone who does should not be able to become a scientist."[63] Commenting on his dissertation that repeatedly described events as occurring tens of millions of years ago, Ross explained, "I did not imply or deny any endorsement of the dates."[63] Ross's dissertation and his subsequent statements with respect to the consensus of mainstream science as opposed to his own beliefs as he expresses and teaches them at Liberty has resulted in controversy. This includes questions about intellectual and philosophical integrity and consistency with respect to science and creationism.[64]

[edit] De-recognition of College Democrats

On May 15, 2009, vice president of student affairs, Mark Hine, sent an e-mail to the president of LU's College Democrats, 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, same-sex marriage, hate crimes, "the LGBT agenda," 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. [65]

At a meeting with Administration officials, the group was asked to publicly apologize for statements they had made to the media about this controversy. The head of the LU College Democrats, Brian Diaz, was quoted as saying he was baffled by the administration's decision, "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." [66]

Chairman of the Democratic National Committee and Democratic Governor Tim Kaine and gubernatorial candidates Terry McAuliffe, Brian Moran and Creigh Deeds called on the college to rescind the ban.[67][68] Republican gubernatorial candidate Robert 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.[67]

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. Neither the University nor its’ officials said that a person cannot be both a Christian and a Democrat. [69] On May 28, 2009, members of the Club met with officials at Liberty University, and Falwell stated that he was “optimistic that if the university can work directly with the students that a compromise can be reached.” [70]

Brian Diaz, the College Democrat's head, later announced that he had resigned and would be transferring out of LU, citing the administration’s dealings with him personally, as well as its decision to remove the club’s sponsor, as factors in his decision.[71] LU officials had demanded the Democrats find a new sponsor if it wants to regain official recognition. The current sponsor had been convicted of several misdemeanors by a local Virginia court resulting from a family dispute.[72]

Liberty's decision has led some to question the University's tax-exempt status, and Americans United for Separation of Church and State has 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.[73][74][75]

In late June, Liberty University announced a new policy dealing with all political clubs on campus. The new policy removes 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 college funding. [76] Democratic Governor Tim Kaine was quoted as saying that Liberty University solved the club controversy "Perfectly." [77]

[edit] Notable alumni and associates

[edit] 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
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
Kelvin Edwards former NFL player with the New Orleans Saints and Dallas Cowboys
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
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 current CFL player with the Toronto Argonauts
James McKnight former NFL player
Julius Nwosu former NBA player
Vince Redd current 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

[edit] Entertainment

Name Known for Relationship to Liberty University
Mark Lowry Christian comedian and vocalist Alumnus
Jody McBrayer Member of Christian vocal group Avalon
Toby McKeehan, Michael Tait, and Kevin Max The members of dc Talk, a Christian hip-hop band Alumni
Guy Penrod Member of the gospel group Gaither Vocal Band Alumnus
Bob Sturm Radio host on Dallas-based KTCK's BaD Radio Alumnus
Phil Stacey Singer, American Idol contestant Distance-Learning student
Jeremy Nicholson[78][79] Emmy Award Winning Videographer Alumnus
Vic Mignogna Anime voice actor Alumnus
Heidi Mueller [80] Television Actress Alumnus
Shannon Bream [81] Television Reporter/Anchor Alumnus

[edit] Miscellaneous

Name Known for Relationship to Liberty University
Jerry Falwell Jr. Current Chancellor of Liberty University
Kevin Beary Former Sheriff of Orange County, Florida
William Franklin Graham IV Evangelist; Billy Graham's grandson
Angela Elwell Hunt Christian author
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)
Adrian M. Smith U.S. Congressman Attended for a year-and-a-half[82]

[edit] References

  1. ^ "Welcome to Liberty!". http://www.libertyuniversityonline.com/. 
  2. ^ "About Liberty - Purpose/Mission". http://www.liberty.edu/index.cfm?PID=6899. Retrieved on 2007-09-19. 
  3. ^ LaHaye Student Center - Official Page - Liberty University
  4. ^ Erinn Morgan, Liberty University Pledges ‘Good Clean Fun’ at New Sports Park, The New York Times, December 12, 2007.
  5. ^ "Liberty Way - II. Affirmative Duties". http://www.liberty.edu/media/1210/Code%20of%20Conduct%20Section%201%208_07.pdf. Retrieved on 2008-02-08. 
  6. ^ "Student Affairs - Code of Conduct". http://www.liberty.edu/index.cfm?PID=1378. Retrieved on 2007-09-19. 
  7. ^ Falwell, Jerry (2006). "Liberty University Distinctives". Liberty University. http://www.liberty.edu/index.cfm?PID=6909. Retrieved on 2007-01-04. 
  8. ^ Michael L. Bentley, "Creationism through the Back Door," Science, Technology, & Human Values, 9:4 (Autumn, 1984), pp. 49-53
  9. ^ "Commission on Colleges: Institution Details". http://www.sacscoc.org/details.asp?instid=43000. Retrieved on 2007-09-19. 
  10. ^ "About Liberty - Institutional and Program Accreditation". http://www.liberty.edu/index.cfm?PID=7650. Retrieved on 2007-09-19. 
  11. ^ "Accreditation Details: Liberty University". United States Department of Education. 2009. http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/InstAccrDetails.aspx?756e697469643d3134373730332663616d70757349643d30267264743d352f32322f3230303920363a32313a343920504d. Retrieved on 2009-02-28. 
  12. ^ "Commission Action November 2008". Transnational Association of Christian Colleges and Schools. November 2008. http://www.tracs.org/files/DOE_Nov08.pdf. Retrieved on 2009-02-28. 
  13. ^ https://www.liberty.edu/index.cfm?PID=7650 Retrieved 2009-05-23
  14. ^ "Liberty’s Law School Earns Provisional ABA Accreditation". http://www.liberty.edu/academics/law/index.cfm?PID=10267. Retrieved on 2007-09-19. 
  15. ^ http://www.liberty.edu/academics/arts-sciences/aeronautics/
  16. ^ "US News". http://colleges.usnews.rankingsandreviews.com/college/items/10392. Retrieved on 2008-12-17. 
  17. ^ "US News Acceptance Rates". http://colleges.usnews.rankingsandreviews.com/college/highest-acceptance-rate. Retrieved on 2009-02-18. 
  18. ^ http://www.liberty.edu/academics/arts-sciences/aeronautics/
  19. ^ Karlin, Adam (2005-09-21). "More students are drawn to conservative colleges". Christian Science Monitor. http://www.csmonitor.com/2005/0921/p02s01-ussc.html. Retrieved on 2007-09-19. 
  20. ^ "Overview : Liberty University". U.S. News and World Report. http://colleges.usnews.rankingsandreviews.com/college/items/10392. Retrieved on 6 January 2009. 
  21. ^ http://colleges.usnews.rankingsandreviews.com/college/masters-south-search/c_final_tier+4 U.S. News and World Reports, Master's Universities (South) tier 4 schools. Retrieved on 2009-03-23
  22. ^ 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
  23. ^ "ABA Accreditation". http://www.liberty.edu/academics/law/index.cfm?PID=3767. Retrieved on 2008-04-14. 
  24. ^ Liberty Journal
  25. ^ http://www.liberty.edu/libertyjournal/index.cfm?PID=15758&section=4&artid=449&CFID=4377236&CFTOKEN=62432310
  26. ^ "Sasser Cup - Big South Conference". http://www.bigsouthsports.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=4800&KEY=&ATCLID=131062. Retrieved on 2007-09-19. 
  27. ^ "Coaching staff - Danny Rocco". http://www.libertyflames.com/index.cfm?PID=10867&CoachID=120&TeamID=9. Retrieved on 2007-10-16. 
  28. ^ Football - News - LibertyFlames.com
  29. ^ ESPN - Liberty 31, Gardner-Webb 0 - NCAA College Football Recap
  30. ^ http://www.libertyflames.com/index.cfm?PID=10869&newsID=3287&TeamID=9
  31. ^ http://www.soconsports.com/fls/4000/socon/FCS/index.htm?KEY=&DB_OEM_ID=4000&DB_LANG=&IN_SUBSCRIBER_CONTENT=
  32. ^ http://www.sportsnetwork.com/merge/tsnform.aspx?c=sportsnetwork&page=cfoot2/misc/TSN-DIV-1AA-POLL.htm
  33. ^ http://www.libertyflames.com/
  34. ^ http://www.libertyflames.com/index.cfm?PID=17673
  35. ^ http://www.libertyflames.com/index.cfm?PID=10869&newsID=2924&TeamID=
  36. ^ http://www.libertyflames.com/index.cfm?PID=10869&newsID=3174&TeamID=
  37. ^ http://www.libertyflames.com/index.cfm?PID=10869&newsID=1517&TeamID=
  38. ^ National Debate Tournament Fall 2005 Report National Debate Tournament, 2005. (MS Word file)
  39. ^ National Debate Tournament Spring 2006 Report National Debate Tournament, 2006. (MS Word file)
  40. ^ Cut, Thrust and Christ Susannah Meadows. Newsweek, February 6 2006.
  41. ^ A Truly Christian College Would Teach Biblical Defense Of The Faith Not "Debate" As A Game John Lofton, The American View, 2006
  42. ^ The Liberty Champion
  43. ^ Blue Ridge Business Journal
  44. ^ "Oral Roberts to the Rescue?". Time. October 27, 2007. http://www.time.com/time/nation/article/0,8599,1677098,00.html. Retrieved on 2007-11-04. 
  45. ^ Liberty Journal
  46. ^ Inskeep, Steve (June 30, 2006). "Religion, Politics a Potent Mix for Jerry Falwell". National Public Radio. http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=5522064. Retrieved on 2007-01-04. 
  47. ^ "Jerry Falwell, Moral Majority Founder, Dies at 73", New York Times, May 16, 2007
  48. ^ a b Fisher, Marc (November 23, 1997). "A Church in Flux Is Flush With Cash". Washington Post. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/national/longterm/cult/unification/main.htm. Retrieved on 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."
  49. ^ Kennedy, John (February 9, 1998). "Finance: Moon-Related Funds Filter to Evangelicals". Christian Today. http://www.ctlibrary.com/ct/1998/february9/8t2082.html. Retrieved on 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."
  50. ^ "Dr. Ronald Godwin Biography". Liberty University. 2007. http://www.liberty.edu/universityrelations/index.cfm?PID=11850. Retrieved on 2007-11-14. 
  51. ^ a b c Jaschik, Scott (April 26, 2005). "Gay Freedom Riders". Inside Higher Ed. http://www.insidehighered.com/layout/set/print/news/2005/04/26/gay. Retrieved on 2007-01-04. 
  52. ^ "Gay Rights Activists Arrested at Liberty University". FoxNews accessdate = 2007-11-13. 
  53. ^ a b "Rabbi to Liberty University: Gay couples deserve rights". The Advocate. April 28, 2006. http://www.advocate.com/news_detail_ektid30397.asp. Retrieved on 2006-11-04. 
  54. ^ [1][dead link]
  55. ^ "Liberty University - Answers in Genesis". Answers in Genesis. http://www.answersingenesis.org/articles/am/v2/n1/liberty-university. Retrieved on 7 January 2009. 
  56. ^ Ham, Ken (31 July 2007). "Liberty University scholarship awarded to AiG research paper winner". Answers in Genesis. http://blogs.answersingenesis.org/aroundtheworld/2007/07/31/liberty-university-scholarship-awarded-to-aig-research-paper-winner. Retrieved on 7 January 2009. /
  57. ^ Ham, Ken (14 May 2006). "Graduation day at Liberty University". Answers in Genesis. http://blogs.answersingenesis.org/aroundtheworld/2006/05/14/graduation-day-at-liberty-university/. Retrieved on 7 January 2009. 
  58. ^ "Liberty University and Answers in Genesis To Co-Sponsor 2005 Creation Mega Conference". Liberty University. 8 July 2005. http://www.liberty.edu/index.cfm?PID=13208&NewsID=81. Retrieved on 7 January 2009. 
  59. ^ Desrets, Christa (14 February 2009). "Liberty University disputing evolution". The News & Advance. http://www.newsadvance.com/lna/news/local/article/liberty_university_refuting_evolution/13475/. Retrieved on 10 June 2009. 
  60. ^ http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/03/10/AR2009031003690.html
  61. ^ "Liberty University is looking for Biology Professors". Richarddawkins.net. 6 November 2006. http://richarddawkins.net/article,290,Liberty-University-is-looking-for-Biology-Professors,chroniclecom. Retrieved on 10 June 2009. 
  62. ^ Doolan, Robert (December 1991). "The fossils shout creation". Answers in Genesis/Creation magazine. http://www.answersingenesis.org/creation/v14/i1/fossil.asp. Retrieved on 2006-11-04. 
  63. ^ a b c d e Dean, Cornelia (February 12, 2007). "Believing Scripture but Playing by Science’s Rules". New York Times. http://www.nytimes.com/2007/02/12/science/12geologist.html?ex=1329022800&en=97c24e3503c26985&ei=5124&partner=permalink&exprod=permalink. Retrieved on 2007-02-12. 
  64. ^ Dean, Cornelia (2007-02-12). "Believing Scripture but Playing by Science’s Rules". The New York Times. http://www.nytimes.com/2007/02/12/science/12geologist.html. 
  65. ^ Reed, Ray (2009-05-21). "LU pulls plug on Democratic club". www.newsadvance.com/. http://www.newsadvance.com/lna/news/local/article/lu_pulls_plug_on_democratic_club/16172/. Retrieved on 2009-05-21. 
  66. ^ 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
  67. ^ a b Kumar, Anita (May 23, 2009). "Liberty U. Drops Democratic Club". Washington Post: p. B1. 
  68. ^ Reed, Ray. "Kaine calls on LU to reconsider Democratic club ban." Lynchburg News-Advance, May 22, 2009.
  69. ^ Falwell, Jerry (2009-05-24). "Media's misrepresentation of club controversy". Liberty University. http://www.liberty.edu/index.cfm?PID=18495&MID=8373. 
  70. ^ "LU officials meet with College Democrats". Liberty University. 2009-05-28. http://www.liberty.edu/index.cfm?PID=18495&MID=8375. 
  71. ^ Thompson, Dave. Liberty University College Democrats’ president resigns. The Lynchburg News & Advance, June 19, 2009.
  72. ^ Media General News Service. Liberty U. Democrats lose president, sponsor. June 21, 2009.
  73. ^ "Questioning Liberty University's Tax-Exempt Status". http://legaltimes.typepad.com/blt/2009/06/questioning-liberty-universitys-taxexempt-status.html. 
  74. ^ "Liberty U Drops Recognition of Democratic Club; Falwell Files Complaint Against AU". OMB Watch. 06/01/09. http://www.ombwatch.org/node/10060. 
  75. ^ http://lc.org/media/9980/attachments/ltr_au_%20irs_w_media_exhibits.pdf
  76. ^ WSLS.com Liberty U. implements new club policy June 22, 2009.
  77. ^ http://www.newsadvance.com/lna/news/local/article/kaine_liberty_solved_club_controversy_perfectly/17247/
  78. ^ Wild Florida - a series from WPBT Channel 2
  79. ^ Liberty Journal
  80. ^ http://www.nndb.com/people/528/000163039/
  81. ^ http://www.liberty.edu/libertyjournal/index.cfm?PID=15758&section=8&artid=710&CFID=4377236&CFTOKEN=62432310
  82. ^ US Chamber of Congress

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