The Jenkins family of Midlothian, Texas, has had three children attend Liberty. Dallas Jenkins is the creator of the popular Christian television series “The Chosen,” and his wife, Amanda, is a writer. They were interviewed on campus last fall.
Q: What was your first visit to campus like?
A (Dallas): I was first on campus when I spoke in Convocation in 2017. I loved the people. … It feels intimate; it feels small even though the backdrop is so big. In every department, in every area of campus, people are there to make sure you feel warmed and welcomed and connected with. You realize this school is large for a reason — they do things better.
A (Amanda): I was totally wowed the first time we visited because it is one of the most beautiful campuses in the country. The resources and the department our son was specifically interested in made it a pretty easy decision for all of us. … Our other kids visited multiple places and couldn’t find another place that was prettier or had more options, and so it ended up being three children in a row who chose to come to Liberty.
Q: What did you want your children to experience in college?
A (Amanda): Liberty is a place where passion is on display all the time. I love how there is passion in the worship. That was a big deal to us when we were visiting; we wanted to see what we call the spiritual temperature, and we wanted that to be high. Liberty creates a place where kids feel safe to not only follow Jesus but also be excited about it. Sending kids to school is hard. It’s just hard. I never really felt like I was just ‘sending them off.’ I felt like I was sending them to loving, caring, involved adults who love Jesus and are experts in their field. It really became a very easy place to keep sending my children.
Q: What impact has Liberty had on your family?
A (Dallas): The biggest test of whether or not as a parent you are happy with the choice your kid made of (where to attend) college is Christmas Break, that first time that they come home from having been shipped off, after you’ve let the chicks out of the nest. All three of our kids came back closer to God, thriving with friendships, doing well in their relationships with their professors. They had not strayed from God having left our home; they were actually pressing in. They were finding their own faith and making it their own.”
Watch the full interview:
FROM OUR STAGE: Dallas Jenkins has been a regular Convocation guest. In 2017, he joined WWE wrestler Shawn Michaels to promote “The Resurrection of Gavin Stone.” In 2022, he joined a panel with three actors from “The Chosen” (above). Most recently, he promoted his 2024 film adaptation of “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever” (a book he said he used to read to his own children) just ahead of its debut in theaters across the country in November. In that Convocation, he highlighted his desire to make Christian films that appeal to everyone, regardless of age. On his visits, Jenkins has also lent his advice to Liberty’s future filmmakers in the cinematic arts program.
DID YOU KNOW?
Liberty’s Parent and Family Connections Office provides resources for parents to delve into the common scenarios of the parent-student relationship and learn more about college life. Visit Liberty.edu/Family for monthly newsletters, videos, blogs, helpful links, and more.
***SAVE THE DATE: Family Weekend will be held on Sept. 19-21, 2025. Make memories with your student at their home away from home. Register at Liberty.edu/FamilyWeekend.
