Liberty University in Lynchburg may acquire a satellite campus in the rural town of Northfield, Mass., providing a brick-and-mortar outpost for online students from the Northeast and, possibly, a secluded site for an undergraduate honors program. <\/p>\n
If the deal goes through, the property would be a gift to Liberty from the family of Steve Green, an Oklahoma billionaire and president of Hobby Lobby, a craft-store chain with Christian roots. <\/p>\n
\"We deeply appreciate the Green family and Hobby Lobby contacting Liberty and making this offer. ... We appreciate their confidence in Liberty,\" said LU Chancellor Jerry Falwell Jr. <\/p>\n
The 217-acre campus was built in 1879 by evangelist D.L. Moody on the Connecticut River. For decades, it was home to the Northfield Mount Hermon School, a prestigious boarding school that has since relocated. <\/p>\n
The property includes 43 buildings ranging from academic halls to dormitories to an athletics facility with indoor pool. <\/p>\n
In 2009, the Green family bought the site for $100,000 and has since invested $5 million in improvements. <\/p>\n
Hobby Lobby recently invited 15 Christian schools and organizations to submit proposals of possible uses of the property. <\/p>\n
The goal is to donate the campus to a school or organization with the funds to maintain its century-old buildings and uphold its Christian heritage, said Jerry Pattengale, a college administrator hired by Hobby Lobby to find a new owner. <\/p>\n
Liberty responded with strong interest and is a top contender, said Pattengale. <\/p>\n
\"All I can say at this point is that they're in a very strong position,\" he said. Liberty \"has a great track record.\" <\/p>\n
Falwell said Liberty's proposal is to become part-owners of the campus with another Christian institution. <\/p>\n
If Liberty becomes a part-owner, their preliminary plans are to develop an honors program there and hold classroom sessions for online students. <\/p>\n
Pattengale said the final decision falls with the Green family and is not expected for at least two months. <\/p>\n<\/p>\n
Excerpt from: Liberty University in Lynchburg may acquire a satellite campus in the rural town of Northfield, Mass., providing a brick-and-mortar outpost for online students from the Northeast and, possibly, a secluded site for an undergraduate honors program. If the deal goes through, the property would be a gift to Liberty from the family of Steve Green, an Oklahoma billionaire and president of Hobby Lobby, a craft-store chain with Christian roots Continue reading
\nLiberty University may expand to Massachusetts<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"