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Liberty's Quiz Bowl team.
Academics

Academic News and Events

March 10, 2012

School of Law recognized for success of graduates

Ben Walton (’10) is a law clerk for Chief Judge Batchelder, Court of Appeals of Virginia.

Ben Walton (’10)

Liberty University School of Law was recognized by U.S. News & World Report for being in the top 17 percent of all law schools for placing graduates as law clerks for federal courts. Usually one- to two-year programs, federal clerkships are highly competitive and can help launch many into successful law careers.

Online M.B.A. one of top programs nationwide

Liberty University Online’s Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.) ranked among the top 25 M.B.A. programs nationwide in the first annual Smart Choice ranking. SuperScholar, an online education database, researched all the regionally accredited online M.B.A. programs in the United States, basing the rankings on the institutions’ recognition and awards, accreditation, cost, admissions selectivity and market reputation. Liberty was ranked No. 1 in cost-effectiveness. The rankings also showcase the quality of programs at non-profit schools, as all but one school on the list are non-profits.

Philosophy professor makes top books list

Dr. David Baggett’s book, “Good God,” was published by Oxford University Press in March 2011.

Dr. David Baggett

“Good God: The Theistic Foundations of Morality,” by Dr. David Baggett, was selected for Christianity Today’s list of top books of 2011. The magazine received 390 submissions, which were narrowed down to 12 winners. The book was co-authored by Jerry Walls, and he and Baggett are currently under contract with Oxford University Press to write a follow-up book.

Graduate School of Business named for longtime supporters

The Graduate School of Business has been named for A.W. and Lois Overton.

The Graduate School of Business has been named for
A.W. and Lois Overton.

In late October 2011, Liberty named its Graduate School of Business the A.W. and Lois Overton Graduate School of Business. Alton Woodley (“A.W.”) Overton was a successful businessman who owned one of the largest independent grocery store chains in Virginia in the 1940s and 1950s and who also had success in the real estate business. The Overtons traveled from Chesapeake, Va., once a month to attend Thomas Road Baptist Church and became friends with Liberty’s founder, Dr. Jerry Falwell. A.W. passed away in 2003 at the age of 97; Lois died in 1999. Several members of the Overton family were present to accept the honor when the announcement was made at convocation. Liberty offers four graduate degrees in business, and there are currently 4,500 students in Liberty’s graduate business programs.

Professional theatre company announced

In January, the Department of Theatre Arts announced the creation of the Alluvion Stage Company. Not only will the professional theatre company bring more shows to the university’s Tower Theater, it will also bring more national exposure to Liberty. Professional guest artists will be part of the cast and crew, which will also make the audition process (which features in-house and external auditions) much more competitive. The costumes and sets will meet professional standards, and because of the new company, some students will be able to graduate with professional experience and credit.  The company’s first show will be Peter Pan, opening April 13.

Math Emporium launches this spring

Math instructor Estela Altamirano helps freshman Jordan Williamson in the new Math Emporium in Green Hall on Jan. 18.

Math instructor Estela Altamirano helps freshman Jordan Williamson in the new Math Emporium in Green Hall on Jan. 18.

In an innovative style of learning, Liberty’s new Math Emporium is allowing students in lower-level math courses to take computer-guided lessons, with teachers and tutors steps away. Students are required to attend a weekly class and then spend a minimum of three hours per week at the Math Emporium, which is open 80 hours a week. The emporium, located in Green Hall, features 252 computers in which assignments are delivered through “MyMathLab” software. The program allows students to work at their own pace and see immediate results and feedback.

Nursing program grows with addition of cohort

Liberty University’s nursing department added a new cohort program in Fall 2011 for the Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree. According to Assistant Professor Shanna Akers, many nurses who are already in the field with either an associate or a hospital-based degree are now required to return to school for a bachelor’s degree. The nurses in the program, many with more than 10 years of experience, meet at Lynchburg General Hospital once a week, in addition to their other coursework. The program takes about two years, allowing nurses to complete their degree while still working in the field. Akers has experienced the opportunities, both professional and educational, by earning a B.S.N. “The B.S.N. takes it up a notch and really makes it professional. The differences of an associate’s and a B.S.N. is you learn more about leadership, management, communication, and community health,” she said.

Quiz Bowl sweeps Big South Tournament

Quiz Bowl team

Quiz Bowl team members are, left to right, Kaity Shondelmyer, Andrea Teachout, Dr. Jim Nutter (coach), Corbin Payne, Catherine Hardy and Jake Rogers (captain).

Liberty University’s Quiz Bowl team captured its sixth Big South Conference win in seven years at Winthrop University in Rock Hill, S.C., on Saturday, Jan. 28. The team competed against six schools and walked away undefeated for the second year in a row. The average margin of victory was 190 points; they won their closest game by 140 points. In its out-of-conference schedule last semester, the team defeated Duke University, University of Maryland, Virginia Tech, University of Pittsburgh, George Washington University and Western Kentucky University. The Quiz Bowl team is part of Liberty’s rigorous Honors Program. The team has 18 players from a variety of majors, and six are National Merit Finalists on a full academic scholarship at Liberty.

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