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Virginia University of Lynchburg

Lynchburg, VA

private nonprofitHBCUgraduate

Quick Facts

Sibi Auxilium et Libertas (Self Help and Freedom)

1886
Founded
Private historically black university
Type
170
Total Students
$9K
Tuition (In-State)
$9K
Tuition (Out-State)
$18K
Avg Net Price
26%
Graduation Rate
6-year
75%
Retention Rate
Baccalaureate/Associate's Colleges
Classification
President: Kathy Franklin

Data from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0) & U.S. Dept. of Education

About Virginia University of Lynchburg

A historic private HBCU in Virginia, nurturing faith, freedom, and academic excellence since 1886.

Virginia University of Lynchburg (VUL) stands as a beacon of higher education, rooted in a rich history as the oldest school of its kind in Lynchburg. Founded in 1886, this private historically black Christian university is dedicated to fostering "Self Help and Freedom" in its students, a motto that reflects its enduring legacy of empowering individuals.

VUL offers a diverse array of undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs, primarily structured around three core academic pillars: the School of Religion, the School of Business Administration, and the School of Liberal Arts & Sciences. This structure allows students to pursue comprehensive studies in areas vital for both personal growth and professional success, all within a supportive Christian environment.

The university's campus itself is a testament to its storied past, featuring historic academic buildings and monuments that form a recognized historic district. With a vibrant community of 863 students, VUL is committed to delivering a quality educational experience, ensuring its graduates are well-prepared to make meaningful contributions to their communities and beyond. The institution's recent confirmation of full compliance with accreditation standards further assures prospective students of its commitment to academic integrity and institutional stability.

Key Highlights

  • Established in 1886, it is the oldest school of higher learning in Lynchburg, Virginia.
  • A private Historically Black Christian University (HBCU) with a strong religious foundation.
  • Offers undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs, primarily in religious studies, business, and liberal arts.
  • Serves a student body of 863, fostering a close-knit academic community.
  • Accredited by the Transnational Association of Christian Colleges and Schools (TRACS).
  • Its campus is a historic district listed on the National Register of Historic Places, featuring buildings like Graham Hall and Humbles Hall.
  • Guided by the motto "Sibi Auxilium et Libertas" (Self Help and Freedom).

Timeline

1886
Founded as Lynchburg Baptist Seminary
1890
Classes begin, institution renamed Virginia Seminary
1891
Gregory W. Hayes assumes full-time presidency, leading a period of growth
1900
Collegiate program offered, renamed Virginia Theological Seminary and College
1906
Mary Rice Hayes Allen becomes president, first female president
1962
Renamed Virginia Seminary and College
1996
Officially given its current name: Virginia University of Lynchburg
2010
Campus historic district listed on the National Register of Historic Places
2016
Kathy C. Franklin begins her tenure as president
2025
Demonstrated compliance with all TRACS accreditation standards
🏛️
140 Years
of Excellence

Schools & Colleges

3 notable schools within Virginia University of Lynchburg

🏫

School of Religion

Offers programs focused on religious studies within a Christian university context.

💼

School of Business Administration

Provides undergraduate and graduate programs in business disciplines.

🎭

School of Liberal Arts & Sciences

Encompasses a range of liberal arts and science programs for a broad education.

Leadership

Kathy Franklin
President

Data from Wikipedia CC BY-SA 4.0

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