What Happened to Liberty University?

Liberty University, founded in 1971 by Jerry Falwell Sr., grew into a significant institution in evangelical Christian higher education. Its trajectory saw substantial expansion under the leadership of Jerry Falwell Jr., who became president in 2007 following his father's death. However, Falwell Jr.'s tenure became increasingly controversial, culminating in his dramatic departure in 2020.

The crisis began to unfold publicly in August 2020 when Falwell Jr. took an indefinite leave of absence after posting a controversial photo on Instagram. This was quickly followed by a Reuters report detailing an alleged years-long sexual relationship involving Falwell Jr., his wife Becki, and a former business associate, Giancarlo Granda. Falwell Jr. initially denied the reports but ultimately resigned on August 25, 2020. The university's executive committee subsequently announced an investigation into all facets of Falwell Jr.'s tenure, including financial, real estate, and legal matters.

In the aftermath, a series of legal battles ensued between Falwell Jr. and Liberty University. Falwell Jr. sued the university in October 2020 for defamation, a lawsuit he later dropped but revived in November 2021. Conversely, Liberty University sued Falwell Jr. in April 2021 for $40 million, alleging breach of contract and fiduciary duty, claiming he failed to disclose the affair and his "personal impairment by alcohol" to the board. These disputes were eventually resolved. In July 2024, Liberty University and Jerry Falwell Jr. announced a global resolution agreement settling all outstanding disputes. The financial details of this settlement were revealed in May 2025 through tax documents, indicating Liberty agreed to pay Falwell Jr. $15 million, comprising $5.5 million for litigation settlement and $9.7 million for retirement benefits, while Falwell Jr. would pay Liberty $440,000 for disputed expenses.

Beyond the leadership scandal, Liberty University also faced significant federal scrutiny regarding its handling of campus safety. In March 2024, the U.S. Department of Education levied an unprecedented $14 million fine against Liberty University for violations of the Clery Act, which mandates colleges to disclose information about campus crimes and protect sexual assault survivors. This was the largest fine ever imposed under the act, following accusations that the university fostered a culture that discouraged reporting sexual violence.

As of May 2026, Liberty University is under the leadership of President Dondi E. Costin, who assumed the role on July 1, 2023. The university remains regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) and holds numerous programmatic accreditations. Enrollment continues to be substantial, with Fall 2025 residential enrollment at 16,151 students and online programs projected to surpass 131,000 students by summer 2026, contributing to an overall projected enrollment exceeding 140,000 for 2024-25. The Board of Trustees approved a $1.5 billion operational budget for 2026-27 and continues to invest in campus development, including a new Champion Center set to open in Fall 2026. The university emphasizes its commitment to affordability and its founding mission of 'Training Champions for Christ.'