Liberty University Helms School of Government

Liberty University Welcomes Lieutenant General (USAF, Ret.) Richard Newton: This past week, Liberty was privileged to have hosted General Newton in our national security classes. Students were able to learn from the former Assistant Vice Chief of Staff of the U.S. Air Force in courses focusing on International Relations, Terrorism, and Military Operations & Intelligence. General Newton's operational assignments included commanding the first B-2 stealth bomber squadron, a B-1B operations group, and a B-52 wing. He now serves as the senior national security contributor to NewsNation as of March 2023, as well as providing commentary on IHeart Radio. General Newton also provided invaluable counsel during our Liberty Analytical Support Initiative briefings to the Liberty University senior leadership, when he offered the student teams real-world insights into their national security projects. We are deeply grateful for General Newton's service to the Nation and look forward to our next opportunity to host him at Liberty University! Liberty University Helms School of Government

Liberty University Analytical Support Initiative (LASI): This week, four LASI teams, which were assembled to support U.S. Government and NATO offices, briefed Liberty University President Dondi Costin and University Provost Scott Hicks on the preliminary findings of their assigned projects. These students represent seniors and graduate students from a wide range of disciplines including medicine, law, psychology, criminal justice, computer science, artificial intelligence, biomedical research, strategic intelligence, and national security. In the coming days, the student teams will be traveling to report their findings to senior U.S. Government and NATO officials. The Liberty University leadership congratulates these students on their analytical excellence and impressive accomplishments! Liberty University Helms School of Government

This morning at convocation, Dean Jason Bohm had the privilege of leading a cake-cutting ceremony in honor of the Marine Corps’ 249th?birthday and Military Appreciation Month. President Dondi Costin was the guest of honor, with 95-year-old Sargeant Dan Velario passing the cake to Lance Corporal Trent Kerelejza, symbolizing the passing of tradition, wisdom, and spirit of the Marine Corps. We are thankful to honor all our military members past and present this week. ? #libertyuniversity

Happy Veterans Day! Today, we pause to honor the brave men and women who have served and continue to serve our country. Thank you for your sacrifices, courage, and dedication — qualities which shape the freedoms we enjoy today. Your service and commitment are the backbone of our nation's strength and spirit. ???? #VeteransDay

NOW ACCEPTING ABSTRACTS! Our annual?Spring Public Policy Conference?will take place?March 18-20, 2025. This year’s theme is “Legacy of Freedom: Then & Now.” This conference will allow students and professionals to offer scholarly presentations on their research while interacting with highly regarded government, criminal justice, and intelligence leaders. There are opportunities to participate both in person and online. We are currently accepting abstracts through December 2nd, 2024.

This week, nearly 100 students and faculty from Liberty University were hosted by senior British and French diplomats to discuss the strong state of the U.S. alliance with both nations and the critical national security threats that we corporately face. Leaders from both embassies touched on the most pressing issues facing the world today, including the war in Ukraine, unrest in the Middle East, China’s economic influence, and how each respective country partners with the United States to combat terrorism. Liberty University thanks these embassy teams for hosting our students and taking the time to educate the rising generation of U.S. policymakers! #libertyuniversity @UKinUSA

Yesterday, Helms School of Government students visited the Heritage Foundation in Washington, D.C. for a Forum on Religious Liberty hosted by Tim Goeglein. Guest speakers at the Forum included Paul Clement, 43rd Solicitor General to the United States; Kassie Dulin, Senior Director of External Affairs, Chief of Staff, and Counsel for First Liberty Institute; and Sarah Parshall Perry, Senior Legal Fellow in the Edwin Meese III Center for Legal and Judicial Studies. These outstanding speakers focused on the value of practicing law in the nation’s capital and the importance of protecting religious liberties across the nation. After the presentations at the Heritage Foundation, students had the opportunity to tour the U.S. Supreme Court. We are grateful to Mr. Goeglein, the Heritage Foundation, and our special guests for an enriching visit! #libertyuniversity?

Yesterday, the Helms School of Government and the Liberty University School of Law hosted its annual Law Enforcement Appreciation Luncheon that included local Sheriffs and Police Chiefs representing state and local agencies from Central and South Virginia. We were joined by Dean Jason Bohm, Criminal Justice students, and seniors from Smith Mountain Lake Christian Academy. We are grateful to all the brave men and women of law enforcement who put on the uniform every day to protect and serve. #libertyuniversity

Last Friday, the Helms School of Government celebrated part of its 20th anniversary with the unveiling of a new organization chart and ACE Awards for faculty and staff. ? Dean Bohm presented awards for those who have served in HSOG for 5, 10, and 15 years, with Dr. Thomas Metallo celebrating his 20th year of teaching at the Helms School of Government! We are so thankful for our team past and present, and we look forward to where the Lord is taking HSOG in the future! ? #libertyuniversity

This week, our International Relations students conducted a series of White House “Principals Committee” meeting simulations. The exercises were designed to develop policies in response to a crisis situation involving nuclear weapons. Students engaged as various Cabinet-level officials and presented their recommendations to Professor Scott Roenicke who chaired the meeting as National Security Advisor. During his 33-year Department of Defense career, Professor Roenicke served in the White House as Director for Russian Affairs, and he was able to offer our students a “real world” approximation of actual Cabinet-level meetings. Our aspiring “senior U.S. Government officials” formulated innovative and compelling policy recommendations to support our Nation and Allies. The students responded effectively to a complex international crisis through rapid critical thinking, collaborative ideas, and effective communication skills. We look forward to our students contributing to real national security solutions upon graduation! #libertyuniversity