Liberty University names Morse Tan Senior Executive Director of Center for Law & Government

The Center for Law & Government in Liberty University’s Helms School of Government was established as a training ground for tomorrow’s leaders to learn how to engage the culture and impact law and policy in America. The center has become an arena for thought and debate as it provides opportunities for faculty and students in research, analysis, and the formation of sound conservative policy at all levels of government.

Liberty has announced that Morse Tan, former Ambassador at Large for the U.S. State Department’s Office of Global Criminal Justice, has been named the center’s Senior Executive Director, beginning July 1. Tan previously served as co-chair of the center, alongside Joel Cox, interim dean of the Helms School of Government.

With Tan’s talents and background, as well as the multiple connections in law and government that he has made throughout his storied career, the university will be able to greatly expand the center’s programs to help students develop skills in politics and policy as they engage — and become inspired by — today’s leaders in American statesmanship.

“The Center for Law and Government can represent and add value to Liberty in an array of ways,” Tan said, noting goals to enhance programs through public speaking, media appearances, and publishing efforts. “Through internal speaking and sharing, the center can elevate Christian thinking by edifying, equipping, and inspiring the Liberty community. Externally, this center can build strategic relationships with those in law and government, critically important areas of Christian engagement.”

Tan has been serving as dean of the School of Law since Jan. 1, 2022, and will be leaving that role to serve in the center. Tim Todd, Ph.D., will serve as interim dean.

Provost and Chief Academic Officer Dr. Scott Hicks shared, “We are grateful for the dedicated service and impact that Dean Tan and the entire School of Law team have made in positioning the school to garner some of the highest rankings in its history.” He added, “We are excited that Dean Tan will be able to expand on the positive impacts he has made beyond the law school to benefit the broader university.”

The Center for Law & Government launched in 2017 and offers hands-on political experience for students through speaker series, trips to our nation’s capital, and other events throughout the year. The center promotes public policy that is consistent with the fundamental principles of American freedom: self-government, free enterprise, and the rule of law. The center will strive to create practical solutions to challenges in education, health care, business and economics, government regulation, national security, and other areas affected by public policy as it trains the next generation of men and women in statesmanship and public service.