Liberty University welcomes ‘Duck Dynasty’ family to Convocation

In front of thousands of Liberty University students and many prospective students and parents attending College for a Weekend, the Robertson family from the hit A&E show “Duck Dynasty” and its recent follow-up, “Duck Dynasty: The Revival,” told the Convocation crowd how they want their lives in the public eye to reflect Christ. They also shared how their experiences at Liberty have strengthened them in their faith and careers.

“Duck Dynasty” ran for 11 seasons, from 2012-2017, and provided an in-depth look at the Robertson’s family business, Duck Commander (an outdoor gear supplier that specializes in duck calls), through comedic situations and Christian family values. The first season of the revival show aired this summer, and they are gearing up for a second season.

Willie and Korie Robertson have a strong connection to the university as Liberty parents; their son John Luke and his wife, Mary Kate, are alumni, as well as their son Will and daughter Bella, a 2024 graduate. Parts of the Season 9 finale were recorded on Liberty’s campus in 2015, with John Luke and Mary Kate beginning college. Willie, Korie, and their daughter Sadie Robertson Huff have been regular guest speakers at Convocation over the years.

When asked by Chancellor Jonathan Falwell why the family wanted to bring the show back, Willie and Korie said they felt the desire to continue representing Christ and faith-led family values in the entertainment industry.

“The first time around (with the original show), we learned (how) entertainment is shaping our culture — for bad in a lot of ways but also for good,” Korie said. “One of our prayers as a family is that we would be bright lights.”

“The way things are in this country, I think people need some (Christian) families to look at and (relate to),” Willie added. “Hopefully people can see that light reflected in our lives. Whatever it is that we’re reflecting, it’s from Him, not from us. We’re reflecting what He has done in our lives.”

Friday’s Convocation was the first visit by the family since the passing of Willie’s father and Duck Commander’s founder, Phil Robertson, in May. Sadie spoke about her grandfather’s legacy, how he was outspoken about his faith and what awaited him.

“I knew how amazing he was when he was alive, but after he passed (I had) a whole new appreciation for how he’d lived his life,” she said. “You never met anyone who was more intentional about talking about the way he wanted to live his life for Jesus and where he was going to go when he died. He talked about heaven all the time, why he does what he does, and was all about Jesus.”

“His funeral wasn’t about duck calls, football, or TV — it was all about how he’d impact people for the Gospel,” Willie added.

In Phil’s honor, Falwell announced and presented a bench marked with a tribute to Phil that will be installed at Liberty Lake, located behind the Vines Center and next to the Jerry Falwell Library.

John Luke and Mary Kate spoke about their experiences at Liberty and how they felt sent out into the world as Champions for Christ.

“Such a special thing about Liberty is that it was never about just getting a degree; it was about Training Champions for Christ,” Mary Kate said. “Our ministry is in our everyday life, no matter where we find ourselves.”

“Something I learned the most being here is that love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, and faithfulness, how to be a good friend, how to worship, how to teach, and how to show up for someone are all reflections of the reality that God calls us to, and it’s possible to do that in the outside world, but you have to build it yourself,” John Luke said.

Both John Luke and Bella are currently continuing their studies through Liberty University Online Programs while they work and appear on the show.

“I worked full time while I was doing my undergrad degree, and I’m still able to further my education while working and doing the show,” Bella said. “I’m a big believer that if you go through hard things and push through for a season, you’re going to thank yourself later for all the hard work you put in. I’m so thankful that Liberty is super cool in the way that you can take your time and live your life while doing school.”

Before the conclusion of Convocation, Willie expressed his appreciation for Liberty and the camaraderie he has with students, faculty, and staff as fellow believers and Champions for Christ.

“I want to thank everyone here at Liberty who really pours into people’s lives to try to change the world for Christ,” he said. “I feel like when I’m here I’m with fellow workers in the Kingdom. There are so many people here who are going to go out and work for the Lord.”