Jerry Falwell Jr. facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Jerry Falwell Jr.
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Falwell in 2019
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| 4th President of Liberty University | |
| In office May 15, 2007 – August 25, 2020 |
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| Preceded by | Jerry Falwell |
| Succeeded by | Jerry Prevo |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Jerry Lamon Falwell Jr.
June 17, 1962 Lynchburg, Virginia, U.S. |
| Political party | Republican |
| Spouse |
Becki Tilley
(m. 1987) |
| Children | 3 |
| Parents | Jerry Falwell Macel Pate Falwell |
| Relatives | Jonathan Falwell (brother) |
| Education | Liberty University (BA) University of Virginia (JD) |
Jerry Lamon Falwell Jr. (born June 17, 1962) is an American lawyer and former leader of a university. He is also known as an evangelical Christian. From 2007 to 2020, Falwell was the president of Liberty University in Lynchburg, Virginia. He took over this role after his father, Jerry Falwell, passed away.
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Early Life and Schooling
Jerry Falwell Jr. was born on June 17, 1962. He was the oldest son of Jerry Falwell and Macel Falwell. He went to private schools in Lynchburg, Virginia. One of these schools was Lynchburg Christian Academy, which is now called Liberty Christian Academy. He finished high school there in 1980.
After high school, he went to Liberty University. He earned a degree in history and religious studies in 1984. Then, he studied law at the University of Virginia School of Law. He became a lawyer in 1987.
What Was Jerry Falwell Jr.'s Career Path?
From 1987 to 2007, Jerry Falwell Jr. worked as a private lawyer in Virginia. He also served as the lawyer for Liberty University and its related groups. In 2000, he joined the university's Board of Trustees. This board helps guide the university.
Leading Liberty University (2007–2020)
Before his father passed away, a plan was made for Liberty University. Jerry Falwell Jr. was chosen to lead the university. His brother, Jonathan Falwell, was chosen to lead the ministry at Thomas Road Baptist Church. This plan was based on their different skills. Jerry Jr. was good at business, while Jonathan was more interested in church ministry. This plan began in 2007 when their father died.
Under Falwell Jr.'s leadership, Liberty University grew. However, some people raised concerns about how the university was run. There were questions about how much control he had over employees and students. Some also worried about family members getting special treatment in university business deals.
In August 2020, news came out that Falwell had agreed to step down from Liberty University. At first, he denied it, but soon after, both he and the university confirmed his resignation. He received a payment of $10.5 million when he left.
After he left, Liberty University started an investigation. They looked into his past involvement in the school's money and property deals. If a leader benefits personally from a university's deals, it could affect the university's special tax-exempt status. In October 2020, Falwell sued Liberty University, saying they harmed his reputation. He later dropped the lawsuit in December 2020.
In April 2021, Liberty University sued Falwell. They asked for $40 million. They claimed he broke his contract and did not act in the university's best interest. In November 2021, Falwell started his lawsuit against Liberty University again.
Could He Have Joined the Government?
In November 2016, Falwell said that Donald Trump, who was then President-elect, offered him a job. The job was to be the United States Secretary of Education. Falwell said he turned down the offer. He explained that he did not want to leave Liberty University for more than two years.
In January 2017, Falwell said that President Trump asked him to lead a special group. This group would work on changes for the United States Department of Education. In June 2017, Falwell confirmed he would be part of this group with 15 other college presidents. However, this special group was never officially formed.
What Were His Political Ideas?
Jerry Falwell Jr. shared his views on different political topics.
Views on Donald Trump
On January 26, 2016, Falwell supported Donald Trump for president. This caused some people at Liberty University and other Christians to worry. They felt Falwell had made a difficult choice.
At the Republican National Convention in July 2016, Falwell Jr. spoke about Trump. He called Trump "America's blue collar billionaire." He also said Trump was "one of the greatest visionaries of our time." In August 2016, Falwell wrote an article comparing Trump to Winston Churchill.
Trump is a personal friend of Falwell's. In 2017, Trump gave the graduation speech at Liberty University. This university is in Lynchburg, a city known for its strong support for Trump among evangelical Christians.
Views on Israel
In June 2016, Falwell showed his support for Israel. Liberty University decided to invest $5 million of its money in Israel. Falwell said that Liberty was happy to support Israel. He called Israel "the only democracy that's a close ally of the United States." He noted that this area of the world was facing many problems.
In April 2017, Falwell called Trump the "dream president" for evangelical Christians. He said that Trump's support for "reuniting Israel with America" was one reason. He also mentioned Trump appointing "people of faith" to his government.
Personal Life
Jerry Falwell Jr. is married to Becki Tilley. They live on a farm in Bedford County, Virginia. They have three children. One of their children is a businessman named Jerry "Trey" Falwell III.
Before he left the university in 2021, Jerry Falwell Jr. was the president of university operations at Liberty University. Falwell Jr. also owns a place called the Alton Hostel in Miami's South Beach.
