Liberty Welcomes New Leadership to Carry Out the Mission of Training Champions for Christ

Liberty students and staff move forward into a new school year amidst major leadership changes in the university.

Shifts in administration began Aug. 7, when Jerry Falwell Jr., son of the late founder Jerry Falwell Sr., was asked to take an indefinite leave of absence by the Executive Board of Trustees of the university. Falwell agreed, and former Anchorage Baptist Temple minister Jerry Prevo, who previously served as Chairman of the university’s board, stepped up to the role as interim president soon after. 

Falwell Jr. officially stepped down after a series of events transpired, culminating in the release of information that, according to a statement by the university, “made it clear that it would not be in the best interest of the university for him to return from leave and serve as president.” 

Falwell submitted his resignation Aug. 25 before reversing course and revoking his resignation that evening after consulting his lawyers. He resigned for a final time later that night.

According to a statement from LU, the board will meet soon to select a search committee for the next president. They also announced that Acting President Prevo would not be a part of this search. 

Liberty is welcoming a new Chairman of the board, Dr. Allen McFarland, who will serve in the role while its original occupant, President Prevo, steps up to his role as interim president. Dr. McFarland, a minister, educator and member of the Board of Trustees, is the first African-American to serve as Chairman of the Board at Liberty.

Student Body President Constance Schneider expressed excitement to partner with the new administration moving forward. She also made history this year as the first elected woman to serve in that position. 

“I have heard great things about Dr. McFarland,” Schneider said. “His life is marked by service. … He has been dedicated to training champions for Christ throughout his time as a pastor, professor and member of the board. His appointment is historical, and I am excited to see how he furthers the mission of the school through his new position.”

During Campus Community Wednesday night, Senior Vice President for Spiritual Development David Nasser introduced President Prevo to the excited, socially-distant crowd of students occupying Williams Stadium at sunset. The interim president was welcomed with applause before he prayed over the students, the night and the university.  This was Prevo’s first in-person address to the
student body. 

Afterwards, Nasser addressed students directly about the recent revelations and changes before presenting a poignant sermon on the reconciliation between grace and truth, and mercy and judgement. 

“In my opinion, you as a Liberty student deserve better, and the embarrassment that has been brought upon you as a Liberty student and more importantly, brought upon the name of Christ, is wrong,” Nasser said. “As our founder always said, ‘if it’s Christian it ought to be better,’ certainly better than this.”

In the wake of current events, Schneider challenged students to look to the future of the university with optimism. 

“I would encourage students to not see this year as a setback, but rather a year where we have the privilege to shape school history as a student body. As we approach our 50th anniversary, I believe this is the most historical and important year our school has seen,” she said. “Be responsible, have hope, seek the Lord and pray for our school. This year has been difficult, but if any school can come out as champions, it’s [Liberty University].”

Kayleigh Hamer is a Copy Editor. View her profile on LinkedIn here.