Professor Eric Brubaker is chair of the Allied Health Professions Department in the School of Health Sciences and program director of physical education & health, where he helps prepare students for careers in physical education, health and exercise science.
His journey to that position, however, was not the one he originally planned.
Brubaker first came to Liberty University on a baseball recruiting trip. He had limited knowledge of the university before visiting but quickly fell in love with the campus and the faculty.
“Baseball is what got me here, but I think once I got here it opened up a lot more doors and opportunities,” Brubaker said. “The biggest one being my getting saved, which was a huge thing for me.”
Brubaker said the environment surrounding athletics was closely connected to the classroom, with faculty praying before classes and athletes participating in prayer meetings.
That community continues to influence how Brubaker approaches his role as chair.
“I really encourage creating that team-like community environment with all our students in different programs,” Brubaker said.
Although Brubaker eventually returned to Liberty as a professor, teaching at the university was not part of his original plan. After graduating, he intended to teach elementary physical education.
Instead, Brubaker began working as a middle school physical education teacher and spent five years teaching in the public school system. He said the experience taught him important lessons about patience and flexibility.
His career took another unexpected turn after he ran into one of his former professors at a high school football game. That professor told him that he was leaving Liberty and encouraged him to apply for the position. Having already earned his master’s degree, Brubaker decided to pursue the opportunity.
“In my mind I thought I wanted to go elementary, and the Lord led me to the total opposite end of the spectrum and teaching in higher education,” Brubaker said. “And I’ve enjoyed just being able to train the students here to go out and make a difference.”
Brubaker is now in his 20th year of teaching and said he is grateful for the relationships he has built with students and faculty throughout his career. His return to Liberty has also allowed him to witness the growth of the physical education program.
“What I’ve really enjoyed was seeing the great program, an amazing program they created, and I really enjoyed just being a part of it, being able to see it grow,” Brubaker said.
The lessons Brubaker learned as a baseball player have continued to shape his approach to teaching and leadership. One lesson that has stayed with him is the importance of respecting others, regardless of whether an interaction is positive or negative.
He now encourages his own students to carry that same attitude into their future careers.
“In my classes, I really emphasize going out and making a difference,” Brubaker said. “Go the extra mile for your students.”
For Brubaker, the journey from Liberty baseball player to professor and chair has been an unexpected but meaningful full-circle experience.
“I just love to be a part of that culture and be a part of that community,” Brubaker said. “I don’t know any other job that I would love to do more than this.”
Daniel is a feature reporter for The Liberty Champion.