Weeklong event opens door for online doctoral students to explore campus, receive in-person instruction

Liberty University hosted 180 students from its online doctoral business programs earlier this month for a time of fellowship and support as they continue their postgraduate studies from their homes across the U.S.

The annual School of Business Doctoral Residency was held in the Montview Student Union, Alumni Ballroom Sept. 2-5 and featured messages from university leadership and presentations on best practices in completing dissertations and other classwork. The event also included a strong emphasis on spiritual health, with sessions on biblical integration and daily devotionals.

On Sept. 3, President Dondi E. Costin addressed the students, sharing his own experiences earning two doctoral degrees and how residency opportunities enhanced his learning experience. He encouraged them to “keep the faith” and “finish strong,” as they overcome various challenges associated with pursuing a doctoral degree.

“I feel your pain. And it will be painful on occasion, but what I can tell you after having two (doctoral degrees), is it is worth it,” Costin said. “It is worth the pain. It is worth the agony you experience because the reward on the other side of this is going to be more than you can imagine. And when you graduate, I beg you not to skip graduation. I want you to bring your family, whoever will come, you bring them here and you walk around proudly.”

Students had the opportunity to meet with School of Business faculty in various classes and personal coaching sessions to discuss various aspects of their studies and dissertation preparation.

“Having that kind of feedback and insight is really a game changer as opposed to emails, phone calls, or virtual calls,” said Chris Luna who is from California and is pursuing a Ph.D. in Organization and Management: Leadership . “You’re in the same room, you’re breaking bread with them, and you’re having a professional, academic conversation … getting to know them as people with their journey of how they got to where they are.”

Dr. Alexander Averin, chair of School of Business doctoral programs, said the residency underscores Liberty’s mission.

“The doctoral residency is designed to equip students with the knowledge, support, and relationships necessary for their growth and success as scholars,” he said. “Through workshops, presentations, and personal interactions with faculty, students gain practical guidance that strengthens their scholarly skills and enhances the quality and rigor of their research.  However, it is much more than a mere academic event. Through doctoral students’ participation in campuswide events such as Convocation, Campus Community, and others, it is a unique opportunity for students to deepen their connection to Liberty University’s mission, culture, and commitment to Training Champions for Christ.”

Conrad Nagelf, who is from Atlanta and pursuing a Ph.D. in Business Administration: Entrepreneurship, said one takeaway was “the ability to come and experience the atmosphere Liberty has done so well in putting together.”

“The privilege of joining in with what the students who attend on campus have in that atmosphere is phenomenal,” he said. “The blessing that has been bestowed on each and every individual that comes to the university, being able to join into that and have some comradery with the people we meet, seeing the campus, and then obviously the learning environment is such a special place. It is definitely a Holy Spirit place.”

For human resources student Trish Woods, the event provided encouragement to continue her studies despite any external pressure to quit.

“Part of the reason for attending (the doctoral residency), is as an online doctoral student, that journey is oftentimes difficult and it can feel a little isolating,” she said. “One thing I have learned is the Liberty faculty and staff are incredible and wonderfully supportive. Engaging in the residency absolutely gives you an opportunity to see that, feel that, and experience that hands-on.”

She said the event provided her the chance to build a cohort with fellow students. They plan to meet virtually to continue their experience at Liberty in encouraging and edifying each other, an opportunity she described as “priceless.”

“As a Christian, it reminds you of why you chose Liberty,” added Woods, who lives in Texas. “There was faith-filled conversation, and I was able to experience some of the campus like Campus Community and Convocation. As a believer, it reminded me I wasn’t just in any random online program. I am a Liberty University student and soon to be alumna. All of those amazing things that happen on the campus, we got to experience that as well. That’s just so powerful.”

The School of Business currently offers four doctoral programs through Liberty University Online Programs, with numerous specializations. Current offerings include the Doctor of Business Administration, Ph.D. in Business Administration, Ph.D. in Organization and Management, and Doctor of Strategic Leadership degrees.