Liberty University Executive Leadership

Scott Hicks, B.S., M.B.A., Ph.D.

The Provost and Chief Academic Officer is the administrative advocate for Liberty University’s undergraduate and graduate programs. The Provost and Chief Academic Officer is responsible for developing organizational structures, administering the academic budget, and appointing personnel to manage and execute the functions of all educational programs. The development and implementation of processes that assess the purposes, effectiveness, and quality of all current and proposed academic programs fall under his leadership. Additionally, the Provost and Chief Academic Officer manages the establishment of all creative and interdisciplinary academic programs offered through the university’s residential and online venues, as well as oversees the appointment and evaluation of faculty members and academic administration necessary for the maintenance of those programs.

Shawn D. Akers, M.A., J.D.

The Online Provost reports to the President and has the authority to effect changes in the online programs in order to ensure compliance as Liberty continues to enhance its level of academic excellence. The Online Provost is responsible for viewing and recommending organizational structures and appointing personnel to manage and execute the functions of academic programs as it relates to Liberty University Online. The Online Provost assesses the purposes, effectiveness, and quality of current and proposed academic programs, policies and procedures, and organizational structures offered through the online mode of delivery. The Online Provost oversees the appointment and evaluation of faculty members and academic leadership within all colleges/schools, departments, and programs that affect online instruction. The Online Provost engages the University Registrar on issues, policies, and decisions being deliberated upon as they relate to Liberty University Online. The Online Provost engages the Faculty Curriculum Council (FCC), Faculty Senate, all Faculty Senate Organizational Committees, Graduate Senate, and Graduate Curriculum Council and reviews and endorses all curricula related to Liberty University Online. The Online Provost engages all co-curricular divisions and academic schools/units as it relates to the Liberty University Online. The Online Provost reviews requests related to budget, hiring, program creation, and operations within those units as it relates to Liberty University Online.

The General Counsel reports to the president and is the chief legal officer of Liberty in charge of all legal matters pertaining to the university and its subsidiaries. The General Counsel has primary responsibility for overseeing all legal matters across a broad range of legal disciplines and geographic boundaries, including corporate law, securities compliance, transactional documents, licensing agreements, intellectual property, litigation, strategic initiatives, employment law, contract management, privacy, construction, international law, administrative law, regulatory compliance, and other legal matters as needed. The General Counsel represents the university in all legal matters and advises the university, its committees, its officers, and the president on legal matters as required. The General Counsel directs and oversees the provision of all legal services to the university.

The Executive Vice President of Strategic Partnerships and Alliances works directly with the President, or the President’s designee, to identify, facilitate, and execute partnerships with individuals and organizations to advance the mission, strategic plan, and spiritual focus of Liberty University. As a Senior Administrative Officer, the Executive Vice President of Strategic Partnerships and Alliances coordinates with the President’s administrative team to ensure close alignment of existing and emerging partnerships with the ongoing operations of academic units, support services, and business offices. The Executive Vice President of Strategic Partnerships and Alliances is accountable for the quality of partnerships and execution of strategic outcomes.

The Campus Pastor serves as the chief architect of spiritual formation in both gathering and scattering strategies for making Christ known in and through Liberty University. As the university’s campus pastor, he steers the disciple-making process of seeing students come to Christ, grow in Christ, and go to the ends of the earth for Christ. The Campus Pastor oversees several teams that advance the university’s mission. These include LU Send, LU Serve, LU Stages, LU Shepherd, Worship Collective, and Online Engagement.

The Executive Vice President of Human Resources provides strategic direction and tactical support for institution-wide human capital management. This position also oversees the delivery of HR policies, programs, benefits, and services for approximately 10,000+ full- and part-time faculty and staff. The Executive Vice President of Human Resources works collaboratively across campus to integrate high-quality human resources services throughout all facets of the university – making Liberty University an "Employer of Choice."

The chief information officer (CIO) is responsible for selecting and supporting all administrative and academic information technology (IT) system operations, data centers, process automation, data queries and report writing, help desks, communication networks (voice and data), software development, user interface optimization, and IT security, as well as setting technology standards, policy, and compliance. In addition to these responsibilities, the CIO coordinates the alignment of IT strategy with business objectives by evaluating the overall information technology operations and project portfolio through business metrics. The chief information officer also oversees the reduction of technology costs across the entire university by increasing system utilization, ensuring that each student’s IT experience is streamlined and consistent.

The Executive Vice President of Enrollment Management & Marketing provides vision and leadership in the development, implementation, and achievement of strategic recruitment, retention, and graduation goals of the university. Driving unity in philosophy, mission, and objectives across both online and residential enrollment, he directs recruitment and marketing strategies, enrollment projections, budgets, and policies and procedures, as well as provides guidance for related academic and support departments. Responsible for the administration and operation of both sales (lead generation/development) and overall university branding, the Executive Vice President works to meet aggressive enrollment and retention goals, overseeing the day-to-day operations that support growth and add to the bottom line of the university. With a focus on strategic planning and goal-setting, the Executive Vice President contributes to university advancement by promoting brand and influence, monitoring and measuring enrollment progress, and adjusting processes accordingly to maintain optimal levels of both. This includes reviewing and evaluating program activities, allocating resources for greater program effectiveness and efficiency, and developing organizational and administrative policies and program objectives for consideration by the president. Additionally, the Executive Vice President oversees the financial management of all enrollment and marketing functions.

The Director of Athletics reports to the president and oversees Liberty’s intercollegiate athletics programs which compete at the NCAA Division I level. The athletics director oversees the athletics, academic, spiritual, and social development of the University’s student-athletes. In addition, this position is responsible for the department’s administrative functions including development, marketing, fan experience and promotions, broadcast services, corporate and ticket sales, compliance, academic services, finance, personnel, communications, facilities and operations, sports medicine, nutrition, and strength and conditioning.

The Executive Vice President of Inclusion, Diversity, and Equity reports directly to the President and is Liberty’s Chief Diversity Officer in charge of all diversity related University efforts. This position is responsible for establishing inclusive institutional objectives and programming in the areas of community engagement, training, development, recruitment, retention and accommodation. The Executive Vice President advises the Office of the President on all matters of equity and diversity. This fosters a campus environment free from both unbiblical and unlawful discrimination.

The Chief Financial Officer serves as the Treasurer and is responsible for the financial operations of the university. This includes advising executives on financial matters and overseeing the collection, receipt, disbursement, and reporting of all investment and non-investment funds. The Chief Financial Officer ensures that policy development, risk management, and operations in Finance, Business Administration, and Student Financial Services provide value to and align with the long-term strategic direction of the university. The Chief Financial Officer also oversees the Government Relations, University Operations, Development, and Alumni divisions.