Meet Your Commuter Coordinator
Your commuter experience at Liberty isn’t meant to be disconnected from campus life. Here to guide you on your journey, your Commuter Coordinators are student leaders well acquainted with the joys and challenges of off-campus life. They are ready to help you find your people, deepen your faith, and grow in your independence throughout your time as a student.
Your Commuter Coordinators are determined by which of the three commuter populations you fall into:
- First-Year: You’re new to Liberty (whether freshman or transfer) and living off-campus your first year. 🤩 Welcome!
- Established: You’re beyond your first year at Liberty – whether your first year was spent on or off-campus.
- Senior: You’ve reached senior status (by credit) at the start of the Fall semester. Congrats! 🥳
Get to know your Commuter Coordinators below—even the ones designated for the other populations. Each of them is an incredible person who would love to get to know you.
Commuter Coordinators for First-Year Commuters
Starting something new can be daunting. Jules and Brandon are here to support you as you settle into life at Liberty.
Jules Peterson
This is my second year as a Commuter Coordinator, and as a commuter student, I’ve experienced the hills and valleys of living off-campus during my time at Liberty.
Here are a few things I like that we can do together in Lynchburg: thrifting, exploring the Blackwater Creek Trail, talking over tea, playing board games, watching movies, trying a new craft, dreaming about the future, and growing in our love for Christ. I can’t wait to get to know your story and journey with you!
Brandon Turner Moving into my own place for the first time last year expanded my categories for living in community.
I became curious about the potential of life around me, and I was launched into an exciting new adventure of discovery. Now, I am exploring creative ways to know God and enjoy him with the people around me.
Recently, this includes kitchen-conquering, coffee-shopping, music-making, Bible-nerding, and other fun fascinations too. There is much more to find and enjoy, so I look forward to shaking hands and making plans. It would be a privilege to do life with you, so whatever you love, I’d love to do it together!
Commuter Coordinators for Established Commuters
Here to help you go deeper, Cade and Jada are your commuter coordinators and go-to guides to a great time off-campus.
Cade Shipman
Connections, laughs, learning, and serving are some of the words that come to mind when I think back on my first year as a Commuter Coordinator.
I have found so much joy in rubbing shoulders with other commuter students while we each navigate what we want our off-campus experience to look like!
Around town, you might find me at a thrift shop, Golf Park Coffee, the gym, or maybe a long walk on the Black Water Creek Trail! Admittedly, I have a hard time just sitting around- so let’s go explore Lynchburg!
Jada Taylor
This will be my first year living off campus and as a Commuter Coordinator.
The community I’ve gained has already been beautiful and filled my transition to off-campus life with so much fun!
Some of my favorite spots to frequent are Ivy Creek Park, the River Walk downtown, and open mic nights at The White Hart Cafe. I am so excited to explore more of this city with you all and learn about your many passions, talents, and stories!
Commuter Coordinators for Senior Commuters
Senior year can be filled with making major decisions, lots of what-ifs, and a wealth of emotions as many students are moving on to life beyond college. Derartu and Reilly understand how pivotal this year is and are here to support, cheer, and help launch seniors into their next season of life.
Derartu Berrios
My role as Commuter Coordinator has been an incredible experience.
I love meeting with students and getting to know their stories. Senior year can be a chaotic time, and I hope to be an encouragement during this season.
Some things about me: I am from Florida, a lover of documentaries, a travel enthusiast, and I enjoy the outdoors. I love exploring Lynchburg with friends. Stop by the Commuter Lounge to say hi; we’d love to know you!
Reilly Riddle
This is my first year serving in the Commuter Coordinator role.
I’ve experienced both the joys and the hardships that can come with living off-campus, during my time here at Liberty.
Some things that I like to do that we can do together in Lynchburg: Go on hikes, work out, play sports. Watch movies, get coffee and talk or do homework, and try new things that interest you. I’m excited to talk about and grow our love for Christ and learn your stories!
PS – don’t stress about showing up somewhere new by yourself. We remember the nervousness of finding a parking spot on the first day, the excitement of the Commuter Life event, and the connectedness experienced when we met new friends. We get campus might feel big when every face is a stranger and a new apartment might feel lonely without family. Reach out to us and we can connect you to friendly faces!