Board of Trustees Fall Report: Master plan priorities, spiritual growth, and an abundance of God’s blessings

During the Liberty University Board of Trustees’ fall meeting on Oct. 21-22, members held multiple discussions about the future of the university, its spiritual and financial health, and the far-reaching impact it has on the local community and across the globe.

Board members and their spouses joined for a special dinner on Tuesday night, where they spent time listening to students share about their experiences on campus. The students represented different student leadership groups, with two students assigned to each table.

A full day of meetings was scheduled for Wednesday, with the morning meeting focusing on three main areas: campus master plan priorities, the strategic plan, and a new student development model that clearly describes how Liberty is carrying out its mission of Training Champions for Christ. The morning meeting was conducted in a new format; after each committee report, board members moved directly into a time of robust discussion on each topic.

A special report was given on Liberty’s spiritual development and missions initiatives. Chancellor Jonathan Falwell praised God for the 276 salvations so far this fall. He said the LU Shepherd program has seen an increase in its outreach to online students; they reported over 3,800 counseling sessions since the staff was expanded to include full-time shepherds dedicated to ministering to the over 130,000 students pursuing online degrees from around the world.

“Our Shepherds’ ministry to our entire student population, including online students, is growing rapidly,” he said after the meeting. “With so many students all over the world taking classes with us, this is truly a mission field that God has entrusted to us to shepherd and steward well. We will take every opportunity to share the message of the Gospel and the love of Jesus Christ with each and every student enrolled at Liberty.”

Falwell also reported that attendance at Wednesday night’s Campus Community, a voluntary event for students, is averaging close to 6,300, indicating “a real hunger our students have for the pure doctrine of the Word of God.” The event has continued to grow each year, and attendance is up by nearly 50% from four years ago. Convocation is averaging 8,000.

“We are experiencing one of the greatest climates for spiritual growth that we’ve had in a long time, and we expect it to grow even more,” Falwell said. “Students are learning and growing from their time in Bible study, and from their time with peers in their Community Groups, from prayer and worship, and from the many opportunities for spiritual growth on our campus. It is exciting to witness how God is working in their lives.”

Following updates from the Facilities and Campus Development Committee, board members discussed major building projects, including the Champion Center currently under construction and expected to officially open next year. Proposed projects that remain under consideration include a new building that could be designated for academic use at the site of the former dining hall and the potential for a new residence hall as the student population grows. The board also discussed options for additional upper deck seating in the Vines Center to accommodate more students during Convocation.

A progress report was given on the university’s five-year strategic plan, which the board approved last fall. Members were given a dashboard to track progress as the plan proceeds, with several key metrics corresponding with its core mission as explained through the acronym G.R.A.C.E.: (G)raduation and student success, which recognizes that the ultimate measure of the mission is the success of our students and the impact they make on others; (R)etention, which reflects a dedication to cultivating and engaging a supportive educational environment; (A)cademic enrollment, which allows Liberty to expand its reach and impact; maintaining and strengthening a (C)hristian culture that fosters an environment where faith is integrated into every aspect of university life; and protecting and building the university’s (E)ndowment, which is crucial to Liberty’s long-term fiscal sustainability and growth.

Because the endowment is such a key marker of biblical stewardship in the long run, the Investment Committee presented policy changes to ensure wise decisions are made every step of the way. “Right now, thank God, the university is financially healthy. As responsible stewards of God’s gifts, we want to invest in ways that support future Champions for Christ and multiply our global impact for generations to come,” said President Dondi E. Costin following the board meeting.

A presentation was given by members of Liberty’s presidential task force on student development. Board members reviewed a draft publication that outlines the university’s overall approach in Training Champions for Christ through each phase of the college experience. The 3D model helps students (1) Discover their calling by taking advantage of every resource Liberty has to offer, (2) Develop the values, knowledge, and skills required to flourish as Champions for Christ, and (3) Deploy into the world as professionals equipped to live out their calling with competence, confidence, and compassion. Student Government Association President Isaac Kantola and Vice President Isaiah Varella shared how the model applies to students at each phase.

In addition to engaging key committee reports in the afternoon, the board approved 17 new academic programs, reelected trustees whose terms were expiring, and shared results from the board’s annual evaluation.

During their stay, board members toured Liberty’s Emergency Operations Center and heard a briefing from the Office of Security & Public Safety on the measures in place to keep the campus community safe.

“Our emergency management and police divisions are very impressive, and we are grateful to have the best facilities and resources in the region to make campus safety a top priority,” said Board Chairman Tim Lee. “This is the biggest blessing from God, to know we are prepared in the event of an emergency crisis or natural disaster and to know that we have experienced, well-equipped, and trained staff to handle any situation.”

The Liberty University Police Department and the Emergency Management & Community Engagement Emergency Dispatch Center have met the requirements for CALEA (Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies Inc.) accreditation and are preparing to receive full accreditation in November. CALEA accreditation represents the highest standards in the industry and will mark Liberty’s place among the top 5% of university law enforcement and emergency management organizations in the country. The Emergency Operations Center is not only activated during large events on campus but has been designated as the Commonwealth of Virginia’s Region 3 Coordination Center, serving as a base of operations for state departments responding to a declared state of emergency in the region.

“We must love our neighbors, as Christ commanded us. This is a true example of Liberty being a real community partner and bringing its resources to the table,” Lee said.

The board members also had the opportunity to celebrate Liberty’s annual Giving Day on Wednesday. On a day when the whole Liberty community was encouraged to donate, board members did their part as well, supporting Liberty financially in addition to their valuable gifts of time in service to the university. Liberty’s Giving Day hit record giving amounts this year, topping $7 million for the first time, from over 7,000 gifts received.