Liberty University professors appointed to Virginia boards of psychology, social work

Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin has called on the expertise of two Liberty University School of Behavioral Sciences professors, Dr. Gary Sibcy and Professor Elke Cox, in recent weeks by appointing them to serve on the Commonwealth’s Board of Psychology and Board of Social Work, respectively.

In their four-year positions, the two professors will work alongside other high-caliber professionals to both develop and enforce policies and regulations regarding licensures in their fields of practice in Virginia.

“We are so happy and proud for Dr. Sibcy and Professor Cox, and I know they will do a great job on their boards, bringing ethical clinical excellence to the boards the same way they do here at Liberty University,” School of Behavioral Science Dean Dr. Kenyon Knapp said.

Sibcy is a professor of psychology at Liberty and a Licensed Clinical Psychologist (LCP) who has educated, trained, and supervised counselors for over 15 years. He has a broad range of research and clinical interests, including the assessment and treatment of childhood disorders, anxiety and trauma disorders, and personality disorders. He also has an interest in the integration of religious beliefs in clinical practice. His current research interests focus on developing and disseminating empirically supported treatments for both children and adults. Sibcy also writes, speaks, and consults nationally and internationally.

“It’s an incredible honor that is also very humbling to me, and it’s something I never would have imagined for myself when I entered the field of psychology,” Sibcy said. “I think it will be really special to work alongside the others on the board that come from broad, diverse backgrounds and represent myself and my values with them.”

Elke Cox, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) for 20 years, has designed several online social work courses, is the advisor for Liberty’s Phi Alpha Social Work Honor Society, and has presented at multiple national social work conferences. She has been at Liberty for 16 years, beginning as an adjunct professor, and has been full-time with the Department of Social Work for five years. Cox has worked mainly with children and families, in places such as a children’s home, a public high school, a private practice, and foster care.

“Being able to promote and ensure high quality social work services is important to me,” Cox said. “I am thankful to those who nominated me for this position, as it allows me the chance to understand more about the political process and increase my policy knowledge so that I might influence future social workers in the classroom.”

Liberty currently has had multiple other professors, administrators, and alumni appointed to Gov. Youngkin’s administration.