Lynchburg College of Arts and Sciences

Starting June 1, 2024, the College of Arts and Sciences is now the School of Liberal Arts and Sciences.

The School of Liberal Arts and Sciences is at the heart of the liberal arts mission at the University of Lynchburg, as well as the foundation of undergraduate study. It inspires creativity, curiosity, and innovation in our students while providing a broad understanding of cultures, context, and the social construction of knowledge. Our students are enriched by a curriculum that is grounded in critical thinking, scientific inquiry, data analysis, and aesthetic enlightenment.

The School prepares students for their professional lives while also providing them with a conceptual framework for a life well lived, one that allows for self-realization and a commitment to social responsibility.

As the bedrock of the General Education program, the School offers a curriculum that is aimed at developing the student’s knowledge of the socio-historical and linguistic bases of culture, as well as offering an invitation to cultivate the aesthetic and ethical values that contribute to the richness of one’s life.

Moreover, the curriculum offers specialized knowledge and training in the upper divisions that prepare students for graduate work and or professional life.

Student, Alumni, and Faculty Spotlights

Kevin Scott ’94

Kevin Scott '94 took his computer science degree from Lynchburg on to a cutting-edge career at some of the biggest tech behemoths, now dubbed "the engineer who saved LinkedIn" and leading at Microsoft as its Chief Technology Officer.

Michael Robinson, PhD

Dr. Mike Robinson teaches communications classes with plenty of punch! As an avid comic book and superhero fan, he applies his passion in courses about media, audiences, and culture.

Anna Wehr ’17

Anna Wehr ’17 soared as a theatre major at Lynchburg, writing and putting on a musical for her thesis project, working as managing director of the Virginia Theatre Association, then pursuing her master’s degree at Virginia Tech.

Daniel Paige Toney ’11

Daniel Paige Toney '11 found his calling at Lynchburg — switching gears from biomedical science to graphic design after encouragement from a professor — and took off on a design career that's landed him on the pages of Vogue magazine.

Kelly Jacobson, PhD

Taking one of Kelly Jacobson's English classes means catching her contagious love and energy for writing. An award-winning novelist and teacher, her lessons center on conversations and ideas.

Rachel Parent ’21

Rachel Parent ’21's journey at the University of Lynchburg epitomizes a fusion of academic exploration and a passion for the law.

Davion Washington ’21

Davion Washington '21 built on his sociology major at Lynchburg with plenty of leadership experience and minors in history, political science, and popular culture to pursue a sociology PhD at NC State.

Jess Cochrane ’23

At Lynchburg, Jess Cochrane '23 has learned that psychology and other social factors play a vital role in understanding crime. Also, she learned that how we perceive criminal behavior can have a significant impact on society as a whole.

Francessca Vasquez ’00

Beyond her computer science degree, Francessca Vasquez '00 took what she learned about leadership and teamwork at Lynchburg on her career journey — all the way to becoming vice president of technology at Amazon Web Services.

Em Maxey ’23

Em Maxey '23, an art major and graphic design minor, found an outlet at Lynchburg for multiple facets of their life — and a place to find the best version of themself.

Victoria Hauck ’26

Studying for her art degree with an emphasis in art therapy, Victoria Hauck ’26 advises other nontraditional students to “jump right in.” Legally blind, she’s found support from Lynchburg’s staff and a space to develop and exhibit her own art.

Laurel Nicks ’21

Having explored chemistry studies as a lab assistant and at internships with NASA and the Department of Energy, Laurel Nicks '21 found her niche in environmental chemistry at Lynchburg and is pursuing her master's at William & Mary.

Alyson Black ’16

After majoring in biomedical science and chemistry at Lynchburg, Alyson Black '16 was equipped to take some huge strides. She now has a PhD in biomedical sciences and has done groundbreaking work conducting molecular analyses of tumors.

Dustin Williams ’05

Dustin Williams '05 made it a point to get hands-on experience in every aspect of a stage production while pursuing his theatre degree at Lynchburg. He went on to found Wolfbane Productions, a prominent and popular theater company in Appomattox.

Emily Brown ’02

For Emily Brown '02, now a managing editor at the USA Today, studying communications at Lynchburg was an important first step in a journalism career journey full of seizing opportunities.

Brian Crim, PhD

Brian Crim fuses pop culture and history together in his books and research, establishing himself as a unique sort of expert. He brings humanities to the forefront for his students, regardless of their major.

Kyle Thaller ’25

Between his political science studies, international relations studies, and service learning as a Bonner Leader at Lynchburg, Kyle Thaller ’25 said he’s broadened his perspective as a global changemaker and networker — especially as someone who’s founded two humanitarian organizations.

Nick Savino ’19

Nick Savino '19 built on his physics major by seizing research opportunities and taking advantage of Lynchburg's Belk Astronomical Observatory. His payoffs were astronomical, too: landing a prestigious, government-sponsored internship at Oak Ridge National Laboratory.

Caitlin Dorsch ’20

As a criminology major, Caitlin Dorsch '20 explored aspects of interpersonal violence and sociology through research, which has helped her pave the way toward a doctorate and graduate assistantship.

Nat LeDonne ’18

During her time at Lynchburg, Nat LeDonne '18 found her niche in photography and took off — growing under a mentorship that saw her soar on sports fields and landed her in a top position at Duke University Athletics.