Liberty military graduates receive degrees during annual ceremony at Fort Liberty

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.

In late November, 27 military student graduates from Liberty’s online program got their opportunity to walk across the stage and to turn their tassels, a lifelong goal of Diana Wilson, who joined her husband, United States Army veteran Lewillis Wilson Sr. (‘21), in becoming the second Liberty graduate in their household. Their son, Christopher, is currently an online student at Liberty and hopes to follow in his parents’ footsteps one day soon. 

Wilson received her bachelor’s in interdisciplinary studies and hopes to use her degree to further her career as a culinary instructor. 

“I was trying to match my family with their work, and I know God allowed this to happen,” Wilson said, describing a winding road that led her down the path toward a degree at Liberty.  

Since immigrating to America in 1993, Wilson has worked several jobs at fast food restaurants, hotels, and in schools. But now equipped with her degree, Wilson said she dreams of opening a soup house to give back to the less fortunate in the area near Fort Liberty. 

“I just want to inspire others, help others. We see people going hungry, I want to open a soup house for the homeless near the base, that’s my dream,” she said. “I hope a testimony like mine can help others. …God created us in His image, we’re smart. But some people just need to know that they can do it.” 

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. 

Another Liberty graduate, Brett Carter, is an active member of the Army and completed his Master of Business Administration (MBA). 

The graduation ceremony, Carter said, was a strong sign of support from not only Liberty’s military community, but one for all of the graduates at Fort Liberty that day. 

“There was a large portion of us who are active duty, but you know there were a ton of veterans that were there, so you had these large swathes of people, all in different phases of life, that were there to celebrate getting their education,” he said. “There were a couple hundred people waiting to hear their name called, so it was awesome to see so many people be supported in earning that degree.” 

With his degree, Carter plans to use the leadership and management skills he gained in the program to one day start a business of his own. 

“It doesn’t just help for my future plans though,” added Carter. “As an officer in the military, a major in the Army, it actually helps with a lot of things now as I come across a lot of different leadership positions.” 

Along with the support provided by the Office of Military Affairs, Carter said getting his MBA on his schedule wouldn’t have been possible if not for the flexibility of Liberty’s online degree programs. 

“Thankfully, (the professors) all respected the time we had, and it gave me quite a bit of flexibility to be able to work with my professors. With different job requirements and life requirements, it was very nice to work with people who could accommodate that.”

Carter completed the degree across tours in Colombia, Iraq, and Honduras, he said, and added that any service members looking for an education that promotes a Christian worldview and that can be completed on their schedule should see Liberty as a valuable choice.

“It’s a place to go for a credible brick-and-mortar school, as well as an online program,” he said. “All of my encounters with staff or counselors were very accommodating of the military lifestyle, it was a great experience for me.” 

During November, Liberty celebrated its military students in full force as it does every year, with events spread out throughout this year’s Military Appreciation Month. The university hosted vigils, lectures with military chaplains, military appreciation sporting events, and awarded a Lynchburg-area veteran, David Stokes, with the 2023 George Rogers Champion of Freedom Award, given out annually to a veteran who goes above and beyond the call of duty both at home and abroad. 

Read more on the full celebration of Military Appreciation Month at Liberty University.  

Liberty’s Office of Military Affairs supports service members, veterans, and their spouses year-round by offering a variety of special events and educational resources specifically for military students. Tuition discounts, book vouchers, and scholarships, as well as family resources and student care are available. For more information on military benefits and scholarships, contact LUMilitary@liberty.edu.