History of Liberty University in Timeline

Liberty University, founded in 1971 by Jerry Falwell Sr. and Elmer L. Towns, is a private evangelical Christian university located in Lynchburg, Virginia. Affiliated with the Southern Baptist Conservatives of Virginia, it stands as one of the world's largest Christian universities and a leading private non-profit university in the U.S. regarding student enrollment. It was initially established as Lynchburg Baptist College and has since grown to become a prominent institution within the Christian higher education landscape.

1964: Title VII of the Civil Rights Act

In July 2024, Liberty University was sued for violating Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 when it fired Ellenor Zinski for being transgender.

1983: The Big South honored the women's Liberty Lady Flames

In 1983, the Big South honored the women's Liberty Lady Flames with the Top 25 'Best of the Best' moments in League history from 1983–2008.

September 1984: Accreditation by TRACS

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

1985: Men's hockey team started

In 1985, Liberty students organized a team to play surrounding colleges and clubs.

1987: IRS formally recognized Liberty University's tax-exempt status

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

October 21, 1989: The Flames played their first home game at Williams Stadium

On October 21, 1989, the Flames played their first home game at Williams Stadium.

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

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

1990: Liberty University owed $110 million

In 1990, Liberty University owed $110 million.

1992: Potential Start of Underreporting Crime Statistics

The report states that the university's culture of "substantially and systematically underreported" crime statistics might trace back as far to 1992.

1994: Liberty University received $3.5 million through Sun Myung Moon's 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.

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 from 1996–2007.

1996: Liberty University owed $40 million and News World Communications loaned $400,000

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

1996: Clarence Thomas gave the commencement address at Liberty University

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

1999: Informal Relationship with Southern Baptist Conservatives of Virginia

Since 1999, Liberty University has maintained an informal relationship with the Southern Baptist Conservatives of Virginia (Southern Baptist Convention).

2005: Debate Program Varsity Ranking

In 2005, Liberty University's Inter-Collegiate policy debate program finished 20th in varsity rankings at the National Debate Tournament.

2006: Debate Program Ranking

In 2006, Liberty University's Inter-Collegiate policy debate program ranked first overall for their division at the National Debate Tournament.

2006: Liberty became the only Virginia school with a men's ACHA Division I club hockey team and opened the 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, a gift of Timothy and Beverly LaHaye.

2006: Liberty University's net assets were roughly $100 million

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

2007: Liberty University listed $259 million in assets

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

2007: Josh McDougal wins NCAA Division I championship

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

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 from 1996–2007, crowned the No. 1 moment in the Big South's first 25 years.

2007: Debate Program Ranking

In 2007, Liberty University's Inter-Collegiate policy debate program ranked first overall for their division at the National Debate Tournament.

2007: Establishment of Liberty University Online Academy (LUOA)

In 2007, the Liberty University Online Academy (LUOA) was established as a K-12 private school.

November 6, 2008: Resignation from TRACS Accreditation

On November 6, 2008, Liberty University resigned its accreditation from the Transnational Association of Christian Colleges and Schools (TRACS).

2008: Debate Program Varsity Ranking

In 2008, Liberty University's Inter-Collegiate policy debate program finished 12th in varsity rankings at the National Debate Tournament.

2008: The Big South honored the women's Liberty Lady Flames

In 2008, the Big South honored the women's Liberty Lady Flames with the Top 25 'Best of the Best' moments in League history from 1983–2008.

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

In 2009, Liberty University (LU) ceased recognizing the LU Democratic Party student group, citing that the Democratic Party's platform conflicted with the school's conservative Christian values.

2009: Debate Program Ranking

In 2009, Liberty University's Inter-Collegiate policy debate program ranked first overall for their division at the National Debate Tournament.

2009: Samuel Chelanga wins NCAA Division I championship

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

December 2010: Liberty sold $120 million in facilities bonds to finance expansion

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: Debate Program Ranking

In 2010, Liberty University's Inter-Collegiate policy debate program ranked first overall for their division at the National Debate Tournament.

2010: Samuel Chelanga wins NCAA Division I championship

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

2010: Law School Accreditation

In 2010, the Liberty University School of Law was accredited by the American Bar Association.

2011: Black Population Percentage

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

2011: Debate Program Ranking

In 2011, Liberty University's Inter-Collegiate policy debate program ranked first overall for their division at the National Debate Tournament.

2011: Firefighter Receives Prophecy

In 2011, a retired firefighter from Florida said God revealed to him that Donald Trump would one day be president, which became the basis for the film "The Trump Prophecy" that Liberty University would co-produce.

2011: Overall Acceptance Rate

In 2011, the overall acceptance rate for Liberty University, which includes online students, was 51 percent.

January 2012: Liberty sold an additional $100 million in 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 over the next five years.

May 2012: Liberty University's total assets rose to $1 billion

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

2012: Donald Trump Receives Honorary Degree

In 2012, Donald Trump received an honorary doctor of business degree from Liberty University and spoke at the university Convocation.

2012: Liberty became the first Big South school to win 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.

June 2013: Completion of the Liberty Baseball Stadium

In June 2013, the Liberty Baseball Stadium was completed.

2013: Largest Private Non-Profit University

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

2013: Liberty received an upgraded rating of "Aa3" 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 based on "the increasing scope of the University's activity", "its large pool of financial reserves", "uncommonly strong operating performance", and "discipline around building and maintaining reserves".

2014: Demise of the Northern Pacific Field Hockey Conference

After the 2014 season, the Northern Pacific Field Hockey Conference dissolved, impacting Liberty University's field hockey team.

2014: Liberty University has sponsored NASCAR driver William Byron

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

December 5, 2015: Jerry Falwell Jr.'s Controversial Convocation Speech

On December 5, 2015, President Jerry Falwell Jr. encouraged students to obtain concealed handgun permits during a convocation speech, suggesting that it could prevent attacks by Muslims. His statement drew public condemnation.

2015: Denial of Tuition Discount to Same-Sex Spouses

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: Revision of Honor Code

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

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

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

2015: Liberty's field hockey team competed as an independent

In 2015, Liberty's field hockey team competed as an independent after the Northern Pacific Field Hockey Conference's demise.

2015: Chancellor Falwell's comment leads to VHSL ending debate competitions at Liberty

In 2015, after Chancellor Falwell said students should arm themselves to "end those Muslims" who committed the San Bernardino attack, the VHSL stopped holding debate competitions at Liberty University.

2015: Liberty Baseball Stadium ranked No. 4 among college ballpark experiences

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

2015: Rawlings School of Divinity Formed

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 variety of degrees and includes multiple centers such as the Center for Apologetics & Cultural Engagement.

2016: Donald Trump Speaks at University Convocation

In 2016, Donald Trump spoke at Liberty University's Convocation.

2016: Liberty hosted the Virginia High School League's annual Debate State Championships

In 2016, Liberty University hosted the Virginia High School League's annual Debate State Championships each April. This was the last year they hosted the championships.

2016: Textbook Censorship

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

2016: Most Conservative College Ranking

In 2016, Liberty University was ranked as the "Most Conservative College in America" by niche.com.

2016: Liberty's field hockey team joins the Big East Conference

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

2016: Censorship of Anti-Trump Article

In 2016, a student editor at Liberty University reported that Jerry Falwell censored an opinion column criticizing Donald Trump's lewd comments.

March 2017: Liberty University's endowment and financial responsibility score

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

May 2017: Trump Receives Honorary Degree and Gives Commencement Speech

In May 2017, U.S. President Donald Trump was the keynote speaker at Liberty University's commencement, where he received an honorary Doctor of Laws degree.

2017: Acquisition of the Center for Advanced Engineering and Research (CAER) Facility

In 2017, Liberty University acquired The Center for Advanced Engineering and Research (CAER) facility in Bedford, Virginia.

2017: Announcement of the Center for Law and Government

In 2017, Liberty University 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: Curfew Policy Change

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

2017: Ray Rice Lecture

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

2017: Sweep of National Debate Tournaments

In 2017, Liberty University's Inter-Collegiate policy debate team finished atop the final rankings of all three national debate tournaments (American Debate Association, Cross Examination Debate Association, and National Debate Tournament).

2017: President Donald Trump's Commencement Speech

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

2017: Liberty University students receive federal aid

In 2017, ProPublica and The New York Times reported that Liberty University students were sixth in terms of receiving federal aid for the year 2017.

2017: Launch of the Lynchburg Torch

In 2017, frustrated student journalists launched an independent newspaper, the Lynchburg Torch, to cover stories the Liberty University administration tried to suppress. It operated until 2019.

2017: Undergraduate Population Demographics

In 2017, including online students, Liberty University'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.

2017: Student Protests Against Trump's Charlottesville Remarks

In 2017, some Liberty University students protested after President Trump's comments regarding the Charlottesville rally. Falwell supported Trump's statement, leading some alumni to return their diplomas.

2017: Acceptance Rate for Resident Program

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

October 2018: Release of "The Trump Prophecy" film

In October 2018, Liberty's Zaki Gordon Cinematic Arts Center co-produced the feature film "The Trump Prophecy", which was shown in some cinemas.

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2018: Most of Liberty University's revenue comes from taxpayer-funded sources

According to a 2018 report by The New York Times, most of Liberty University's revenue comes from taxpayer-funded sources.

2018: Football Player Allowed to Remain on Team Despite Accusations

From 2018 to 2022, a football player was allowed to remain on the team despite accusations of rape and of stalking a university employee during that time.

2018: Law School Employment Statistics

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: Enrollment Statistics

In 2018, Liberty University 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: Most Conservative College Ranking

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

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

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

2018: School of Aeronautics Student Count

In 2018, Liberty's School of Aeronautics reported having more than 1,200 students in-person and online.

2018: Liberty University students receive federal aid

In 2018, ProPublica and The New York Times reported that Liberty University students were sixth in terms of receiving federal aid for the year 2017.

2018: Report on Liberty University Online program quality

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

2018: Jimmy Carter gives the commencement speech

In 2018, former U.S. President Jimmy Carter delivered the commencement speech at Liberty University.

2018: Students Support Trump Nominee and Welcome First Lady

In 2018, some Liberty University students traveled to Washington, D.C., to support President Trump's Supreme Court nominee, Judge Brett Kavanaugh. Also in 2018, students gave a standing ovation to First Lady Melania Trump and Trump cabinet officials during a convocation about 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: Initial Accreditation and Residency Program Launch

In 2018, the college received initial accreditation from the American Osteopathic Association Commission on Osteopathic College Accreditation (AOA-COCA). Also in 2018, the medical school initiated its first residency program, concentrating on neuromusculoskeletal treatment.

2018: Student Editors Fired for Critical Articles

In 2018, two student editors at Liberty University were reportedly fired for publishing articles critical of Donald Trump, leading to one editor losing a scholarship.

2018: Liberty's football team begins competing in the FBS

Starting in 2018, Liberty's football team began competing in the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) as an independent.

February 2019: Law School Virginia Bar Exam Pass Rate

In February 2019, all graduates of Liberty University School of Law 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: Decline in Black Population

By 2019, Liberty University's Black population had declined from 19.9 percent to 10.4 percent, with a graduation rate of 17% among full-time Black students.

2019: Falwell Jr. accused of using the university for his family's financial benefit

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, including a shopping mall owned by the university and managed by Falwell's son Trey.

2019: Liberty University reportedly received about $700 million in federal funding

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

2019: School of Business Building Nearing Completion

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

2019: Allegations of Rigged Online Polls for Trump

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

2019: Vice President Mike Pence's Commencement Address

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

2019: Description of the "Culture of Fear" at Liberty University

In 2019, Will E. Young, a former editor-in-chief of Liberty's Champion student newspaper, described a "culture of fear" at Liberty University. He noted that the school had become intolerant of new questions and ideas, requiring students to remain silent or leave.

2019: Experiences of Will Young as Editor of the Champion

In 2019, Will Young, a former editor of the Champion, recalled his experiences of censorship and control by school officials in a lengthy Washington Post article.

2019: FIRE Ranks Liberty as Worst for Free Speech

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

2019: The Flames won the Cure Bowl

In 2019, the Flames won the Cure Bowl.

2019: Closure of the Lynchburg Torch

In 2019, the Lynchburg Torch, an independent newspaper launched by student journalists in 2017, ceased operation.

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

In 2019, the men's basketball program won the Atlantic Sun Conference basketball tournament, earning an automatic bid to the NCAA basketball tournament, and upset Mississippi State 80–76 in the first round of the East Region. Liberty earned its highest ranking ever when it was selected as the No. 12 seed in the East Region and set a school record with their 29th win.

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 following media reports of personal and professional impropriety.

August 24, 2020: Jerry Falwell Jr.'s Resignation

On August 24, 2020, Jerry Falwell Jr. resigned from his position as president of Liberty University amid allegations of nepotism, racism, alcohol use, and involvement in sex scandals.

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

As of 2020, Kenyon C. Knapp was the dean of Liberty University's School of Behavioral Sciences.

2020: Changes in Leadership and Criticism Over Diversity

At the end of Jerry Falwell Jr.'s presidency in 2020, Liberty University faced criticism over perceived resistance to diversity following several departures, including Edwards, board chair Allen McFarland, and pastor David Nasser.

2020: Falkirk Center for Faith and Liberty promoted Trump and other Republican candidates

During the 2020 election campaign, The Falkirk Center for Faith and Liberty hired Trump attorney Jenna Ellis and Trump surrogate Sebastian Gorka as fellows and paid for political Facebook ads promoting Trump and other Republican candidates.

2020: Liberty enters the rankings in the AP Poll for the first time in program history.

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

2020: The Flames won the Cure Bowl

In 2020, the Flames won the Cure Bowl.

2020: Liberty University received money from online and residential student tuition

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

2020: Reform Efforts at Liberty University

In late 2020, various reform efforts emerged at Liberty University, including the formation of Save71, a Black Lives Matter protest, and a petition to shut down the Falkirk Center.

2020: Liberty's Response to COVID-19 Pandemic

In spring 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic, Liberty University allowed some students to return to campus after spring break, against the advice of the city's mayor and in contrast to the practices of most U.S. colleges. When reporters investigated, the university pushed the district attorney to charge them with trespassing.

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

In March 2021, the university renamed the organization the "Standing for Freedom Center", having chosen not to renew Kirk's contract several months earlier.

June 2021: Liberty University's assets and liabilities

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.

July 2021: Discrimination Lawsuit Filed by Diversity Retention Officer

Also in July 2021, LeeQuan McLaurin, a Liberty University diversity retention officer, filed a discrimination lawsuit against the school, claiming that his supervisor's views on homosexuality forced him to quit.

July 2021: Lawsuit Alleging Environment Conducive to Sexual Assault

In July 2021, Liberty University was sued by twelve anonymous women, including two employees, alleging 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 Misconduct

On October 6, 2021, Scott Lamb, a former Liberty University official, was reportedly fired for informing school officials about staff members' failure to appropriately report sexual assaults. He described the leadership's tendency to ignore sexual assault reports as "a conspiracy of silence."

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

In October 2021, a ProPublica report revealed that Liberty University discouraged and dismissed students reporting sexual assault, threatened students who came forward, and manipulated statements to undermine victims' accounts. The university also reportedly neglected to report cases to the Title IX office or inform students of their reporting options.

November 2021: Standing for Freedom Center hosted Mike Pompeo, Eric Metaxas, and 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 Liberty University 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, words and actions indicating "LGBT states of mind" are prohibited for students. The Liberty Way prohibits same-sex relationships.

2021: Jerry Prevo wanted LU to become more politically active

In 2021, Interim President Jerry Prevo expressed his desire for Liberty University to become more politically active, aiming to influence elections by supporting conservative candidates.

2021: Lawsuit Regarding Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault

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 Against U.S. Department of Education

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: The Flames won the LendingTree Bowl

In 2021, the Flames won the LendingTree Bowl.

2021: COVID-19 Outbreak and Shift to Online Classes

In the fall of 2021, Liberty University experienced an outbreak of COVID-19 that forced all classes on the Lynchburg campus to go online-only for two weeks, after over 400 students and 50 staff members tested positive for the virus.

2022: Liberty University has not rescinded honorary degrees granted to Trump

As of 2022, Liberty University had not rescinded the two honorary degrees it granted to Donald Trump, while other institutions have rescinded the honorary degrees granted to him.

2022: School of Education Enrollment

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

2022: Football Player Allowed to Remain on Team Despite Accusations

From 2018 to 2022, a football player was allowed to remain on the team despite accusations of rape and of stalking a university employee during that time.

2022: Washington Monthly Ranking

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

2022: Jamey Chadwell becomes the Flames' head coach

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

2023: Department of Education Report on Concealed Crime 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.

2023: Loss of "Most Conservative College" Title

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

2023: Endowment Size

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

2023: U.S. News & World Report Ranking

In 2023, Liberty University was listed as 394-to-435th among "National Universities" in the U.S. News & World Report.

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

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

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

In 2023, a preliminary report by the U.S. Department of Education alleged that Liberty University officials failed to report campus crime and safety statistics, destroyed evidence of assaults, and retaliated against an employee who raised concerns about Clery Act violations. The report stated that the university's culture of "substantially and systematically underreported" crime statistics might trace back as far as 1992.

2023: The Flames went undefeated in the regular season and won the CUSA Championship Game

In 2023, the 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.

January 1, 2024: The Flames 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. A report documented "serious, persistent, and systemic violations" including discouraging crime reporting, inadequate responses to sexual violence, failure to inform the campus about criminal activities, and inaccurate crime lists.

March 2024: Fine by U.S. Department of Education

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: Lawsuit Filed for Violation of Title VII

In July 2024, Ellenor Zinski sued Liberty University for $300,000, alleging that the university violated Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 when it fired her for being transgender.

2024: Seminary Relaunch

In 2024, Liberty Theological Seminary, which administers divinity programs within the Rawlings School, was relaunched.

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's Ban Lifted and Homecoming Attendance

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

February 2025: Motion to dismiss lawsuit denied

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