Gutierrez appointed to new Co-Provost position

Liberty University has announced the appointment of Dr. Ben Gutierrez to the position of Co-Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs.

“Liberty’s accreditors require that online and residential academic programs be comparable in scope and in quality. In this new position as Co-Provost, Gutierrez will have the authority to affect changes in the residential and online programs in order to ensure compliance as Liberty continues to enhance its level of academic excellence,” said Liberty President Jerry Falwell.

Gutierrez said he is grateful for the opportunity to serve Falwell and the university in this new capacity.

“I am excited to join him as Liberty aims to further strengthen its status as a world-class academic institution,” he said. “Under President Falwell’s direction, we aim to remain on the cutting edge of industry and market demands while providing excellence in education.”

Dr. Ron Hawkins will continue to serve as Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs.

“I have enjoyed and have been enriched by my time working with Dr. Hawkins throughout the years,” Gutierrez said. “I look forward to collaborating with him in this new role.”

Commenting on Dr. Gutierrez’s appointment, Hawkins said, “Liberty’s online programs play a vital role in helping us fulfill our mission. We take a great step forward with the appointment of Dr. Ben Gutierrez to focus on the oversight and improvement of LU Online. I look forward to working together with a dedicated team to create a great academic experience for our online and residential students.”

Gutierrez has served at Liberty in teaching and academic leadership roles since 2001. He most recently served as Vice Provost for Undergraduate Education and has been an academic dean for Liberty University Online and an administrative dean for undergraduate programs. He began his teaching career in the Rawlings School of Divinity. Gutierrez graduated with high honors from Word of Life Bible Institute. He earned his Master of Arts in Religion and M.Div. from Liberty. He also holds his Ph.D. in Organizational Leadership & Divinity from Regent University.