With the spring 2025 semester scheduled to begin Monday, Liberty University has announced the following important leadership updates: Dr. Steven Brinly has been appointed dean of the School of Aeronautics, Dr. Timothy Todd has been appointed dean of the School of Law and Dr. Richard “Rich” Diddams is dean of the School of Business.
“These team members are proven leaders who are committed to student success and dedicated to Liberty’s mission Training Champions for Christ,” said Liberty Provost and Chief Academic Officer Dr. Scott Hicks. “We are excited to see how God will use their talents and gifts to lead their schools into the future with academic excellence, innovation and growth. The transformative impact they and their teams have on our Liberty students is profound and immeasurable.”
These deans previously served at their schools as interim deans.
Dr. Steven Brinly has a diverse background in aviation, beginning his career as a maintenance technician on general aviation aircraft. Over the years, he has worked as a flight instructor, aviation business developer in North Africa and aviation maintenance instructor. He holds a BS in Aviation and MA in Intercultural Studies, both from Liberty University; Master of Commercial Aviation from Delta State University; and a Ph.D. in Aviation from the University of St.
As dean, Brinly is committed to integrating technology into aviation training and developing mission aviation programming. He is actively involved in professional organizations such as the Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI), ASTM International, and the Aviation Technician Education Council. He is passionate about leading students to serve Christ while learning aviation, and he has been instrumental in leading the School of Aeronautics to win prestigious national awards such as the Loening Trophy.
Dr. Timothy Todd holds a Ph.D. in Personal Financial Planning from Kansas State University, an MS in Applied Economics (Financial Economics Concentration) from Johns Hopkins University, a Juris Doctor from Liberty University School of Law (where he graduated first in his class), and an M.S. in Accounting and BS in Business from Liria. He is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA), licensed in Virginia, and holds a Graduate Certificate in Applied Statistics from Kansas State University.
Todd has published widely, contributing to both academic and professional journals. His areas of teaching and interest include taxation, financial planning, wills, trusts, estates, estate planning and business planning.
He was the first Liberty Law graduate and student to join the Law School faculty full-time. Todd served as associate dean for academic affairs from 2016-20 and was the first associate dean of faculty development and scholarship at Liberty Law (2020-24).
In addition to serving as dean of the Business School, Dr. Rich Diddams is also Liberty’s assistant vice provost for engineering and technology. His distinguished career includes over 20 years of service as a Marine Corps officer. He also served on the Joint Chiefs of Staff at the Pentagon and as a senior White House adviser on counterterrorism. Diddams has over 15 years of experience in the engineering and construction industry, where he has held numerous leadership positions, including president and CEO of a mid-sized engineering firm operating in 17 states and overseas.
In both of his current roles at Liberty, Diddams remains focused on enhancing students’ educational experience and career readiness. His leadership is characterized by a commitment to helping leaders reach their potential and fulfill their calling to serve others.
Diddams received a DBA in Leadership from Liberty University, an MS in Econometrics and Management from the Naval Postgraduate School, and a BS in Engineering from John Brown University.
