St. Davids, PA: Eastern University and Valley Forge Military Academy & College (VFMAC) are pleased to announce the signing of an agreement for Eastern to purchase a portion of VFMAC’s property. Completion of the transaction is contingent on various approvals and regulatory requirements as part of the due diligence process, which is expected to be completed over the next 5 months.
The 33.3-acre portion of property, which lies less than a mile away from Eastern’s campus, includes the football stadium, track, and athletic fieldhouse that Eastern has been leasing from VFMAC since 2021. The property also includes several apartment buildings, some of which will be used to house Eastern’s expanding on-campus community, along with additional fields, buildings, and pickleball courts.
“We are grateful for the great relationship we have with VFMAC. Expanding our campus through this new property is a pivotal step in Eastern University’s growth and vision for a flourishing future. By expanding our residential facilities and securing key athletic facilities that can support our students, we will be able to provide the space for our expanding student body to call Eastern’s campus ‘home.’”
While VFMAC’s Academy branch (7th-12th grade) announced its closing in May 2026, Valley Forge Military College will continue to operate on its main campus.
“Valley Forge Military Academy & College has enjoyed a mutually beneficial relationship with our neighbors at Eastern University for many years,” shared VFMAC President Colonel Stuart B. Helgeson, USMC. “This agreement will allow both of our institutions and campuses to flourish in the coming years as we each invest in our mission to provide excellent, transformative education to the next generation.”
Eastern University has experienced tremendous growth over the last six years, with total enrollment nearing 10,000 students this Fall. While a majority of the University’s growth has come from its popular online LifeFlex programs, on-campus enrollment has grown as well. Innovative new academic programs and dynamic co- and extracurricular activities, including new NCAA DIII athletic programs and vibrant arts, have fueled the growth.
The timing of the signed agreement is especially exciting as Eastern’s football team heads to round three of the NCAA DIII Championship Tournament this Saturday, December 6, and will host the game at their home stadium. The Eastern Eagles, who won the Middle Atlantic Conference (MAC) Championship this Fall, have been incredibly successful in just their third official season of play, and permanently securing the VFMAC property for their home stadium will provide the perfect foundation for continued growth.
The agreement to expand Eastern University’s campus marks a significant milestone in the institution’s continued growth, particularly amid its Centennial year. As the University enters its second century, this expansion positions Eastern to meet the opportunities and needs of its growing community, reflecting its mission of faith, reason, and justice.
About Eastern University
Eastern University is a Christian university enrolling approximately 10,000 students in its undergraduate, graduate, and seminary programs. The university’s main campus is located in St. Davids, PA, with a wide array of programs available online. Eastern’s core values of faith, reason, and justice are woven into all of its educational programs. For more information, visit eastern.edu.
Media Inquiries
Media inquiries can be directed to the Communications Office by emailing media@eastern.edu, or specifically to Erin Ahlefeld, Communications and Public Relations Manager: erin.ahlefeld@eastern.edu.