Liberty University Board of Trustees enacts 2024-29 Strategic Plan

The Liberty University Board of Trustees has unanimously approved the school’s 2024-29 Strategic Plan, which launched this week following a period of extensive discussion, examination, and research across all departments. The plan is designed to elevate Liberty’s mission and extend its impact for generations to come.

The strategic planning process was a collaborative, bottom-up approach, gathering insights and feedback from the entire Liberty community (9,796 survey responses across over 50 departments) to reflect the needs and capture the insights of students, faculty, staff, and stakeholders. The plan ensures that all departments are prepared to navigate the rapidly changing cultural and higher education landscapes while adhering to Liberty’s original mission of Training Champions for Christ.

Based on data and driven by faith, with a reliance on God’s guidance at every step, the plan will spark some changes that aim to enhance the experience of the Liberty community so all members can flourish and find meaning, purpose, and value at the university and beyond.

A full copy of the Strategic Plan is now available online.

“This Strategic Plan reflects an impressive degree of collaboration in creating a road map to maximize our impact and extend our reach,” said Liberty President Dondi E. Costin. “By building on Liberty’s long history of academic innovation, biblical integration, and spiritual growth, we intend to pick up the pace as the frontrunner in Christian higher education. Our students deserve nothing less than our absolute best as we equip them to serve God and others as Champions for Christ.”

“As stewards of Liberty’s mission, we are excited to see this Strategic Plan come to life,” said Liberty Board of Trustees 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 Dr. Jerry Falwell. This plan will not only shape the next five years for Liberty in a competitive environment, but it will ensure that our mission of Training Champions for Christ thrives for generations to come.”

The strategic plan is encapsulated in the acronym F.L.A.M.E.S.:

• Faith First
  

Drawing inspiration from the principle of “Jesus First,” a conviction firmly held by Liberty’s founder, Dr. Jerry Falwell, it will continue to uphold the Lordship of Jesus Christ as the foundational element of each of its endeavors, recognizing that faithfulness to Him is the first and primary duty as a Christian university before all other institutional goals and objectives.

• Lifelong Learning
  

Liberty’s teaching approaches and academic programs are designed to cultivate critical thinking, adaptability, and a love for learning that extend beyond the classroom. The goal is to equip students not only for their careers but also for a lifetime of intellectual and spiritual development.

• Authentic Christian Culture
  

Liberty will continue to be guided by a commitment to fostering a culture of excellence and human flourishing among its faculty and staff, aligning with Christ’s model of servant leadership. Strategic hiring, professional development, and retention practices will maintain a Christ-centered university culture that thrives on collaboration, diversity of thought, and strong leadership support, reflecting deep-rooted Christian values in every facet of university life.

• Mission-Driven Excellence
  

The university strives for the highest standards in teaching, research, and service, ensuring the work honors God and serves its community effectively. This mission-centric approach guides strategic decisions and operational priorities.

• Engaged Community
  

Following the biblical call to unity and fellowship, Liberty’s campus is a vibrant, engaged community in which diverse perspectives and backgrounds are celebrated, encouraging respectful dialogue and mutual understanding that allows every individual to feel valued, connected, and empowered to contribute.

• Stewardship & Service

Liberty will emphasize stewardship as a core tenet of the Christian faith, prioritizing the responsible management of God’s creation in university resources and operations. This focus on stewardship will foster sustainable practices and community engagement, making Liberty a model of Christian stewardship and inviting others to connect with its mission and values.

In carrying out the strategic plan, Liberty’s leadership will remain focused on the core mission and vision, guided by G.R.A.C.E. The plan strongly emphasizes (G)raduation and student success, recognizing that the ultimate measure of Liberty’s mission is the success of its students and the impact they have on others. Other critical components are: (R)etention, which reflects a dedication to cultivating and engaging a supportive educational environment; (A)cademic enrollment, allowing 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 sustainability and growth.

“I am grateful for the tireless work our Liberty faculty, staff, and administration put into making the Strategic Plan possible. Their dedication to this unified effort to the glory of God was essential to this important achievement of creating a singular plan and vision for our entire university,” said Liberty Provost and Chief Academic Officer Dr. Scott Hicks. “Our Strategic Plan will strengthen academic excellence, expand further opportunities for innovation, enhance student experience, and deepen our spiritual impact as we remain committed to Training Champions for Christ.”

Learn more about Liberty University’s 2024-29 Strategic Plan.