Lynchburg
Academics
Small classes, big ideas.
At Lynchburg, you’ll get personalized attention, a hands-on education, and the research and critical-thinking skills you need to succeed wherever life takes you.
Changing lives is what we do best.
There’s a reason we’re included in Colleges That Change Lives. Our faculty provide a life-changing education.
Top
20
Universities-south, US News and World Report
Best
394
Universities
by Princeton Review
“The low student-faculty ratio facilitates having real discussions with students. Our commitment to liberal arts not only provides for degrees toward careers but also prepares students with tools for personal growth and development.”
Dr. Sabita Manian
Professor for International Relations and Political Science
Outstanding Faculty Award recipient, State Council of Higher Education for Virginia
Dr. Brian Crim's World War II research has been included in The Smithsonian’s favorite books list and is source material for the hit Amazon Series “Hunters” (watch video).
“The best part of teaching history majors at Lynchburg is helping them transform from students who know a lot about history to historians in their own right... No matter what path our majors pursue - education, government, business, professional school - the research tools are critical to their success.”
Dr. Brian Crim
Professor of History
National Mednick Memorial Fellow
Learning how
to think
Learn to think in new ways about current events and the world around you, and graduate ready to solve real-world problems.
11:1
student to
faculty ratio
“I try to create a zone where students are comfortable enough to get the wrong answer and then we talk about it. It’s about learning, but it’s also about instilling and building confidence.”
Dr. Kevin Peterson
Professor of Mathematics
“I try to create a zone where students are comfortable enough to get the wrong answer and then we talk about it. It’s about learning, but it’s also about instilling and building confidence.”
Dr. Kevin Peterson
Professor of Mathematics
Hands-on
education
We learn by doing, showing, growing, stretching, sweating, and trying new things.
100%
OF STUDENTS GET HANDS-ON, HIGH IMPACT EXPERIENCES
Dream job? Check. Sophomore communications major Hannah Belayachi hosts the University's podcast. And she’s getting paid to do what she loves.
“The professors I’ve had really made a point to say you can do what you want to do, so long as you’re willing to work for it. They want you to be the best version of yourself that you can be.”
Hannah Belayachi ’22
Communication Studies, Political Science major
Westover Fellow
At Lynchburg, Carter Elliott ’19 founded and led the College Democrats and also helped start the Young Republicans. As a senior, he managed a local city council campaign and won.
“I knew I would get a hands-on educational experience from some of the top professors in the state. The quality of education I received at Lynchburg prepared me immensely for a career in politics.”
Carter Elliott IV ’19
Political Science
There every step
of the way
Faculty members are dedicated to sharing their knowledge and helping students meet their personal goals.
First-Year Engagement programs help new students transition to college with support from current students, faculty advisors, and staff members.
Our mentoring program has been recognized by the national academic advising association
“The faculty member who has continually benefitted me, in ways small and large, is Dr. Lorna Dawson. I have taken five of her classes on political philosophy and political science, and spent many hours talking with her outside of class. Her impact on me as a student, and as a man, is profound.”
C. Hiatt O’Connor ’20
Philosophy/Political Science major
Sommerville Scholar
Westover Fellow
“The faculty member who has continually benefitted me, in ways small and large, is Dr. Lorna Dawson. I have taken five of her classes on political philosophy and political science, and spent many hours talking with her outside of class. Her impact on me as a student, and as a man, is profound — and difficult to put into words. Comment end”
C. Hiatt O’Connor ’20
Philosophy/Political Science Major
Westover Honors Fellow
Head Co-Editor of the PRISM
Vice President of THEORIA
Student-Faculty Research
Your professors don’t just talk about research, they share their research with you while helping you develop and explore your own interests. You work together along the way. It's a big deal, and each year we dedicate a special day to celebrate it.
100%
of westover fellows do research with faculty
51%
of all students do research with faculty
Caitlin's research explores the patterns of crimes based on race, gender, and season. As a result, she's attending Georgia State University’s Criminal Justice & Criminology PhD program.
“The professors in the Department of Criminology allowed me to believe I could pursue a career in academia... Without the aid and nurturing of faculty, staff, and other students at the University of Lynchburg, GSU would never have been an option for me.”
Caitlin Dorsch ’20
Criminology major
Women's Soccer
Westover Fellow
Caitlin Dorsch's senior thesis researches the possible patterns of crimes based on both seasonality and demographics. This research played a big role in getting accepted into Georgia State University’s Criminal Justice & Criminology PhD program.
“The rigor of the Westover Honors College...forced me to challenge my own beliefs and to give respect to others... And, the professors in the Department of Criminology allowed me to believe that I could look to pursue a career in academia... Without the aid and nurturing of faculty, staff, and other students at the University of Lynchburg, GSU would never have been an option for me.”
Caitlyn Dorsh ‘20
Criminology major
Soccer team
Westover Fellow
“Lynchburg has shaped me into the person I am today. I’ve learned to be more independent as a person and to embrace who I am.”
Dru Blakeney ’18
Health Promotion
Expect to
thrive
You’re not learning to take a test. You’re learning to navigate the world. This is the University of Lynchburg. Expect to stretch. Expect to grow. Expect to thrive.
University of Lynchburg | 1501 Lakeside Drive |Lynchburg, VA 24501-3113| 434.544.8100
University of Lynchburg | 1501 Lakeside Drive |Lynchburg, VA 24501-3113| 434.544.8100
