The University of Lynchburg is offering buyouts to faculty as part of its efforts to address a financial deficit. Heather Bradley, the vice president of enrollment, announced this initiative on November 6. She emphasized that the goal isn’t to significantly reduce faculty numbers or eliminate academic programs.
This buyout program is part of a larger strategy to strengthen the university’s future. Currently, Lynchburg has over 150 faculty members, but the exact number of positions targeted for buyouts remains unclear. Daniel Hall, vice president and chief of staff, noted that the university aims to balance financial responsibility with enhancing student and employee experiences.
Lynchburg faces a budget deficit of about $12 million, a situation that became public in late 2022. In response, the university has already cut 72 positions and plans to eliminate 12 undergraduate and five graduate programs, as reported in May 2024. Enrollment numbers have also taken a hit, dropping from 1,525 last year to 1,425 this fall. This decline was partly due to more than 40 international students not receiving their visas in time, an issue connected to delays following policy changes from the Trump administration.
The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) has been closely monitoring Lynchburg due to its financial challenges. In December 2024, SACSCOC warned the university for failing to meet certain requirements related to financial health and student outcomes. The university submitted a progress report in October, and SACSCOC will evaluate whether to extend the warning.
Despite these hurdles, Lynchburg reports improvements in its financial landscape. The operating deficit for fiscal year 2025 is the lowest it has been in five years. Their endowment is worth over $144 million, providing a sense of stability, and the university carries no short-term debt. The board has also approved a balanced budget for fiscal year 2026.
As leadership changes loom, President Alison Morrison-Shetlar announced her retirement for June 2026. During her time, the university raised $39 million in its capital campaign, aiming for a $40 million goal by year-end.
These updates reflect Lynchburg’s ongoing struggle and efforts to adapt to changing circumstances while maintaining educational quality and stability for its community.
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