Jerry Falwell Jr. is an American lawyer and university administrator, best known for his tenure as the president of [[Liberty University]] in Lynchburg, Virginia, a position he held from 2007 until his resignation in 2020. He is the son of [[Jerry Falwell]] Sr., a prominent evangelical leader and founder of the [[Moral Majority]].
### Early Life and Education
- **Birth**: Jerry Falwell Jr. was born on June 17, 1962, in Lynchburg, Virginia.
- **Family Background**: He grew up in a deeply religious environment, as his father, Jerry Falwell Sr., was a well-known evangelical preacher and televangelist.
- **Education**: Falwell Jr. attended Liberty University, where he earned his undergraduate degree. He later received a Juris Doctor degree from the University of Virginia School of Law.
### Career
- **Liberty University**: Falwell's career has been largely intertwined with Liberty University, an institution founded by his father. He initially worked in legal affairs and real estate development for the university.
- **University President**: In 2007, following his father's death, Falwell Jr. became the president of Liberty University. Under his leadership, the university experienced significant growth in terms of student enrollment and financial stability. He emphasized the expansion of online education and invested in campus infrastructure.
- **Political Involvement**: Falwell Jr. became a prominent figure in conservative politics, notably supporting Donald Trump in the 2016 presidential election. His endorsement was seen as a significant moment in Trump's campaign, given Falwell's influence in the evangelical community.
### Controversies and Resignation
- **Controversies**: Throughout his career, Falwell Jr. was involved in various controversies, including his outspoken political stances and actions that were seen as contradictory to the evangelical values espoused by the university.
- **Resignation (2020)**: Falwell Jr.'s tenure as president of Liberty University ended in August 2020 amid a series of personal scandals. These events led to questions about his leadership and conduct, resulting in his resignation.
### Personal Life
- **Family**: Jerry Falwell Jr. is married to Becki Tilley, and they have children together.
- **Post-Resignation Activities**: Following his resignation from Liberty University, Falwell Jr. has been less active in public life. His current activities and future plans, as of my last update in April 2023, are not widely publicized.
### Legacy
- **Impact on Liberty University**: Falwell Jr.'s tenure at Liberty University is marked by significant growth and expansion, but also by the controversies that led to his resignation.
- **Influence in Politics**: His involvement in American politics, particularly his support for Donald Trump, signifies the continued political engagement of evangelical leaders in the U.S.
Falwell Jr.'s career and personal life have been subject to public scrutiny and debate, reflecting broader discussions about the role of religious leaders in politics, the management of religious institutions, and the intersection of personal conduct and public responsibility.