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Alumni

Class Notes

February 10, 2017

Attention alumni: Visit Liberty.edu/classnotes to share your accomplishments, career advancements, family news, celebrations, and other life events. Submissions will be published online and may be featured in the Liberty Journal.

’80

Joni Cook and her husband, Ralph, started a nonprofit counseling center in 2008 called Lantern Lane Farms, just outside Nashville. The staff includes 11 professional therapists and four interns who serve up to 100 individuals and families each week by providing traditional and equine-assisted counseling services. According to their website, Lantern Lane Farms’ purpose is “to offer rest, while providing a compassionate, nonjudgmental atmosphere for spiritual, emotional, and physical healing to all in need.”

’81

Keith Eades retired in November 2016 after a 32-year career in education. He served as a teacher, high school administrator, assistant superintendent, superintendent, and consultant for the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction.

’82

David Barna has served as the pastor of Calvary Baptist Church in Platteville, Wis., for the last 25 years. He and his wife, Vicki, have three children and seven grandchildren.

’85

Scott Gwartney went on to obtain his law degree from the Florida State University College of Law after graduation. For the past 25 years, Gwartney has specialized in representing those who may have been abused and neglected while in long-term care. He also maintains a medical malpractice caseload. He recently took the Virginia State Bar exam and plans to expand his long-term care litigation practice there. Gwartney’s two daughters now attend Liberty University.

’86

Doug Smith was selected as one of two winners of the U.S. Cellular 2016 Most Valuable Coach award. Smith and Allan Trimble, of Jenks High School in Oklahoma, were selected from 1,500 nominations. A former Liberty University football player, Smith is currently the head football coach for Appomattox County High School. He led the Raiders to back-to-back Virginia 2A West state championship in December 2015 and 2016. Smith and Trimble were presented with $5,000 each for their respective school districts during halftime at the Under Armour All-American Game, a high school senior all-star game on Jan. 1. “As a coach, even early on, I knew that coaching wasn’t just about football,” Smith said in an interview with TheMostValuableCoach.com. “It was a lot more about ministry and helping others and helping kids to realize how what they can learn through football can help them in life.” The game was also broadcast
on ESPN.

’90

David Parmer has been a counselor in Texas for 26 years. Over 20 years ago, Jerry Falwell Sr. helped Parmer finish his M.A. in Counseling by awarding him a scholarship. At Liberty, David worked with YouthQuest and Light Ministries along with Thomas Road Baptist Church.

’90

James Petersen was ordained as a Messianic rabbi in 2005 and is part of a Messianic congregation in Houston. As an adopted child, he did not learn of his Jewish heritage until after he graduated from Liberty and was able to meet his biological family. In 2015, Petersen served as a volunteer with the reserve units in Tel Aviv and Beersheba Israel Defense Forces through Volunteers for Israel. He and his wife, Judy, have six children and nine grandchildren.

’93

Avery Smith earned his doctorate in business administration from George Fox University in 2014. He is now a business intelligence manager at Oregon Health and Science University and a professional faculty member in the Carson College of Business at Washington State University – Vancouver Campus.

’97

Stacy Haynes works as a Liberty professor online and Center4ME advisory board member. She is the women’s ministry director at her church. Her first book, “Powerful, Peaceful Parenting: Guiding Children, Changing Lives,” was a finalist in the 6th Annual International  Book Awards’ Self Help: Relationships category and in the National Indie Excellence Book Awards’ Parenting & Family category. Stacy  has been featured in more than 40 national magazines, websites, and blogs.

’06

Matthew Miller published his book, “Overcoming Obstacles in Diabetic Cooking,” in 2013. The book includes exercise tips, Bible verses about food, and even a crossword puzzle. It was awarded a Christian Author Award through Xulon Press in January 2016. 

’06

Stephen Schultz taught in the New York City Public School System while he pursued a master’s in secondary math education at Liberty. But God began redirecting him toward a career in education administration in a Christian academic setting. After a series of interviews, Stephen accepted a position at Grace Christian Academy in Merrick, N.Y., as the new chief administrator. “The Lord really used Liberty to formulate my vision for education and ministry,” Schultz says.

’07

Hadyn Reid graduated with a degree in biology from Liberty then enrolled in graduate school at Alabama A&M University. He eventually earned a doctoral degree in food science and is now an associated product development scientist at the Kellogg Company. He married his wife, Nicole, in September.

’09 ,’11

Cory Rice released his first book, “Jailbreak,” this past summer. The book was published by his church, and all proceeds from the book will go toward helping Rice and his wife, Julia, adopt a child. “Our wish is to go back and adopt from the same orphanage my wife was adopted from in Ukraine,” Rice says.

’10

Jeff Greene accepted his dream job with GE Aviation the same week he graduated from Liberty with a degree in business. Jeff is the quality leader for the military jet engine program at company headquarters in Cincinnati, Ohio.

’10

Patrick Hubbard and his wife, Barbara, launched Freegrance Products this summer, a program that works with women in Southeast Asia by teaching them how to start a business as a way of combating human trafficking. The Hubbards buy the products made by these women, sell them in the United States, then reinvest 40 percent of the proceeds into Living Bread Ministries, a nonprofit organization that they helped lead for 13 years. The organization helps plant churches around the globe.

’11

Mark Smith is the Senior Consultant for Family Evangelism and Discipleship at the North Carolina Baptist State Convention in Cary, N.C. He was previously a family pastor at Lakeview Baptist Church in Hickory, N.C. Recently, Smith published his dissertation as “Parental Guidance Suggested” and has begun offering it as a resource to a variety of ministries.


Alumni couple making a difference for kids in the Washington, D.C., area

Jerry Carroll

Jerry Carroll

Tamara Carroll

Tamara Carroll

When Jerry and Tamara Carroll (’11, ’12) married in 1997, the couple felt God calling them into ministry. Saying “yes” was the easy part, according to Jerry Carroll. The hard part was walking away from their careers.

Tamara resigned from her job at the Pentagon as a budget analyst for the Army a year before the 9/11 attacks. In December 2002, Jerry left his job as a mail carrier with the United States Postal Service.

“Many did not understand our plans,” Jerry said. “We had no choice but to depend on God.”

Two years after their wedding, the couple founded The Sparrow’s Nest Ministries LLC (TSN), a metro Washington, D.C.-based ministry dedicated to providing a safe haven for children ages 13 to 18 in crisis or at risk of being removed from their homes. TSN has served more than 3,000 children and their families to date.

For the Carrolls, it is clear God has provided above and beyond for their ministry. They operate TSN on their own, but have assistance from a five-member board of directors, parent volunteers, their church, and Riverdale (Md.) Baptist School, where the Carrolls both teach.

The couple also mentors a group of teens through a weekly Bible study and field trips. One of those field trips included spending the weekend at Liberty for Homecoming 2016 where the group got to experience Scaremare (A Liberty ministry for over 40 years, Scaremare presents fun-house rooms and scenes of death in order to confront people with the question, “What happens after I die?”)

Both Jerry, who studied theology and Christian leadership at Liberty, and Tamara, who earned a business degree, said their time at Liberty better equipped them to make an impact on the D.C. area.

“Both Tamara and I use our biblical training and education to nurture and spiritually mentor teens as they struggle through the trials of life,” Jerry said. “Of course, our degrees have also qualified us to teach the Bible at Christian schools, so it (the education) assists in providing income for our family where support has fallen short. Though meeting the challenges of ministry requires a lot of creative time management, we do our best as the Lord makes opportunities available.”

The Carrolls are currently working on building a home where they hope to mentor teens around the clock. For more information about their ministry, go to @biblicalworldviewnow on FaceBook.


’12

Steven Combs recently signed with the New Vine Media record label in New York as a singer-songwriter and released his first EP “This Is the Day.” He plans to graduate from Campbell University as a physician assistant in July 2017. “I’m thankful Liberty allowed me to pursue both my passion in music and my goal of becoming a health care professional via the individualized studies program,” Combs says.

’12

Erin Maguire received her M.A. in social work from Loyola University Chicago in 2015. She went on to earn her certification as an Advanced Practice Social Worker and is now working in a nursing home setting.


A Life of Service

larson-Family-Picture-ljw17After serving 11 years in the Navy, alumnus Joshua Larson (’12, Master of Business Administration) has found success as a civilian, advancing in his career while remaining in the reserves.

Larson is the director of manufacturing for Twin City Fan Companies in Brookings, S.D. He also oversees nine manufacturing plants across North America and supervises more than 1,000 people. In addition to this demanding job, Larson is the commanding officer of his reserve unit in Kansas City.

Larson was recently recognized for his career success by CivilianJobs.com, an online recruiting site for veterans and service members looking to transition out of the military. He was named among the website’s Top 40 Under 40 Military Class of 2016.

“My original plan for life was nothing like how it is now,” Larson said. “But, I’ve always believed that I needed to work very hard with what God has given me, and God will open the door.”

His faith has guided him into many avenues of service; prior to joining Twin City Fan Companies, Larson helped to plant and manage Downtown Church in Staunton, Va.

Larson said he has been called into military service since he was young — it was only a matter of which branch to join. Eventually, he settled on attending the Naval Academy. During his military career, Larson visited every continent except for Africa and Antarctica.

Military service was key in developing Larson’s outlook on life.

“I think that serving my country has given me a much deeper appreciation for the things we enjoy and often take for granted every day,” Larson said. “I look at the news today, and I see everyone frustrated and upset, I appreciate that, I appreciate people’s right to expression a little bit more because of that.”

In addition to the work ethic that the Navy helped develop in him, Larson attributes his success to his time at Liberty.

“Getting my M.B.A. from Liberty was probably one of the best decisions I’ve ever made in my military career,” Larson said. “It showed me how to run a business and manage large-scale operations.”

Larson and his wife, Molly, who earned a criminal justice degree from Liberty, have three children.


’13

Peyton Chitty received a pacemaker in December 2015 for an undetected congenital heart defect. Despite the setback, he was able to complete a marathon and beat his personal record by seven minutes. “Refuse to be defined by a diagnosis,” Chitty says. “Work within your limitations while comfortably pushing your boundaries.”


Faith in the face of death

Brown-ljws17Justin Brown’s father, Ron, taught his son to be “faithful to the Lord in all you do.” Now Brown, 29, is following in his father’s footsteps as a chaplain.
Capt. Ron Brown served as a U.S. Navy Chaplain for 25 years before retiring in 1989, and Justin Brown, who graduated from the Liberty University Baptist Theological Seminary (now Rawlings School of Divinity) in 2013, has served Centra Hospice in Bedford, Va., as a chaplain for the past three years.
Holding the hand of a dying patient or comforting the patient’s relatives or friends, Justin Brown feels God provide a calmness that helps him convey peace to others together with the knowledge that God is always in control.
And today, more than ever, his father’s guidance is ringing true. Justin believes that if his faith was the least bit shaky, a dying person could sense it. This drives him to depend more and more on the God who enables him to be a light to those going through some of the darkest times of their lives.
Brown’s experience has ingrained in him how fragile life without God can be and what makes a true hero.
“I have learned that heroes are the ones who have done the best they can do with the mundane,” he said.
Justin looks forward to one day hearing his heavenly father say what his earthly father said to him more than two decades ago. “I am proud of you” his father said. “You’re my son.” Being a hospice chaplain enables Brown to raise his children while serving veterans and others in need at critical times in their lives. Brown and his wife, Samone, are raising twins, Jude and Olivia.
“I know that, in this time of life, this is where God wants me,” he said.


’14

Charles Prichard and his family moved to Colorado Springs last year to complete a three-year tour at the U.S. Air Force Preparatory Academy as an instructor, military teacher, and the commander’s executive officer. In 2014, Prichard published his first book, “Culture v. Christ: Pursuing the Biblical Truth of Marriage and Children.” Recently, he signed with NavPress for his next book “New Dawn: Joy and Hope Amidst Suffering,” based on his study of poverty and missions in Africa. It is set to be released in 2018.

’14

Charlie Marquez graduated with a master’s in theological studies in 2014. He works as the facilities manager for Esterline Engineered Materials in Whittier, Calif., and pastors Impact Church, which he helped to plant.

’14

Jeffrey Pearce retired from active duty in the U.S. Army in July 2015. After earning his master’s degree in management and leadership from Liberty, he established a second career within the Army. “The knowledge and experience that LU instilled within me strengthened my skills and grew me closer to the Lord,” he says. “I’m honored to be an alum and grateful to the faculty and staff at Liberty for helping me to become a better Champion for Christ.”

’15

Sheryl Buchanan was recognized as the 2016 Rhode Island Adult Educator of the Year. Buchanan says her time at Liberty University gave her the confidence she needed to become an effective educator. She is also humbled by the honor. “Every student that enters my classroom is empowered and constantly reminded that they are each unique and wonderfully made,” she says.

’15

Treacy Dobbins decided to enroll in Liberty’s online program after 21 years in the military and received both an undergraduate and graduate degree. Dobbins felt called to work with veterans in need and now works as an outreach coordinator for homeless veterans. “I am blessed beyond words to be a part of something bigger than myself,” Dobbins says.

’15

Jenifer Burris was presented with a special proclamation from the Alaska State Legislature at the State of Alaska Department of Military and Veterans Affairs Military Ball in October 2016. The proclamation honored her volunteer work with the Alaska National Guard, her selection as the Alaska National Guard Spouse of the Year in 2015 and 2016, and her work with the Chris Kyle Patriot Hospital and Alaska State Troopers. “The proclamation mentions my graduation summa cum laude from Liberty University and my current pursuit of a master’s degree in human services counseling,” Burris says. 

’15

Tamera Lawrence said while working in the nutrition department at Clayton County Public School in Georgia, an opportunity opened up to allow her to work within special education. Lawrence is now an interrelated paraprofessional within the school district. “It’s a demanding job, but I love giving back,” Lawrence says. “I am looking for more of a challenge and hoping for other opportunities to grow and make a bigger difference.”

’15

Angelo Robinson recently displayed his artwork at Senoia Coffee & Café in Senoia, Ga. The exhibit, called “Love Thy Neighbor,” included mixed media pieces featuring residents of Senoia as well as new work from his mixed media series “Crayola Feelings.” “The idea was to show work that would bring the community together for a discussion on love, community, and faith,” Robinson says. “The exhibit was received excitedly, as community members saw their friends and family in a different way. Sometimes we see people every day, but we never take the time to talk to them and love them.”

’16

McKinley Day was recently promoted to executive pastor of Covenant Church, based in the New Orleans area.

’16

Derrick Callicutt recently finished his master’s degree in counseling with a specialization in marriage and family.

’16

Joseph Provost married his fiancé on July 16, 2016, after graduating from Liberty University in May. Provost says they put off marriage until he was able to finish his undergraduate degree. Joseph says they were able to spend Commencement weekend together “as we took in all the wonders of campus and the hospitality Liberty has to offer.”

’16

Jason Rachels was selected as the Head of School for Calvary Christian Academy in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., in August 2015. Rachels was hired as the first employee of the school in January 2000 and has served in a variety of roles, ranging from teacher to principal.

’16

Andrew Strader graduated with a B.S. in Aviation Maintenance Management and started a new job with the Federal Aviation Administration.

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