Latest news with #Christ-centered
Yahoo
20-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Jerry Falwell Jr. to get $15 million payout after Liberty University sex scandal
Liberty University has agreed to pay its former president, Jerry Falwell Jr. roughly $15 million as part of a settlement after his resignation in the wake of sex scandals that rocked the famously conservative university. Falwell took over as president following the 2007 death of his father Jerry Falwell Sr., a massively influential figure within America's modern right-wing Christian movement who founded the university in 1971. Falwell Jr. resigned in 2020, and a settlement was announced in 2024, but the terms were not disclosed. But recently filed tax documents reveal the university is paying Falwell more than $15 million to 'settle certain claims and close certain transactions.' USA Today first reported the disclosures. Falwell has also agreed to pay the university $440,000 to settle 'disputed expenses' with the university. The filings did not include details of the payments. In total, Falwell is set to receive roughly $5.5 million to settle the lawsuits along with $9.7 million as part of his retirement package, according to tax filings. The Independent has requested comment from Liberty. Falwell told USA Today that he was 'very pleased with the outcome of the settlement negotiations and with the final settlement.' In its 2024 statement, the university said it had reached a 'global resolution agreement' with its Board of Trustees 'settling all outstanding disputes on both legal and personal matters' with Falwell. 'This agreement is grounded in a firm commitment to protecting and preserving Liberty's original mission of developing Christ-centered men and women with the values, knowledge, and skills essential to impact the world,' according to the statement. Falwell took over the university in 2007 after the death of his father, the Rev. Jerry Falwell Sr., who founded the college. Thirteen years later, Falwell – who shook the evangelical Christian and Republican establishments with his 2016 endorsement of then-candidate Donald Trump — was placed on indefinite leave in August 2020 after posting, then deleting, a provocative Instagram photo in which he wraps his arm around a woman while they both have their pants unbuttoned, revealing their bare midriffs. The university announced his resignation a few weeks later, following the publication of allegations that Falwell and his wife had engaged in a years-long sexual relationship with another man. In a lengthy statement at the time, Falwell claimed that the man had tried to blackmail the family and accused him of threatening to reveal the relationship "to deliberately embarrass my wife, family, and Liberty University unless we agreed to pay him substantial monies." 'Over the course of the last few months this person's behavior has reached a level that we have decided the only way to stop this predatory behavior is to go public,' he said at the time. Giancarlo Granda, who shared messages with Reuters as part of the outlet's investigation into his relationship with the couple, denied the allegations against him. Granda said he was in his early 20s when he first met Falwell and his wife Becki while working as a pool attendant at a Florida hotel. He reportedly began a sexual relationship with Becki Falwell in 2012, which continued through 2018, during which Falwell would watch, according to Reuters. The Falwells had meanwhile financed a Miami beach hostel, in which Granda also had invested, according to Reuters. The Falwells filed a lawsuit over its ownership in 2015, which was dismissed, and they refiled in 2017. Reuters and The New York Times also reported in 2019 that in 2015, Falwell sought Trump's attorney Michael Cohen — who at the time had arranged for hush-money payments on the president's behalf to pay for the silence of women who alleged affairs with the president — to get rid of photos that Cohen allegedly claimed should be kept 'between husband and wife.' After leaving the university, Liberty launched an investigation into his alleged conduct and a wave of litigation followed. Falwell sued for defamation, but the complaint was dropped. Liberty then sued Falwell in 2021 alleging breach of contract, and in 2023, Falwell filed a lawsuit over his retirement package and another against the use of his father's image. Those claims were dropped by July 2024, when the university announced a settlement was reached. The settlement 'is based on a mutual understanding regarding the amount Liberty University will pay its former president in authorized retirement and severance under the various disputed agreements' as well as 'the conditions under which the university will make use of Dr. Jerry Falwell, Sr.'s name, image, and likeness,' Liberty said at the time. Falwell, university and its board 'sincerely regret the lengthy and painful litigation process, and each take responsibility for their part in the disputes,' according to the statement. 'Falwell acknowledges and apologizes for the errors in judgement and mistakes made during his time of leadership,' the statement aThe Board of Trustees acknowledge and apologize for the errors and mistakes made on their part as well. The Trustees and Falwell are committed to move forward in a spirit of forgiveness and with the hope of reconciliation in a Christ honoring manner.' The university and its board promised no further statements on the settlement. That same year, President Joe Biden's administration sought $16 million from the university following allegations that students were afraid to report sexual abuse, which included a $14 million fine and $2 million pledge from the university 'for on-campus safety improvements and compliance enhancements.'
Yahoo
16-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Owensboro tattoo artist uses 'sacred marks' to impact customers
OWENSBORO, Ky. (WEHT) — A tattoo artist in Owensboro is leaving behind more than just ink; He's leaving hope. After overcoming years of addiction, Terry Baughn Jr. is using his story, his skills and his faith to inspire first glance, Sacred Marks looks like any other tattoo shop. 'My kids…I just got a five bedroom house for them. Five years ago, at Friends of Sinners I was homeless…had a bag of clothes to my name,' says Baughn. Inside, every needle stroke writes a line in TJ Baughn's story of redemption. 'I used to be a very bad addict and an alcoholic. I kind of grew up around partying and everything. I ended up running into a tattoo machine one day at a flea market, and so I started tattooing on the streets,' says His story of recovery began down the road at Friends of Sinners, a Christ-centered substance abuse treatment program. 5 years after he left that flea market, he says he had a big encounter with God. 'The men that he put in my life, my pastor, I have probably 200 brothers in my phone I can call right now,' says Baughn. Baughn graduated out of the program in 2022 and is now a decade into his tattooing career. Sacred Marks's doors opened in October. 3 weeks ago, Skyler Chilton came on as an is also the daughter of Baughn's pastor and has watched him grow over the years. 'It's helped me understand that people make mistakes and to be more forgiving with myself, as everybody should be, I think,' says Chilton. The mentorship extends beyond staff. For Baughn, every tattoo session is a chance to connect and encourage. 'I'm not going to say I'm perfect or anything. They vent to me, and I'm able to help them out through things and struggles. They always leave a beautiful piece of work,' says Baughn. Baughn says he's grateful his Friends of Sinners community means he'll never be alone again, and that each day is a chance to become stronger, wiser and take care of his family. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
14-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Mississippi College, Christ Covenant partnership offers college-level math course
CLINTON, Miss. (WJTV) – A dual-enrollment agreement between Mississippi College (MC) and Christ Covenant School (CCS) will allow qualified students at the K-12 Christ-centered educational institution in Ridgeland to attend college-level mathematics classes and receive corresponding collegiate credit as part of their instruction. MC President Blake Thompson and Christ Covenant School Dean of Advisement Cheri Creel signed a formal memorandum of understanding on May 8 establishing the partnership. William Carey to hold 2025 graduation ceremonies at Temple Baptist Christ Covenant School is the sixth educational institution to sign an MOU with MC to provide college-level classes at their respective schools. Mississippi College has similar agreements with Clinton High School, Jackson Preparatory School, Madison-Ridgeland Academy, Saint Augustine School in Ridgeland and Tupelo Christian Preparatory School. 'Our goal is to provide a first-class dual-enrollment experience that begins to show how we prepare the next generation of Christian leaders,' said Michael Wright, MC dean of enrollment services. 'If we do that well, our hope is that students from CCS will choose to continue their education at Mississippi College.' The agreement covers college algebra with applications and trigonometry coursework up to 27 total credit hours. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
13-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Roberts Wesleyan shrinks, changes course offerings
CHILI, N.Y. (WROC) — In an effort to respond to changing times and demands, Roberts Wesleyan University is reducing its full-time workforce by 20% while ending or pausing some programs and investing more in others, putting a greater emphasis on trades. The moves come as many colleges and universities have closed or have made a similar shift to programs that attract the most students. Since the pandemic, education leaders have reported that more students are looking for training that will ensure a good-paying job, making programs that focus on trades and technical skills very popular. In a statement, Roberts Wesleyan said: 'Roberts Wesleyan University is taking bold, thoughtful steps to ensure that the high-quality, Christ-centered education we offer remains affordable and accessible for students and families in Western New York and beyond. In light of recent enrollment trends and financial pressures, we are strategically resizing our operations—both administratively and academically—to better align with our mission and the needs of our community. These actions, while difficult, are necessary to strengthen our institution for the next generation of learners.' Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
09-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Belhaven University recognized for online programs
JACKSON, Miss. (WJTV) – Belhaven University was recognized by the U.S. News & World Report 2025 Best Online Programs. The university received recognition in both the Best Online Bachelor's Programs and the Best Online Bachelor's Programs for Veterans categories. Jackson State alumni call for transparency in presidential search 'At Belhaven, our Christ-centered mission drives us to help every student reach their God-given potential while surrounding them with care and support. These awards reflect the exceptional commitment of our faculty and staff in creating a robust and nurturing learning environment for all students, whether on campus or online. I'm especially proud of our efforts to serve our veteran students, who have served us all so faithfully,' said Belhaven University President Dr. Roger Parrott. According to officials, U.S. News evaluated Belhaven's online programs based on factors such as graduation rates, faculty credentials, and the availability of student support services. Belhaven launched its first fully online degree program in 2006. The university has since expanded its offerings to include a wide range of undergraduate and graduate degrees. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
