Liberty plans to build an engineering campus

Liberty University plans to build an engineering campus that eventually would accommodate 2,000 students, a small research park and new degree programs for its School of Engineering and Computational Sciences.

The project is slated for Liberty-owned land just across the city line in Campbell County, said Ron Sones, dean of the engineering school.

The land had been under contract to a shopping center developer, AIG Baker, but plans fell through when the economy took a nosedive, Chancellor Jerry Falwell Jr. said.

On Monday, Liberty officials will present plans to the Campbell Board of Supervisors, who will decide on the school's request to rezone the land, now designated for retail.

The facility would provide a boost to Liberty's fledgling engineering school, which was launched two years ago and enrolls about 450 students.

About $1 million has been allotted from Liberty's budget for initial construction costs. The school is seeking an additional $500,000 in grants and donations for equipment.
Liz Barry is a staff writer for The News & Advance in Lynchburg.