Full History Of Liberty University In Timeline From 1923

6 hours ago : Liberty University Hosts Twilight Qualifier; Virginia and Longwood in Track Finale.

Liberty University is set to host the Twilight Qualifier. Virginia Track & Field prepares for its regular season finale along with Longwood University at the Hill City Twilight. These events mark the culmination of the track season.

1923: Construction of the Carter Glass Mansion

In 1923, the Carter Glass Mansion, also called Montview, was built for Carter Glass, a newspaper publisher and U.S. senator.

1926: Notes on Democracy

In 1926, Notes on Democracy was published.

1930: I'll Take My Stand

In 1930, I'll Take My Stand was published.

1941: The Managerial Revolution

In 1941, The Managerial Revolution was published.

1948: Ideas Have Consequences

In 1948, Ideas Have Consequences was published.

1951: God and Man at Yale

In 1951, God and Man at Yale was published.

1953: The Conservative Mind

In 1953, The Conservative Mind was published.

1960: The Conscience of a Conservative

In 1960, The Conscience of a Conservative was published.

1964: A Choice Not an Echo

In 1964, A Choice Not an Echo was published.

1964: Title VII of the Civil Rights Act passed

The university was sued for allegedly violating Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 when it fired Zinski, who is transgender, explicitly citing Zinski's gender as the reason for her firing. The lawsuit alleges that the university violated Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. The Civil Rights Act of 1964 prohibits discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, and national origin.

1971: Founding of Lynchburg Baptist College

In 1971, Jerry Falwell Sr. and Elmer L. Towns founded Lynchburg Baptist College. Falwell also served as the first chancellor of the school.

1971: Liberty University Founding

In 1971, Liberty University, originally named Lynchburg Baptist College, was founded by Jerry Falwell Sr. and Elmer L. Towns in Lynchburg, Virginia. The university is affiliated with the Southern Baptist Convention of Virginia.

1976: Name Change to Liberty Baptist College

In 1976, Lynchburg Baptist College changed its name to Liberty Baptist College to distance itself from the name Lynchburg, and to reflect enthusiasm for the United States Bicentennial.

1979: Falwell Sr. Heads Moral Majority

In 1979, Jerry Falwell Sr. became the head of the Moral Majority, a right-wing political organization.

1983: Big South's Top 25 'Best of the Best' moments recognized

In 1983, The women's Liberty Lady Flames was honored by the Big South "with the Top 25 'Best of the Best' moments in League history.

September 1984: Accreditation by TRACS

Liberty University was accredited by the Transnational Association of Christian Colleges and Schools (TRACS) in September 1984.

1984: Name Change to Liberty University

In 1984, Liberty Baptist College changed its name to Liberty University.

1985: Launch of Distance Learning Program

In 1985, Liberty University launched a distance-learning program by mailing VHS tapes to students, marking the beginning of its online program.

1985: Men's hockey team started

In 1985, Liberty students organized a team to play surrounding colleges and clubs, which has since become a competitive club team.

1987: A Conflict of Visions and The Closing of the American Mind

In 1987, A Conflict of Visions and The Closing of the American Mind were published.

1987: IRS Tax-Exempt Status

In 1987, Liberty University's 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status was formally recognized by the IRS.

1987: Tax-exempt status recognized by the IRS

In 1987, Liberty University's 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status was formally recognized by the IRS.

October 21, 1989: First home game at Williams Stadium

On October 21, 1989, the Liberty Flames played their first home game at Williams Stadium, after using Lynchburg's City Stadium as their home stadium.

1989: Opening of Williams Stadium

In 1989, Williams Stadium, the home field for the Liberty Flames football team, opened with a seating capacity of 25,000 spectators.

1990: George H. W. Bush speaks at Liberty's commencement

In 1990, George H. W. Bush, the 41st U.S. president, became the first sitting U.S. president to speak at Liberty University's commencement.

1990: University debt

In 1990, Liberty University owed $110 million.

1992: Crime statistics were underreported

In 1992, the report states that the university's culture of 'substantially and systematically underreported' crime statistics might trace back to this year.

1994: University received funds through Women's Federation for World Peace

In 1994, Liberty University received $3.5 million through Sun Myung Moon's Women's Federation for World Peace.

1994: Funding from Women's Federation for World Peace

In 1994, Sun Myung Moon's Women's Federation for World Peace funneled $3.5 million to Liberty University.

1996: Debt Decrease

By 1996, Liberty University's debt had decreased to $40 million.

1996: Start of Liberty University's 10-year women's basketball championship run

In 1996, Liberty University began a 10-year women's basketball championship run.

1996: University debt and loan from News World Communications

In 1996, Liberty University owed $40 million. Also, News World Communications loaned $400,000 to Liberty.

1996: Clarence Thomas gives commencement address

In 1996, U.S. Supreme Court justice Clarence Thomas gave the commencement address at Liberty University.

1999: Informal Relationship with Southern Baptist Conservatives

Since 1999, Liberty University has had an informal relationship with the Southern Baptist Conservatives of Virginia (Southern Baptist Convention). Two of its members sit on the university's board of trustees.

2001: The Death of the West

In 2001, The Death of the West was published.

2004: School of Government Named for Jesse Helms

In 2004, Liberty University named its School of Government for Jesse Helms, a former U.S. senator from North Carolina.

2005: Increased Online Course Offerings

Around 2005, as high-speed Internet became more widespread, Liberty University began offering online courses to a larger adult population.

2005: Liberty finished 20th in varsity rankings

In 2005, Liberty finished 20th in varsity rankings for the Inter-Collegiate policy debate program.

2006: University net assets

In 2006, Liberty University had net assets—cash, property, investments and other holdings—of roughly $100 million.

2006: Liberty became the only Virginia school with a men's ACHA Division I club hockey team and opened LaHaye Ice Center

In 2006, Liberty became the only Virginia school with a men's ACHA Division I club hockey team; and opened the 3,000-seat LaHaye Ice Center.

2006: Debate program ranked first overall

In 2006, Liberty's Inter-Collegiate policy debate program ranked first overall at the National Debate Tournament. In varsity rankings, Liberty finished 17th.

May 15, 2007: Death of Jerry Falwell Sr.

On May 15, 2007, Jerry Falwell Sr. died at his desk in the Carter Glass Mansion. He and his wife were buried on the rear lawn of the mansion.

2007: Jerry Falwell Jr. Becomes Chancellor

After Jerry Falwell Sr.'s death in 2007, his son Jerry Falwell Jr. became the university's second chancellor and fourth president.

2007: Jerry Falwell Jr.'s presidency started

At the start of Jerry Falwell Jr.'s presidency in 2007, the university listed $259 million in assets.

2007: Josh McDougal became a NCAA Division I champion

In 2007, Josh McDougal became a NCAA Division I champion.

2007: Formation of Liberty University Online Academy

In 2007, Liberty University Online Academy was formed, initially serving 23 students.

2007: End of Liberty University's 10-year women's basketball championship run

In 2007, Liberty University concluded a 10-year women's basketball championship run.

2007: Financial Growth

In 2007, Liberty University's assets were listed at $259 million.

2007: Debate program ranked first overall

In 2007, Liberty's Inter-Collegiate policy debate program ranked first overall at the National Debate Tournament. In varsity rankings, Liberty finished 24th.

November 6, 2008: Resignation from TRACS

Liberty University resigned its TRACS accreditation on November 6, 2008.

2008: Liberty finished 12th in varsity rankings

In 2008, Liberty finished 12th in varsity rankings for the Inter-Collegiate policy debate program.

2008: Big South's Top 25 'Best of the Best' moments recognized

The Big South recognized the Top 25 'Best of the Best' moments in League history from 1983–2008; with Liberty University's 10-year women's basketball championship run from 1996–2007 was crowned the No. 1 moment.

August 2009: Completion of Liberty Mountain Snowflex Centre

In August 2009, construction was completed on the Liberty Mountain Snowflex Centre, a synthetic ski slope featuring Snowflex, designed by Briton Engineering. It was the first of its kind in the United States.

2009: LU stops recognizing LU's Democratic Party student group

In 2009, Liberty University (LU) stopped recognizing the LU's Democratic Party student group, citing that the Democratic Party platform goes against the school's conservative Christian principles.

2009: Withdrawal of Recognition of Young Democrats Club

In 2009, Liberty University withdrew official recognition of the student Young Democrats club due to conflicts with the school's political positions.

2009: Debate program ranked first overall

In 2009, Liberty's Inter-Collegiate policy debate program ranked first overall at the National Debate Tournament. In varsity rankings, Liberty finished 9th.

2009: Samuel Chelanga became a NCAA Division I champion

In 2009, Samuel Chelanga became a NCAA Division I champion.

December 2010: Sale of facilities bonds

In December 2010, Liberty sold $120 million in facilities bonds to finance expansion.

2010: Largest Evangelical Christian University

As of 2010, when including online students, Liberty University was the largest Evangelical Christian university in the world.

2010: Federal Financial Aid

In 2010, Liberty University students received about $445 million in federal financial aid money, the highest total of any school in Virginia.

2010: Debate program ranked first overall

In 2010, Liberty's Inter-Collegiate policy debate program ranked first overall at the National Debate Tournament. In varsity rankings, Liberty finished 4th.

2010: Samuel Chelanga became a NCAA Division I champion

In 2010, Samuel Chelanga became a NCAA Division I champion.

2010: Law School Accreditation

Liberty University's School of Law has been accredited by the American Bar Association since 2010.

2011: Blocked Internet Access to News & Advance

In 2011, Liberty University blocked campus internet access to the website of the local newspaper, the News & Advance, after it reported that the university received more federal financial aid than any other school in Virginia. The block was lifted one day after the financial-aid article was published.

2011: Black Student Population

In 2011, Liberty's Black population was 19.9 percent.

2011: Debate program ranked first overall

In 2011, Liberty's Inter-Collegiate policy debate program ranked first overall at the National Debate Tournament. In varsity rankings, Liberty finished 4th.

2011: God reveals that Trump will be president

In 2011, a retired firefighter from Florida stated that God revealed to him that Donald Trump would one day be president. This is the basis for the film 'The Trump Prophecy'.

2011: Overall Acceptance Rate

In 2011, the overall acceptance rate, including online students, was 51 percent. Liberty University Online is an open enrollment institution.

January 2012: Sale of taxable bonds

In January 2012, Liberty sold an additional $100 million in taxable bonds to help finance $225.2 million of planned capital projects around the campus.

May 2012: University assets reached $1 billion

In May 2012, Falwell Jr. said the total assets had risen to $1 billion, thanks to proceeds from its online learning program and from accelerated facility expansion.

December 7, 2012: Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for Hancock Welcome Center

On December 7, 2012, the Hancock Welcome Center celebrated its ribbon cutting ceremony. The center is a three-level, 33,000-square-foot Jeffersonian-style building.

2012: Donald Trump awarded honorary degree

In 2012, Donald Trump was awarded an honorary doctor of business degree from Liberty University after speaking at the university's Convocation.

2012: Liberty wins five consecutive Sasser Cups

In 2012, Liberty became the first Big South school to win five consecutive Sasser Cups.

2012: School of Music Formation

In 2012, the departments of worship and music studies and of music and humanities merged into a school of music, composed of two distinct centers. The School of Music offers 32 bachelor's degrees, 15 master's degrees, and four doctoral degrees.

June 2013: Completion of the Liberty Baseball Stadium

In June 2013, the Liberty Baseball Stadium was completed and became home to Liberty Baseball.

2013: Largest Private Non-Profit University

As of 2013, Liberty University was the largest private non-profit university in the United States.

2013: Upgraded rating from Moody's Investors Services

In 2013, Liberty received an upgraded rating of "Aa3" along with a "stable outlook" projection from Moody's Investors Services.

2013: Opening of the Observatory Center

In spring 2013, the Observatory Center opened next to the Equestrian Center. It houses a 20-inch RC Optical Systems Truss Ritchey-Chrétien telescope and several Celestron CPC 800 8-inch Schmidt-Cassegrain telescopes.

January 2014: Opening of Jerry Falwell Library

In January 2014, the four-story, 170,000-square-foot Jerry Falwell Library opened with more than 250,000 items. It features a robot-assisted storage and retrieval system and a 24-foot media wall.

Microsoft Xbox One Kinect Sensor Bar [Xbox One](Renewed)

Check it on Amazon

August 2014: Opening of the Liberty University College of Osteopathic Medicine

In August 2014, the Liberty University College of Osteopathic Medicine (LUCOM) opened, with funding that included a $12 million matching grant from the Virginia Tobacco Commission.

2014: Field hockey team in the Northern Pacific Field Hockey Conference

Before the league's demise after the 2014 season, Liberty's field hockey team belonged to the Northern Pacific Field Hockey Conference.

2014: Liberty University sponsored William Byron

Since 2014, Liberty University has sponsored NASCAR driver and LU alumnus William Byron in a late-model program run by Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s JR Motorsports.

July 2015: Opening of Liberty Mountain Medical Group LLC

In July 2015, the college of osteopathic medicine opened Liberty Mountain Medical Group LLC, a primary care clinic serving the greater Lynchburg area.

December 5, 2015: Jerry Falwell Jr. encourages concealed handgun permits

On December 5, 2015, in a convocation speech, President Jerry Falwell Jr. encouraged the student body to obtain concealed handgun permits, stating, "If more good people had concealed-carry permits, then we could end those Muslims before they walked in." This statement was met with public condemnation.

2015: Chancellor Falwell's Comments Regarding San Bernardino Attack

In 2015, Chancellor Falwell's remarks that students should arm themselves to "end those Muslims" who committed the San Bernardino attack led the VHSL to seek an "environment free from harassment, personal threat, or physical or mental harm."

2015: Denial of Discounted Tuition

In 2015, Liberty University denied the discounted tuition to same-sex and trans spouses of military personnel that it offered to heterosexual military couples.

2015: Honor Code Revision

In 2015, Liberty University revised its honor code to allow students to watch R-rated movies and to play video games rated "M".

2015: Women's ice hockey team wins ACHA D1 national championship

In 2015, Liberty University's women's club ice hockey team won an American Collegiate Hockey Association (ACHA) D1 national championship.

2015: Convocation Speaker Bernie Sanders

In 2015, democratic socialist senator Bernie Sanders was a convocation guest speaker at Liberty University.

2015: Liberty Baseball Stadium ranked No. 4

In 2015, the Liberty Baseball Stadium was ranked No. 4 among college ballpark experiences by Stadium Journey website. Also, several Liberty Flames baseball players were drafted during the 2015 Major League Baseball draft.

2015: Formation of the Rawlings School of Divinity

In 2015, the Liberty University Rawlings School of Divinity was formed through a merger of the School of Religion with Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary. The school offers a range of bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees and houses several centers and a museum.

2015: Field hockey team competed as an independent

In the 2015 season, Liberty's field hockey team competed as an independent.

2016: Donald Trump speaks at Convocation

In 2016, Donald Trump spoke at the Liberty University Convocation. He was a businessman at the time, prior to his presidency.

2016: Hillbilly Elegy

In 2016, Hillbilly Elegy was published.

Loading Video...

2016: Textbook Omission

In 2016, Liberty University ordered a version of a psychology textbook that omitted sections with LGBTQ+-focused content.

2016: Falwell allegedly censors opinion column

In 2016, a student editor at Liberty University said that Jerry Falwell had censored an opinion column in the student newspaper that criticized Donald Trump for his lewd comments caught on an Access Hollywood tape.

2016: Field hockey team joined the Big East Conference

In the 2016 season, Liberty's field hockey team joined the Big East Conference.

2016: VHSL stops holding debate competitions at Liberty University

Through 2016, Liberty hosted the Virginia High School League's annual Debate State Championships each April. VHSL stopped holding debate competitions at the school in 2016.

March 2017: University's endowment and financial responsibility score

In March 2017, Falwell Jr. said that the university's endowment stood at more than $1 billion and gross assets were in excess of $2 billion. The U.S. Department of Education rated Liberty as having a "perfect" financial responsibility score.

May 2017: Donald Trump receives honorary degree

In May 2017, as U.S. president, Donald Trump was the keynote speaker at the Liberty University commencement, where he received an honorary Doctor of Laws degree. Falwell Jr. commended Trump for "bombing those in the Middle East who persecute and kill Christians."

August 2017: Liberty University Programs Offered

In August 2017, Liberty University offered over 550 programs, with 366 on campus and 289 online. There were 144 graduate programs and four doctoral programs offered on campus. Liberty University was also classified as a "Doctoral/Professional University" and recognized by the NSA and Department of Homeland Security as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education in August 2017.

2017: University Endowment

As of 2017, Liberty University's endowment stood at more than $1 billion and gross assets exceeded $2 billion.

2017: Liberty University's Forbes Ranking

In 2017, Forbes ranked Liberty University No. 585 of 650 "Top Colleges", No. 231 as a "Research University", 371 as a "Private College", and 136 "in the South". Forbes also gave Liberty a "Forbes Financial Grade" of B+ in 2017.

2017: Ray Rice Lecture on Domestic Violence

In 2017, Liberty University invited Ray Rice, who had been videotaped beating his fiancée, to give a lecture on domestic violence.

2017: Curfew Policy Change

In 2017, Liberty University's curfew policy was changed to permit students age 20 and over to sign out and stay out past curfew.

2017: New Center for Law and Government

In 2017, Liberty announced its new Center for Law and Government would be led by former U.S. representative Robert Hurt. The center will house the Liberty University School of Law and the Jesse Helms School of Government.

2017: Liberty Buys the Center for Advanced Engineering and Research

In 2017, Liberty bought The Center for Advanced Engineering and Research (CAER) facility in Bedford, Virginia. Liberty's School of Engineering offers degrees in various engineering disciplines, and the program is accredited through ABET.

2017: Debate team sweeps all three national debate tournaments

In 2017, Liberty's debate team topped the final rankings of the American Debate Association, the Cross Examination Debate Association (CEDA), and the National Debate Tournament (NDT), marking the eighth time the team finished atop the rankings of all three national debate tournaments.

2017: Donald Trump gives commencement speech

In 2017, President Donald Trump gave his first college commencement speech as a sitting president at Liberty University.

2017: The Benedict Option

In 2017, The Benedict Option was published.

2017: Indoor Practice Facility Opened

In 2017, an indoor practice facility was opened at Williams Stadium at a cost of $29 million.

2017: Undergraduate Population Demographics

In 2017, including online students, Liberty's undergraduate population was 51% White, 26.5% race/ethnicity unknown, 15.4% Black or African American, 2.3% two or more races, 1.7% Hispanic/Latino, 1.4% non-resident alien, 0.9% Asian, 0.6% American Indian or Alaskan native, 0.2% Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander. All 50 states and Washington, D.C., are represented along with 86 countries.

2017: Students protest Trump's remarks on Charlottesville rally

In 2017, some Liberty University students protested after President Trump criticized both white supremacists and counter-protesters at the August Charlottesville rally. Alumni returned their diplomas, arguing Trump's remarks were "incompatible with Liberty University's stated values."

2017: Launch of the Lynchburg Torch

In 2017, student journalists, frustrated with the administration's suppression of stories, launched the Lynchburg Torch, an independent newspaper.

2017: Acceptance Rate for Resident Program

In fall 2017, the acceptance rate for new first-time, full-time students entering Liberty's resident program was 30%.

February 2018: Completion of Freedom Tower

In February 2018, the 17-story, 245-foot Freedom Tower was completed, becoming the tallest building in Lynchburg. The tower includes a 25-bell carillon with a replica of the Liberty Bell.

March 2018: Inaugural Competitive Swimming Event

In March 2018, the inaugural competitive swimming event held in the Liberty Natatorium's swimming pool was the 2018 TYR Junior National Cup.

October 2018: The Trump Prophecy shown in cinemas

In October 2018, Liberty's Zaki Gordon Cinematic Arts Center co-produced a feature film called The Trump Prophecy, which was shown in some cinemas. The film centers on a retired firefighter who believes God revealed to him in 2011 that Donald Trump would become president.

Loading Video...

2018: Report on university's revenue

According to a 2018 report by The New York Times, most of Liberty University's revenue comes from taxpayer-funded sources. In 2018, Liberty students received more federal aid than all but five other schools, ProPublica reported.

2018: Football player allowed to remain on team despite rape accusation

From 2018 to 2022, a football player was allowed to remain on the team despite rape and stalking accusations.

2018: Employment Rate for Law School Graduates

In 2018, 82% of Liberty University School of Law's graduating class obtained full-time, bar passage, or JD-required employment nine months after graduation.

2018: Opening of On-Campus Shooting Range

In 2018, Liberty University opened a $3.2 million on-campus shooting range to train students to protect themselves against shooters and terrorists.

2018: Women's ice hockey team wins ACHA D1 national championship

In 2018, Liberty University's women's club ice hockey team won an American Collegiate Hockey Association (ACHA) D1 national championship.

2018: Enrollment Numbers

In 2018, Liberty was among the ten colleges that enrolled the most undergraduates in the fall semester and, when including online students, enrolled the most students of any U.S. university.

2018: Growth of Liberty's School of Aeronautics

In 2018, Liberty's School of Aeronautics had more than 1,200 students in-person and online. Liberty has also partnered with American Eagle, Piedmont Airlines, and Wayman Aviation to address pilot shortages.

2018: Report on Liberty University Online program

In 2018, The New York Times reported that Liberty faculty acknowledged that courses taken via the lucrative Liberty University Online program are worse than the university's traditional in-person classes.

2018: Why Liberalism Failed

In 2018, Why Liberalism Failed was published.

2018: Jimmy Carter gives the commencement speech

In 2018, former 39th U.S. president Jimmy Carter gave the commencement speech at Liberty University.

2018: Liberty students support Kavanaugh and host Trump officials

In 2018, some Liberty University students went to Washington, D.C., to support President Trump's Supreme Court nominee, Judge Brett Kavanaugh. In the same year, students gave a standing ovation to First Lady Melania Trump and several Trump cabinet officials at a convocation focused on the opioid epidemic.

2018: Rejection of Student Government Resolution

In 2018, the Liberty University administration rejected a resolution from the student government that would have allowed off-campus drinking, "profane language", and the use of tobacco.

2018: Accreditation and Launch of Residency Program

In 2018, the college received initial accreditation from the American Osteopathic Association Commission on Osteopathic College Accreditation (AOA-COCA). In that same year, the medical school launched its first residency program, focused on neuromusculoskeletal treatment.

2018: Student editors reportedly fired for articles critical of Trump

In 2018, two student editors at Liberty University were fired, reportedly for running articles critical of Donald Trump. One of the student editors lost a $3,000-a-semester scholarship.

2018: Most Conservative College

Liberty University was ranked as the "Most Conservative College in America" by niche.com in 2018.

2018: Football team began competing in the FBS

Starting in 2018, Liberty's football team began competing in the FBS as an independent.

February 2019: Law Graduates Pass Virginia Bar Exam

In February 2019, all of the Liberty University School of Law graduates who took the Virginia Bar Exam passed.

November 2019: Launch of the Falkirk Center for Faith and Liberty

In November 2019, Liberty and Charlie Kirk of Turning Point USA launched a think tank subsidiary called the Falkirk Center for Faith and Liberty.

2019: Black Student Population Decline

By 2019, Liberty's Black population had declined to 10.4 percent, with a graduation rate of 17% among full-time Black students.

2019: Accusations against Falwell Jr.

In 2019, Falwell Jr. was accused of using the university for his family's financial benefit. Staff members said the university has funneled tuition money into real estate investments that benefit friends and family of the Falwells.

2019: Federal Funding Received

In 2019, Liberty University reportedly received about $700 million in federal funding.

2019: Construction of New School of Business Building

In 2019, Liberty's School of Business was nearing completion of a new 78,000-sq.-ft. building.

2019: Allegations of rigging online polls for Trump

In 2019, The Wall Street Journal and Inside Higher Education reported that Liberty CIO John Gauger allegedly accepted cash, through his IT consulting firm, to rig two online polls for Donald Trump before he became a candidate.

2019: Mike Pence gives commencement address

In 2019, Vice President Mike Pence gave the commencement address at Liberty University. Liberty was also a satellite location for CPAC 2019, hosting numerous conservative speakers on campus.

2019: Will E. Young describes a 'culture of fear'

In 2019, Will E. Young, a former editor-in-chief of Liberty's Champion student newspaper, described the "culture of fear" at Liberty University, asserting that the school has "zero tolerance for new questions and ideas".

2019: Allegations of Censorship at the Champion

In 2019, Will Young, a former editor of the Champion, recalled his experiences with censorship in a Washington Post article, stating that school officials often overrode student editors' decisions. He also said that upon his resignation, the school seized complete control of the newspaper's content.

2019: FIRE ranks Liberty University among worst for free speech

In 2019, censorship and other factors led the Foundation for Individual Rights in Education (FIRE) to rank Liberty University among the worst universities in terms of free speech.

2019: Cure Bowl Win

In 2019, the Flames won the Cure Bowl.

2019: Lynchburg Torch ceases operation

In 2019, the independent student newspaper, the Lynchburg Torch, ceased operations after running for two years.

2019: Men's basketball program wins Atlantic Sun Conference tournament and upsets Mississippi State

In 2019, the men's basketball program won the Atlantic Sun Conference basketball tournament and earned an automatic bid to the NCAA basketball tournament. Liberty earned its highest ranking ever as the No. 12 seed in the East Region and upset Mississippi State in the first round.

August 7, 2020: Falwell Jr. placed on indefinite leave

On August 7, 2020, Jerry Falwell Jr. was placed on indefinite leave as president of Liberty University, after media began reporting allegations of personal and professional impropriety.

August 24, 2020: Jerry Falwell Jr. resigns

On August 24, 2020, Jerry Falwell Jr. resigned from his position at Liberty University after being accused of nepotism, racism, and alcohol use and after several sex scandals involving him and his wife Rebecca came to light.

November 2020: Bob Good Elected to U.S. House of Representatives

In November 2020, Liberty University graduate Bob Good won a seat in the U.S. House of Representatives, becoming the first Liberty graduate to be in the House.

2020: Kenyon C. Knapp Dean of School of Behavioral Sciences

As of 2020, Kenyon C. Knapp was the dean of Liberty's School of Behavioral Sciences, which includes the departments of Community Care & Counseling, Counselor Education & Family Studies, Psychology, and Social Work. The acceptance rate for the school is 38%.

2020: Liberty University faces criticism

At the end of Jerry Falwell Jr.'s presidency in 2020, the university listed over $2.5 billion in assets. Following Falwell's resignation, Times Higher Education reported that Liberty University was "facing growing criticism over perceived resistance to diversity" following the departures of Edwards, board chair Allen McFarland, and pastor David Nasser. Jonathan Falwell replaced Nasser.

2020: Asset Growth

By 2020, Liberty University's assets had grown to over $2.5 billion, largely driven by online tuition and facility expansion.

2020: Falkirk Center paid for political ads

During the 2020 election campaign, the Falkirk Center paid for political Facebook ads promoting Trump and other Republican candidates.

2020: Jerry Falwell Jr.'s Departure

In 2020, Jerry Falwell Jr. left Liberty University amid allegations of sexual and professional impropriety, and was later sued by the university.

2020: Student Enrollment

In 2020, Liberty University enrolled approximately 15,000 students in its residential program and 80,000 students in its online courses.

2020: Liberty entered the rankings in the AP Poll

In 2020, Liberty entered the rankings in the AP Poll at 25 for the first time in program history. They finished the season being ranked 17 in the AP Poll and 18 in the Coaches Poll.

2020: Diving Platform Collapse

In 2020, one of the diving platforms in the Liberty Natatorium collapsed for an unknown reason.

2020: Opening of Liberty Arena

In 2020, the Liberty Arena opened as the home of the men's and women's basketball teams and women's volleyball, seating 4,000 spectators.

2020: Revenue from online and residential tuition

In fiscal year 2020, Liberty University received $800 million from online tuition and $361 million from residential student tuition.

2020: Reform efforts take place at Liberty University

In late 2020, several reform efforts took place at Liberty University: the organization of Save71, a Black Lives Matter protest led by athletes Kennedi Williams, Dee Brown, and TreShaun Clark, and a student-led petition to shut down the Falkirk Center.

2020: Liberty allows students to return to campus during COVID-19

In spring 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic, Liberty University allowed some students to return to campus after spring break, which was against the practices of most U.S. colleges and universities, and over the objections of the city's mayor.

March 2021: The university renamed the organization the "Standing for Freedom Center"

In March 2021, the university renamed the Falkirk Center for Faith and Liberty to the "Standing for Freedom Center", after choosing not to renew Kirk's contract several months earlier.

June 2021: Liberty University financial data

In June 2021, Liberty University had $3.94 billion in assets and $474 million in liabilities. Its operating revenue was $1.15 billion and its operating expenses were $840 million. Its endowment was valued at $1.71 billion in fiscal year 2021.

July 2021: Discrimination Lawsuit Filed by LeeQuan McLaurin

In July 2021, LeeQuan McLaurin, Liberty University's diversity retention officer, filed a discrimination lawsuit against the school. McLaurin, a black gay man, claimed that his supervisor's view, which states that Christianity condemns homosexuality, forced him to quit his job.

July 2021: Liberty sued by anonymous women alleging sexual assault

In July 2021, Liberty University was sued by twelve anonymous women, including two employees, who alleged that the university created an environment that increased the likelihood of sexual assault and rape in violation of federal Title IX law.

October 6, 2021: Scott Lamb Fired for Reporting Sexual Assault Issues

On October 6, 2021, Scott Lamb, a former Liberty University official, was fired for reporting the failure of staff members to appropriately report sexual assaults. He characterized the university leaders ignoring sexual assault reports as a 'conspiracy of silence'.

October 2021: ProPublica Report on Sexual Assault Handling at Liberty University

In October 2021, a ProPublica investigative report revealed that Liberty University discouraged and dismissed students who reported sexual assault. Former students alleged threats of punishment for reporting accusations. The report also stated that school officials manipulated statements, failed to report cases to Title IX, and deterred students from reporting to law enforcement.

November 2021: Standing for Freedom Center hosted former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, author Eric Metaxas, and former Arkansas governor Mike Huckabee

In November 2021, the Standing for Freedom Center hosted former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, author Eric Metaxas, and former Arkansas governor Mike Huckabee.

2021: Residential Student Body Demographics

As of 2021, the residential student body is 74% White, 5% Latino, 4% Black, 3% two or more races, and 2% Asian or Pacific Islander, less than 1% Native American, and 7% "other". Its male-to-female ratio is 45% to 54%.

2021: Prohibition of LGBT States of Mind

As of the 2021 version of The Liberty Way, the student handbook, Liberty University prohibits words and actions indicating "LGBT states of mind" for students. Sexual relations are only permitted in a Biblically ordained marriage between a man and a woman.

2021: Jerry Prevo's comments on influencing elections

In 2021, Interim President Jerry Prevo told Scott Lamb that he wanted Liberty University to become "a more effective political player by helping to influence elections," stating that getting conservative candidates elected was "one of our main goals".

2021: Lawsuit Alleging Failure to Curb Domestic Violence

In 2021, a dozen anonymous women sued Liberty University, charging that it failed to curb domestic violence and sexual assault on campus.

2021: Class Action Lawsuit

In 2021, a former Liberty University student was part of a class action lawsuit filed against the U.S. Department of Education alleging that the institution should not be eligible to receive federal funding because of its discriminatory practices against LGBT students.

2021: LendingTree Bowl Win

In 2021, the Flames won the LendingTree Bowl.

2021: COVID-19 outbreak forces classes online

In the fall of 2021, a COVID-19 outbreak forced all classes on the Lynchburg campus to go online-only for two weeks. Over 400 students and 50 staff members tested positive for the virus, and the campus did not require COVID-19 vaccinations, masks, or social distancing.

2022: Enrollment in the School of Education

As of 2022 the School of Education enrolled 4,441 students.

2022: Liberty University has not rescinded Trump's honorary degrees

As of 2022, while three honorary degrees Donald Trump received from other institutions have been rescinded, Liberty University has not rescinded the two it granted Trump.

2022: Football player allowed to remain on team despite rape accusation

From 2018 to 2022, a football player was allowed to remain on the team despite rape and stalking accusations.

2022: Convocation Speaker Mike Pence

In 2022, former vice president Mike Pence was a convocation guest speaker at Liberty University.

2022: Washington Monthly Ranking

Liberty University was ranked 428 out of 442 schools by the Washington Monthly in 2022.

2022: Jamey Chadwell becomes head coach

Since 2022, Jamey Chadwell has been the Flames' head coach.

March 31, 2023: Dondi Costin Named President

On March 31, 2023, Dondi Costin was named president of Liberty University.

July 1, 2023: Dondi E. Costin Assumes Presidency

On July 1, 2023, Dondi E. Costin assumed the position of president of Liberty University, succeeding Jerry Prevo.

2023: Report on Concealing Campus Crime and Safety Statistics

According to a preliminary 2023 report by the U.S. Department of Education, Liberty University sought for years to conceal campus crime and safety statistics, allegedly violating the Clery Act.

2023: Ranked as "Most Conservative College in America"

By 2023, Brigham Young University replaced Liberty University as the 'Most Conservative College in America' by niche.com.

2023: Athletics Program Joins Conference USA

In 2023, Liberty University's athletics program, known as the Liberty Flames, became a full member of Conference USA.

2023: Women's ice hockey team wins ACHA D1 national championship

In 2023, Liberty University's women's club ice hockey team won an American Collegiate Hockey Association (ACHA) D1 national championship.

2023: Endowment Size

In 2023, Liberty had an endowment of $1.71 billion, the 43rd-largest among U.S. colleges and universities.

2023: Opening of Jerry Falwell Sr. Center

In 2023, the Jerry Falwell Sr. Center: Inspiring Champions for Christ, will open attached to the Hancock Welcome Center.

2023: Undefeated regular season and CUSA Championship Game win

In 2023, the Liberty Flames went undefeated (12–0) in the regular season, the first Division-I team from Virginia to do so, and won the CUSA Championship Game.

2023: U.S. Department of Education Report on Liberty University

In fall 2023, a preliminary report by the U.S. Department of Education alleged that Liberty University failed to report campus crime and safety statistics, destroyed evidence of assaults, and retaliated against an employee raising Clery Act violation concerns. The report found that crimes were covered up dating back as far as 1992, and Liberty could face fines of up to $37.5 million for Clery Act violations.

January 1, 2024: Played in their first New Year's 6 bowl

On January 1, 2024, the Flames played in their first New Year's 6 bowl, the Vrbo Fiesta Bowl, against the Pac-12 Oregon Ducks, losing 45–6.

March 2024: Liberty University Fined $14 Million for Clery Act Violations

In March 2024, Liberty University was fined $14 million for Clery Act violations following a report documenting "serious, persistent, and systemic violations", including discouraging students from reporting crimes and failing to adequately respond to incidents of sexual violence. The university was also placed on Federal monitoring until April 2026.

March 2024: Fine for Misreporting and mishandling of sexual assault cases

In March 2024, the U.S. Department of Education fined Liberty University $14 million for its treatment of sexual assault survivors and the misclassification or underreporting of crimes.

July 2024: Liberty sued for violating Title VII

In July 2024, Liberty University was sued for $300,000 by Ellenor Zinski, who alleges that the university violated Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 when it fired Zinski, who is transgender, explicitly citing Zinski's gender as the reason for her firing.

2024: Relaunch of Liberty Theological Seminary

In 2024, Liberty Theological Seminary, which administers the graduate, postgraduate, doctoral, and certificate divinity programs, was relaunched.

2024: Clery Act Fine

In 2024, Liberty University faced a $14 million fine under the Clery Act for systemic underreporting of campus crimes.

2024: Liberty University and Project 2025

In 2024, Liberty University is a member of the advisory board of Project 2025, a collection of conservative policy proposals to reshape the United States federal government.

2024: U.S. News & World Report Law School Ranking

In 2024, the U.S. News & World Report ranked Liberty University School of Law 140 out of 196 law schools.

2024: Falwell attends homecoming game

In fall 2024, Jerry Falwell's ban on attending on-campus events was rescinded, and he attended that year's homecoming game.

February 2025: Liberty's motion to dismiss denied

In February 2025, the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Virginia denied Liberty University's motion to dismiss Ellenor Zinski's case. Liberty's motion to dismiss had been based on first amendment grounds, and parts of the Religious Freedom Restoration Act.

May 2025: Liberty pays Falwell Jr. about $15 million

In May 2025, it was reported that Liberty University had paid Jerry Falwell Jr. about $15 million to settle all litigation between Liberty and Falwell.

April 2026: End of Federal Monitoring for Liberty University

Liberty University was placed on Federal monitoring until April 2026 due to Clery Act violations.

2026: U.S. News & World Report Ranking

Liberty University was listed as 395-to-434th among "National Universities" in the 2026 U.S. News & World Report.

2026: Liberty funds Byron and NASCAR Cup Series team Hendrick Motorsports through 2026

Liberty funds Byron and NASCAR Cup Series team Hendrick Motorsports through 2026.

History of Liberty University in Timeline