As president and CEO of the nation’s largest women’s public policy organization — Concerned Women for America (CWA) — Liberty University alumna Penny Nance (’88) champions biblical principles on several fronts, including family values, the sanctity of human life, religious freedom, the abolishment of sexual exploitation, national sovereignty, and support for Israel.
Nance fights not only for women, but also for all Americans. She is one of America’s most influential pro-life voices — having appeared on every major television network and been featured in a number of national publications.
Her career has included positions in marketing, consulting, and public policy. Nance’s professional journey began at Liberty, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Communications with a journalism/public relations emphasis.
During a visit to campus last fall, Nance answered questions about her career, education, and love for Liberty.
How did your time at Liberty impact what you do today?
Dr. Jerry Falwell (Liberty’s founder) was very thoughtful in regard to training young women. He set before us the idea that we could achieve anything the Lord laid on our hearts. If I had not come to Liberty and if Dr. Falwell had not been intentional about the women leaders that he brought to Convocation — women who were very accomplished in a plethora of fields — I’m not sure that I would have realized everything that was open for me.
Why is it important for you to do what you do?
The way that I see politics and public policy is directly influenced by my belief in Scripture. As believers, we can’t compartmentalize our faith into Sunday mornings only. There are certain principles in which I firmly believe, and if I believe they are just and true, I need to advocate for them. The way God wired me was to speak up and not to pretend to go along.
There are different ways for people to advocate. You can write a note to your congressman or educate your neighbor via social media. But I was called to something more public. It started with coming to Liberty, and it culminated in leading CWA. I don’t know how I got there; I didn’t plan it. Liberty simply gave me the tools I needed to serve God according to His plan.
CWA is a voice for all Americans, but it especially empowers conservative Christian women. Why is this platform critical?
It is important for conservative Christian women to step into public policy and to let their voices be heard. Because if they don’t, then other women will speak for them — and they won’t like what is said.
Women are the givers of life; we understand this life issue from a unique perspective. As people who believe in life and embrace life, we have to advocate for it. As women, we have an essential role in public policy, and CWA prepares you to step forward and lead. Our members are the Esthers of our time.
Do you have a message, parent-to-parent, to moms and dads who are considering sending their child to Liberty?
You are entrusting your children to an institution that values excellence in education. For our daughter, Claire (who will be a freshman at Liberty this fall), my husband and I wanted a top-quality education as well as a culture that would point her toward Christ. Liberty grads are getting top jobs and getting into top graduate schools, and you have employers, like me, who preferentially hire from Liberty University because we know what we’re getting.
When you attend Liberty University, you are tapping into a rich tradition of excellence — you’re tapping into a network of national leaders and you’re tapping into people who really care about you, whether it’s your professors, or other graduates, or other students. Liberty will spur you on to excellence.
