School of Business advisory board adds new members to invest in students’ future

The Liberty University School of Business Board of Advisors is welcoming members like MyPillow founder and CEO Mike Lindell, college football legend Lou Holtz, and many others to use their experience and knowledge to impact the future of Liberty’s business students and the school’s expanding academic programs.

In its annual on-campus meeting, the board discussed the most recent changes in workforce needs and innovation opportunities in the business world and how the school can prepare students for them. Many of the board members are on campus regularly and serve in multiple capacities, including alumni panels, sponsoring internships and shadowing opportunities. Some have even committed to teaching within the school.

“We get input from business leaders on emerging trends that they see in the market and how we should shape our curriculum to meet the market and to meet their needs (for new employees) in business today,” said Dr. David Brat, dean of the School of Business. “Liberty has a real advantage because we are more nimble than most schools, so we can really be entrepreneurial and user-friendly, and I think the outside world is starting to recognize the ethical and academic excellence in our students.”

Brat described the composition of the board as major leaders in Washington, D.C., institutions, leaders of think tanks, and many national business leaders, along with a great mix of many community leaders across Central Virginia who help to improve the lives of folks in their community every day. He said that Liberty President Jerry Falwell and other campus leaders were able to attract many world-class board members who will push Liberty to pursue excellence as it fulfills its mission. The members will serve long-term.

The group also includes several alumni who have found spiritual and financial success in the business world and desire to give back to the students.

“Having them in a room and sharing what they see in terms of education, the culture we see coming at us in this country, and how to motivate young people is the purpose,” Brat explained. “You want to have the best minds and souls in the country available to help share their vision and experience, but also help to execute and bring about that vision.”

In addition to offering insight into what should be taught in the classroom, Brat said that these board members’ influence across a wide range of business areas is helping students to find working opportunities after they graduate.

“All these people have massive sets of connections with businesses, other leaders, folks in industry and government, and they can all share their world with students,” Brat said. “They can help students get jobs, find internships, and shadow experts in the field to gain valuable, real-world experience.”