Mass. campus not for Liberty
Administration has declined the offer to expand into New England
After paying a visit to the campus, Liberty officials have reached a decision regarding their interest in the Northfield, Mass. property being offered by the Green family.
“The campus was once home to the Northfield Mount Hermon prep school, which was founded as a girls’ school by Moody in 1879,” the Associated Press states.
After taking time to weigh the options and seek each other’s council, they were able to come to an agreement on the offer for the property.
“The decision was that we could not justify taking over the operation and responsibility of the entire campus at this time,” Godwin said.
The property was purchased by the Green family after the school relocated in 2005. The Greens originally intended to give the property to a college that the C.S. Lewis Foundation was starting until it ran into some financial difficulties. As a result of the uncertainties, the Greens have begun searching for other potential owners, according to the Associated Press.
Chancellor Jerry Falwell Jr., Vice Chancellor Dr. Ron Godwin, Executive Vice President Neal Askew, Director of Auxiliary Services Lee Beaumont and several others were given a tour of the property. The tour included a visit to every building on the campus, according to Godwin.
Liberty’s use of the campus would be limited to only a select number of buildings during a limited number of weeks each year. The buildings would be used for intensive type classes for students who would prefer to take classes closer to home rather than attending the current campus in Lynchburg, Va., according to Godwin.
“It is an absolutely stunning campus and beautiful location,” Beaumont said.
Godwin describes the campus as not only a beautiful location, but a historic one as well. He and the other officials are awaiting the Green family’s response to their decision.
“We’re very grateful and appreciative to the Green family for offering this opportunity to Liberty along with, we understand, several other institutes,” Godwin said. “We just appreciate being included in that number of schools that the Greens even considered taking possession in whole or in part of that institution.”