Military Insider: Spring 2024 Bravo Edition
Welcome Back!
Happy New Year! We are excited to welcome you back to campus! Continue to let the Office of Military Affairs and the Veterans Center know how we can support you this semester. You will find resources below to help you stay connected in the months ahead.
Military Times Ranking
Liberty University recently ranked No. 1 for schools primarily categorized as providing online education, No. 2 in the Appalachia region, and in the top-20 overall for four or more years in the Military Times’ recent Best for Vets: Colleges list! The list recognizes universities around the country that go above and beyond to accommodate veterans and their families. Overall, Liberty landed at No. 20 out of 325 schools that were ranked. The ranking highlights our academic support, and career advising services for military students as well as the broad range of services the university provides through our on-campus Veterans Center and special events for military students and their families. Read more about our ranking, and our commitment to serving those who serve.
Navy Sea Chanters Coming to Campus
Liberty will be hosting the U.S. Navy Sea Chanters for a performance on March 7, 2024. Come join us in Liberty’s Center for Music and the Worship Arts, and enjoy one of the finest vocal ensembles serving in the US Military. Join us in Liberty’s Center for Music and the Worship Arts, Concert Hall, at 7:30 a.m.
- Date: March 7, 2024
- Time: 7:30 p.m.
- Location: LU Center for Music and the Worship Arts, Concert Hall
- Tickets: Free Tickets will be available beginning in February.
- More Information: https://www.liberty.edu/music/events/
Fort Liberty Graduation
Through Liberty University Online Programs, students can earn degrees from all over the world, and military and veteran students stationed at Fort Liberty in Fayetteville, N.C., were recently celebrated for doing just that in a recent graduation ceremony at the Iron Mike Conference Center on post. November’s ceremony honored graduates from a number of colleges and universities, in addition to Liberty’s 27 graduates. Dr. Rich Diddams, interim dean of the School of Business and vice provost of engineering and technology & professional engagement, recognized Liberty’s graduates during the ceremony. Read more about the recent graduation event.
Get to Know a Student Veteran Alumnus
Whether it’s been as a firefighter and paramedic in Central Virginia or as a medic and Blackhawk pilot in the United States National Guard, Joy Byrnes (’23) has pursued opportunities to serve others locally and abroad, all guided by her God-given purpose and compassion. This past December, Byrnes earned her pre-licensure Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from Liberty University’s School of Nursing — one of 67 others to do so this semester— and will continue into a new stage of her career following her retirement from the military in July.
“When I do things for others, I just feel better and I feel like I’m fulfilling my purpose that God has given me,” Byrnes said. “There have been times in my life when my focus is only on myself, we all have those times, and those are the least satisfying times in my life. If you live to serve God, you will see the difference.”
Byrnes followed in the footsteps of her mom, who worked in an emergency room, to become a certified nursing assistant (CNA) before branching off onto the path of earning her Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) certification and joining the Lynchburg Fire Department, where she began working as a dual-trained firefighter and EMT in 2006. She also soon became a paramedic in 2009, and she works part-time as a paramedic in Amherst County and in the ER at Lynchburg General Hospital. Read more of Joy Byrnes story!
Share Your Story With Us!
We would love to hear your story! How is the Lord working in your life, and how has Liberty University become a part of your story? Share it with us to potentially be featured in a future newsletter or on social media to encourage your fellow students on their journey!
