CUSA STANDOUT
Dr. Beth Koss received the Conference USA Faculty Achievement Award for outstanding teaching, research, service, and scholarly work. Koss oversees the accounting program in the School of Business. She has taught at Liberty since 2015. (Read more at Liberty.edu/News.)
RESURRECTION EXPERT
Divinity Professor Dr. Gary Habermas provided his expertise for the documentary “Shroud of Turin: Face to Face,” released in November. A world-renowned apologist, Habermas published the first of four volumes of his magnum opus, “On the Resurrection: Evidences,” in January. (Read more at Liberty.edu/News.)
COUNSELING THE CORPS
Online Counseling Professor Dr. Christopher Ostrander created the nation’s first directory of licensed clinicians who specialize in serving the Special Operations community. His SOF Network also helps train former members or spouses to become clinical mental health professionals. (Read more at Liberty.edu/News.)
CAREER LANDING
Dr. Rick Roof has retired after serving as dean of the School of Aeronautics since July 2019. As dean, Roof oversaw improvements throughout the on-campus and airport locations, including the creation of the academic and simulation center in DeMoss Hall. (Read more at Liberty.edu/News.)
CONSTRUCTING A LEGACY
After 39 years of working for Liberty and its related ministries, Senior Vice President of Campus Facilities and Transportation Charles Spence retired in April. Spence played a key role in the design and transformation of much of Liberty’s campus. (Read more at Liberty.edu/News.)
MILITARY LEADER
Dr. Rich Diddams, vice provost of engineering and technology & professional engagement, was appointed Commanding General of the Virginia Defense Force and promoted to Brigadier General (VA). He served as a Marine Infantry Officer for over 20 years. He has worked with the Joint Staff at the Pentagon and was a White House senior advisor on counterterrorism. (Read more at Liberty.edu/News.)
PARENTING ADVICE
In March, Counseling Professor Dr. Laurel Shaler was interviewed along with pastor and bestselling author Dr. Gary Chapman on the FamilyLife radio program (a ministry of Cru) about a book they co-wrote, “Loving Adopted Children Well: A 5 Love Languages Approach.”
BRIDGE ASSESSMENT
Hyunjoong Kim, assistant professor of civil engineering, shared his expertise for a New York Times story assessing the March 26 early-morning collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge near Baltimore. (Read more at Liberty.edu/News.)
President’s Award for Excellence in Teaching
Five professors from different areas of Liberty University were recognized for their outstanding work in the classroom and role in continuing Liberty’s mission through the President’s Award for Excellence in Teaching.
Dr. Cynthia Goodrich
Professor of Nursing, School of Nursing
Read about this year’s recipients of the President’s Award for Excellence in Teaching, from Liberty’s Center for Teaching Excellence, at Liberty.edu/News.
Kevin Layell
Assistant Professor, Department of Family and Consumer Sciences
James Mashburn
Associate Professor, School of Aeronautics
Dr. S. Alexander Mason
Department Chair and Assistant Professor, Department of Interdisciplinary Studies
Dr. Andrea Smith
Online Chair and Assistant Professor, School of Aeronautics
