Liberty University may expand to Massachusetts

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.

"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.

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.

The property includes 43 buildings ranging from academic halls to dormitories to an athletics facility with indoor pool.

In 2009, the Green family bought the site for $100,000 and has since invested $5 million in improvements.

Hobby Lobby recently invited 15 Christian schools and organizations to submit proposals of possible uses of the property.

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.

Liberty responded with strong interest and is a top contender, said Pattengale.

"All I can say at this point is that they're in a very strong position," he said. Liberty "has a great track record."

Falwell said Liberty's proposal is to become part-owners of the campus with another Christian institution.

If Liberty becomes a part-owner, their preliminary plans are to develop an honors program there and hold classroom sessions for online students.

Pattengale said the final decision falls with the Green family and is not expected for at least two months.

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Liberty University may expand to Massachusetts