I am writing to you on behalf of President Randy Remington and the Foursquare Board of Directors regarding the recent announcement by President Angie Richey, Ph.D., that Life Pacific University’s extension campus in Christiansburg, Va.—Life East—will be concluding its formal operations.
We recognize that this news is difficult. For many, it represents years of prayer, investment, and hope for what Life East could become in the eastern region. We also want to acknowledge that for some, this decision brings a sense of loss, and it is appropriate to grieve.
As Scripture reminds us, we are called to “rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn” (Romans 12:15, NIV). Seasons like this deserve to be processed with care and honesty. We encourage you to support one another well in this season.
We want to begin by expressing our sincere gratitude for the collective effort that has marked these past seven years. The university gave itself wholeheartedly to this endeavor. Pastors and leaders across the Atlantic District and surrounding regions rallied in remarkable ways to support and champion the campus. Denominational leadership at both the national and district levels worked diligently toward its success. Truly, this has been a shared effort, and we honor the faith, sacrifice, and commitment that each of you has contributed.
Some have asked whether this decision was primarily financial. While it is true that the campus has operated at a financial loss over these seven years, that alone was not the determining factor. The core issue has been the continued challenge of attracting sufficient student enrollment to sustain a vibrant, on-campus experience. Despite thoughtful strategy, significant investment, and the tireless efforts of the local team, there has not been consistent demand from students to attend a residential extension campus in this region. Over time, this has limited the university’s ability to deliver the kind of formative, thriving campus community we all desire for our students.
This decision was not made lightly. Those in the room can attest that it came through prayer, careful deliberation, and a deep sense of stewardship responsibility. There were tears, heartfelt discussion, and a sincere desire to discern the right and righteous path forward. Ultimately, it became clear that after seven years, we must acknowledge the realities before us and respond with faithful stewardship for the future of the university.
We also want to assure you that for those students who are currently enrolled, Life Pacific University is fully committed to helping them finish strong. Multiple pathways are being made available to ensure students can complete their education without additional financial burden beyond their current agreements, and with the support they need to continue progressing toward their calling.
At the same time, we want to affirm that this decision does not diminish the meaningful fruit that has come from Life East. We celebrate the graduates who have been trained and launched into ministry, the lives that have been shaped, and the seeds that have been sown through this campus. These outcomes matter deeply and remain an enduring part of the university’s legacy in the East.
We are also encouraged by what God is doing in this new season. Over the past two years, a growing number of microsites have emerged across the eastern region, now collectively serving more than 100 students. These sites, based in local churches, combine Life Pacific University’s online academic programs with real-time mentoring, discipleship, and ministry experience within the context of the local church. This model is proving to be both accessible and deeply formational, and we believe it represents an important and promising pathway for ministry training in this region.
We would also like to express our deep appreciation for President Angie Richey, her leadership team, and the Life Pacific University Board of Trustees. Their dedication, perseverance, and faithful stewardship throughout this process have been evident, and we are confident in their leadership as they continue to guide the university into this next season.
As we move forward together, we invite you to join us in continuing to pray, seek the Lord’s direction, and send the next generation into ministry. While this chapter is coming to a close, we trust that God is faithfully at work, opening new doors and shaping new expressions of ministry preparation for the future.
Thank you for your partnership, your faith, and your steadfast commitment to the mission we share.
May the Lord surround you with His presence, sustain you in this season, and strengthen us together as we continue forward in unity and faith.
Read LPU’s recent announcement
Access Life Pacific University’s announcement regarding Life East’s transition, including an FAQ that addresses questions such as why the decision was made, how current students, faculty and staff will be impacted, and more about how church-based microsites will keep LPU in the region.
