Who Owns Liberty University Now? (Spoiler Alert: It’s Not Jerry Falwell Jr. Anymore)
So, you’re curious about Liberty University, huh? You’ve probably heard all the juicy stories about Jerry Falwell Jr., the former president who had a knack for making headlines that were more “scandalous” than “scholarly.” Well, buckle up, buttercup, because things have changed at Liberty. And by “changed,” I mean, “the Falwell family went from running the show to… well, not running the show anymore.”
Let’s rewind a bit. Liberty University, founded by the late, great Dr. Jerry Falwell, is a private university in Lynchburg, Virginia. Think of it as the evangelical Hogwarts, but instead of magic, you get a hefty dose of conservative values and a whole lot of Jesus.
For a long time, the Falwell family basically ran the place. Jerry Jr. took over after his father’s passing in 2007, and let’s just say, he embraced the “controversial” lifestyle. He wasn’t known for his academic prowess, but he did become a poster child for “Christian conservatism” and a vocal supporter of Donald Trump.
But then, bam! The whole “pants unzipped” photo scandal happened. It was a classic case of “what happens in Vegas doesn’t stay in Vegas” and ended with Jerry Jr. leaving Liberty University in a cloud of controversy and a hefty $10.5 million severance package.
Enter the New Sheriff in Town
So, who’s running Liberty now? Drumroll please… Dr. Dondi Costin! He’s the sixth president of Liberty University, and he’s not just any old college administrator. This guy’s got some serious credentials. He’s a retired Major General in the U.S. Army, a former president of the National Defense University, and a graduate of – you guessed it – Liberty University!
Costin took the reins in July 2023, and he’s got his work cut out for him. He’s got to navigate the legacy of the Falwell family, deal with the university’s financial challenges (Liberty University has a whopping $2.1 billion in assets!), and maintain its conservative values while trying to attract new students.
Is Liberty University Still a Bastion of Conservative Values?
Now, here’s the million-dollar question. Is Liberty University still the conservative stronghold it was under the Falwells?
Well, it’s a bit of a mixed bag. Costin is a devout Christian and has spoken about his commitment to Liberty’s mission of providing a Christian education. However, he’s also emphasized the importance of being inclusive and welcoming to a diverse student body.
So, what does this mean for the future of Liberty University?
It’s still too early to say. Costin has a lot on his plate, and he’ll be under a lot of pressure to balance the university’s conservative roots with the need to appeal to a broader audience.
One thing’s for sure, though: Liberty University is no longer the Falwells’ personal playground. The university is now in the hands of a new leader, and it will be fascinating to see how he shapes its future.
So, Who Really Owns Liberty University?
Here’s the thing: Liberty University is a private, non-profit institution. It’s not owned by any individual, but rather by a Board of Trustees. The Board of Trustees is responsible for overseeing the university’s operations and making sure it’s fulfilling its mission.
Now, the Board of Trustees is made up of, you guessed it, mostly conservative Christians. So, although the university doesn’t have a single “owner,” it’s still heavily influenced by those who hold conservative values.
The Bottom Line
Liberty University is a complex institution with a rich (and sometimes controversial) history. The Falwells’ influence may be waning, but their legacy still casts a long shadow over the university.
Only time will tell what the future holds for Liberty University. Will it continue down its conservative path, or will it embrace a more inclusive and diverse vision?
One thing’s for sure: Liberty University is a story worth watching.