The 2024-29 Strategic Plan
Since 1971, Liberty University’s mission has remained unchanged: Training Champions for Christ.
In Fall 2023, Liberty embarked on a university-wide strategic plan, a comprehensive roadmap to advance the mission and vision for the next five years. The plan will affirm that all areas of the institution are well-equipped to navigate the rapidly changing cultural and higher education landscapes while adhering to the original mission.
Following a period of extensive discussion, examination, and research across all departments, the Board of Trustees unanimously approved the 2024-29 Strategic Plan in September 2024.
“As stewards of Liberty’s mission, we are excited to see this Strategic Plan come to life,” said Board Chairman Tim Lee. “It represents a clear and bold vision for the future, one that builds on our strong foundation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and the vision of (Liberty founder) Dr. Jerry Falwell. This plan will not only shape the next five years for Liberty in a competitive environment but will also ensure that our mission of Training Champions for Christ thrives for generations to come.”
As the process continues, university leadership will remain focused on the mission, guided by GRACE, which represents five key areas of the Strategic Plan:
Graduation and Student Success — recognizing that the ultimate measure of Liberty’s mission is the success of the students and the impact they make on others;
- Retention — reflecting a dedication to cultivating and engaging a supportive educational environment;
- Academic Enrollment — expanding Liberty’s reach and impact;
- Christian Culture — fostering an environment where faith is integrated into every aspect of university life; and
- Endowment — protecting and building endowment that is crucial to Liberty’s long-term sustainability and growth.
Under the direction of President Dondi E. Costin, the strategic planning process is a collaborative, bottom-up approach that fosters shared ownership. Insight has been gathered from the entire Liberty community (9,796 survey responses across over 50 departments) so the plan can reflect the needs and feedback of students, faculty, staff, and stakeholders. Over 6,900 working hours have been spent ensuring that the plan aligns with the university’s values.
With a dedication to data-informed progress, collaboration, and mission-driven excellence, the plan includes mechanisms for regular evaluation and flexibility to respond to changing circumstances so the university can maintain its relevance and impact in an ever-evolving world.
The Strategic Plan is now in the goals and objectives implementation phase. Seventeen teams of administrative leaders across the university have defined, refined, and assigned over 1,300 key performance indicators (KPIs) and milestones to departments and colleges/schools across the institution. These assignments are designed to ensure that every area contributes to the plan’s progress and success.
To centralize these efforts, Liberty’s Analytics and Decision Support (ADS) team has developed an innovative platform to document and track all goals, objectives, shared measures, KPIs, and milestones. The platform promotes transparency and accountability and enables leadership to monitor progress, align efforts, and stay focused on the Strategic Plan priorities.
Liberty’s mission and vision to Train Champions for Christ follows the Great Commission as all members of the Liberty community use their God-given callings to impact the world. This mission shapes how Liberty builds community, designs educational programs, and inspires students. Keeping the focus on the mission drives a bold commitment to spiritual growth, moral integrity, and a deep sense of service to others. Liberty’s goal is to foster an environment where everyone is motivated to pursue excellence in all areas of their lives while remaining steadfast in their faith.
In 1974, the student body, inspired by Liberty’s motto, “Knowledge Aflame,” voted to be called the “Flames.” Thus, it is appropriate that the Strategic Plan is encapsulated and guided by the same word, FLAMES, which stands for: Faith First, Lifelong Learning, Authentic Christian Culture, Mission-Driven Excellence, Engaged Community, and Stewardship and Service.
Read the full 2024-29 Strategic Plan and follow the progress at Liberty.edu/Strategic-Plan.
