Welcome from the Dean

A MESSAGE FROM THE DEAN

Dear students, alumni, parents, faculty, and staff,

This past year has seen a contentious presidential election, COVID-19 chaos, and many other disruptions. You could probably list other problems, such as the situation in Cuba or Afghanistan . . . and things could begin to look bleak. In John 16:33, Jesus said, “I have told you these things, so that — in Me — you may have peace. In this world, you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” Although some charlatans may tell you otherwise, Jesus never “promised us a rose garden.” He told us there would be trouble, and that is okay as our security, peace, and firm expectation is that the Lord would walk with us through the hard times in this life. As Peter said, “But rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ’s sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy” (1 Peter 4:13).

I am grateful to report that the Lord has spared us from many tribulations here at Liberty, and we are moving full steam ahead with the largest enrollment we have ever seen (24,850 in our school alone!). We also began our new Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology program this past January, and we started our new Masters in Social Work (MSW) program this fall. And although COVID-19 restrictions prevented many of our trips this past year, our faculty have numerous LU Send trips planned for the coming year where they will go teach and minister in places like Peru, Rwanda, Norway, Sweden, Finland, France, and Ecuador. Romans 13:7 tells us to honor those to whom honor is due, so in obedience to that, I must tell you that none of our success would be possible without the hundreds of faculty and staff who work diligently here every day. As I often say, it is a joy to walk into work here and serve with people who are sincere Christians who try to do their best each day. After working over 20 years in secular institutions, it is a breath of fresh air to work with faculty who pray for and with their students. They are faculty and staff who take joy in helping our students achieve Proverbs 18:15 — “The heart of the discerning acquires knowledge, for the ears of the wise seek it out.”

So, be encouraged to know that things are going well in the School of Behavioral Sciences. We are seeking the Lord for wisdom with all the interesting case studies and internship clients that we encounter, knowing that the Lord can bring insight, healing, and redemption from any struggle that we or our clients endure. We say as David said to the Lord in Psalm 39:7 — “My hope is in You.”

Selah,

Dr. Kenyon Knapp, Ph.D., LPC, NCC

Dean