Rist assumes new position

Role to offer support to Provost, Chancellor

Provost and Vice-President for Academic Affairs, Dr. Boyd C. Rist, will serve the University in a new capacity beginning January 1, 2011, as Senior Academic Consultant to Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost Dr. Ron Godwin.

Additionally, the Board of Trustees of Liberty University upon recommendation of Chancellor Falwell named Dr. Rist Provost Emeritus.

Dr. Rist reflected on his many years of service to Liberty University in a statement released in mid-November.  He observed, “Whether as a faculty member, as one who has served in a variety of administrative positions, and most recently as Provost, I have endeavored to accomplish the task God has placed before me with integrity, enthusiasm, and a consistent focus on the mission of the University.”

Referring to his new appointment, Dr. Rist stated,   “In my conversations with the Chancellor, I made it clear that at this point in my career I really had no interest in a title that was purely honorary or symbolic.  “My desire, rather, was to be able to offer substantive advice directly to the Provost and to the Chancellor on a range of academic matters vital to the future well being of the University.”  Rist made it clear that his counsel to Dr. Godwin and Chancellor Falwell will be given in “strictest confidence.”

Dr. Rist also assured the University community that his medical prognosis remains positive.

“The treatments (for multiple myeloma) are going well — We take no aspect of this for granted, and continue to covet your prayers for Mrs. Rist and me as we walk this walk together,” Rist said.

Reflecting on his time as Provost, Rist emphasized that significant elements of his legacy include: recruitment of a faculty that in terms of its academic profile and diverse life experience is the strongest in the history of the University, significant improvement in faculty salaries, the addition of  academic facilities that in number and sophistication have contributed to the quality of instruction, tripling of the size of the library together with expansion of services provide,  program expansion especially at the graduate and professional levels that have added an important dimension to Liberty University academics  and working to assure that Liberty’s relationship with accrediting agencies, especially SACS-COC, is strong and positive.

Rist joined the faculty of Liberty in 1973, teaching history with a particular focus on political and constitutional history from the time of the American Revolution to the eve of the Civil War.   During his career at Liberty, he has served as Chair of the Division of Social Sciences, Associate Dean and Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, Dean of the Faculty and Provost and Vice-President for Academic Affairs.

Rist said he will miss the daily interaction with so many wonderful people who make up the faculty, administration, and staff of Liberty University.

Referring to the student body he added,   “I have an abiding concern and love for the students we teach and whose lives we seek to influence.”

Dr. Rist looks to the future with confidence.   Emphasizing that he and his wife Norma Jean “have always considered it a part of our ministry to project a positive image of the University within the Liberty community and beyond,” he noted that “we will continue to participate in the life of the University through many of the events that enrich the Liberty experience, and extend its influence.”