Mar 30, 2017 12:04 PM EDT By Anne Collins, UniversityHerald Reporter

After a reorganization of Liberty University's online management staff, some employees were told they don't have a position any longer. In a statement, the university said online education continues to evolve and become more competitive, which is why they had to continually evaluate their strategies and adjusting with changes in the marketplace.

The university has assisted with the transition by giving the laid off employee a generous severance package and has also encouraged each employee to seek employment in other areas of the university according to the WDBJ7 News. Liberty does not take the decision lightly but with recent changes they deem it necessary to position the university to be ready for the future.

The layoff has affected a small number of the online management staff according to a university spokesperson. The number is smaller compared to the entire Liberty University Online operation.

Liberty University Executive Director of External Communications Len Stevens said that the online enrollment went down to 94,000 students showing a drop of a few thousand students. The university audited the department for efficiency. He said that the reorganization has tasked a new vice president to oversee things more efficiently.

Liberty has been a pioneer in distance education and recognized online education as an important opportunity. Their revenue grew because of the programs, more than one thousand percent in the last decade from $150 million $1.8 billion according to WSLS.

As a pioneer in adult education, it has allowed the university to reach its original vision in decades rather than centuries. It would have probably taken much generation if they followed the tradition way through contributions and alumni support said Jerry Falwell, Junior in February.

Lynchburg's largest employer is Liberty University with more than 8,000 people working for the school and the layoff would greatly affect members.

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