Campus Production Aids Liberty’s Mission Through Tech and Sound Support

A multitude of hands work behind the scenes to ensure Liberty University’s campus events not only look great on-screen, but also off-screen and in real time — especially when it comes to preparing for Commencement.  

Campus Production supports almost every event that happens at the university, regardless of the event’s size. From setting up microphones for Open Mic Nights, to the lighting, audio and video for Coffeehouse and Convocation, their team is bent on providing success to any campus gathering.  

One key individual who regularly helps support the team is Kate Egan. Egan initially joined the production crew as a student worker.  

Now, as an alumna, Egan continues to spend her days in Marie F. Green Hall as the coordinating producer and assistant manager for Campus Production. She is a crucial component in managing the 1,300 events the office works each school year. 

“Our jobs are really, really cool,” Egan said. “We get to support all of these amazing events.” 

For Egan, playing an integral role in campus events has created a special place in her heart for the school. She explained that she was introduced to Liberty when attending College for a Weekend, and her perspective on the university completely changed after she attended her first Convocation.  

“We don’t even see how many lives we impact … through our support working with the Worship Collective (and) all the events that we support on campus,” Egan said. “Someone can speak and someone can pray, but if they don’t have the gear to amplify their voice then not as many people are going to hear.” 

Commencement is one of the biggest highlights of the year for Campus Production, as well as one of the busiest. With six degree presentation ceremonies happening simultaneously, the team is responsible for ensuring that everything runs smoothly, from the projected visuals down to the lighting.  

Chad Mitchell, the unit production manager and lighting director for Campus Production, said the crew’s job expands for graduation. 

“While the main ceremony is happening at Williams (Stadium), we are also tasked with making sure all the venues get the production support they need,” Mitchell said. “We really start hitting the ground running once school starts in January.” 

Mitchell explained that Campus Production began planning for this year’s Commencement in early winter and started holding official meetings for the individual graduation ceremonies in February.  

In addition to planning for the big weekend, Mitchell and all of Campus Production work with various vendors to provide necessary equipment for larger or outdoor events. In addition to external vendors, Campus Production also works with the Registrar’s office and the Office of Spiritual Development to make Commencement happen.  

Mitchell loves his job and the work that he does. 

“It’s being able to be in a career, in a department that … (has) the technological knowhow but also the creativity, and we can combine that into one career,” Mitchell said. “Which is why I love doing lighting, because it’s the best parts of being tech savvy but also having that creative vision … (and) seeing these projects come to life.” 

Campus Production also serves as a unique opportunity for those in leadership to raise up Christian leaders in a predominantly secular field.  

“We have a whole spectrum of people who are very new to lighting to people who are a little more seasoned with lighting,” Mitchell said. “And for me, just seeing … students be able to achieve that success is super great,”  

Liam Patterson, the unit production manager and audio engineer for Campus Production, said his personal experience has directly influenced how much he appreciates the space to speak into the lives of the students. 

“It’s really cool, especially for me having been in that same situation where I’m coming in as a freshman knowing very little and having very little experience,” Patterson said. “I had full-timers over me that took time to talk to me and answer my questions and let me try stuff and learn. It’s kind of cool to be able to do that for these younger guys and then see them come in as freshmen and then end up on our full-time staff by the time they graduate.” 

Campus Production has five of its student workers graduating; many of these students will continue to work throughout Commencement, showcasing Christ-like service as they strive to provide an incredible experience for their fellow graduates and families. 

Patterson encouraged students to take every opportunity to learn from their time at the university. 

“Get as much experience you possibly can get,” Patterson said. “And then on top of that, make connections as you get that experience. Be easy to work with, somebody people want to be around. And from there it’ll just snowball.” 

McKinnon is the off-campus news editor for the Liberty Champion.