CNA #1 : Liberty University

CNA #1 : Liberty University
by Samantha Rozenblum

1. Liberty University opens new medical school amid record enrollment

Thanks to a vast budget of nearly half a billion dollars (so far), the campus at Liberty University is exploding with new, state-of-the-art buildings. Since 2012, Liberty has added a medical school, three athletic stadiums, an artificial ski slope, a vehicular tunnel, a five-story parking garage, a three-story welcome center, and a $50 million library, and an equestrian center just to name a few. The brand new dorms are already at maximum capacity, but Liberty plans to continue to expand, ideally building enough residence halls to boost the resident population to 16,000 by 2020.

Prominence




2. At Liberty University, big goals _ and big money _ for football and other sports

Liberty University plans to fight their way into the Sun Belt Conference boasting new practice fields, expanded stadiums, 20 competitive varsity sports teams, and still preserving a lush bank account. Jerry Falwell Sr., the founder of the school, had a vision to make Liberty the "Notre Dame" of Christian universities and aspired to take the school to the next level, academically and athletically. Those who oppose Liberty's advancement to the Sun Belt Conference, claiming that "Liberty does not add anything to [their] profile," are loosing ground to stand on as Liberty increases in stature and reputation.

Conflict, Prominence


3. Record number of students on campus this semester

Liberty University is boasting their largest freshman class to date this year of roughly 7,700 students, raising the resident student population to about 13,800. All dorms are at maximum capacity, adding new dorms to the list of renovations in the $500 million dollar campus rebuilding. Dr. Mark Hine, senior vice president for Student Affairs, praises the growth of the student body in size and in relationship to each other.

Proximity