In preparation for the spring 2025 semester, scheduled to begin Monday, Liberty University announced these important leadership updates. Dr. Stephen Brinley has been appointed Dean of the School of Aviation, Dr. Timothy Todd has been appointed Dean of the School of Law, and Dr. Richard “Rich” Didamus is the dean of the School of Business.
“These team members are proven leaders who are committed to student success and dedicated to Liberty’s mission of training champions for Christ,” said Scott, Liberty’s provost and chief academic officer. Dr. Hicks says: “We look forward to seeing how the Lord will use their talents and gifts to lead the school into the future through academic excellence, innovation and growth. The transformative impact it is having on the students of our school is profound and immeasurable.”
These deans have previously served the school as interim deans.
Dr. Stephen Brinley has a diverse background in aviation, beginning his career as a general aviation aircraft maintenance technician. Over the years, he has worked as a flight instructor, North African aviation business developer, and aviation maintenance instructor. He holds a bachelor’s degree in aviation and a master’s degree in cross-cultural studies from Liberty University. in Commercial Aviation from Delta State University. and a Ph.D. in Aviation from Saint Louis University.
As dean, Brinley focuses on technology integration in aviation training and the development of mission aviation programming. He is actively involved in professional organizations such as the International Unmanned Vehicle Systems Society (AUVSI), ASTM International, and the Council for the Education of Aeronautical Engineers. He is passionate about teaching students to serve Christ while studying aviation and has been instrumental in leading the flight school to win prestigious national awards such as the Loening Trophy.
Dr. Timothy Todd holds a Ph.D. Bachelor’s degree in Personal Financial Planning from Kansas State University, Master’s degree in Applied Economics (Financial Economics Concentration) from Johns Hopkins University, Juris Doctorate (graduated first in class) from Liberty University School of Law, Master’s degree in Accounting and Business holds a bachelor’s degree. From Liberty. He is a certified public accountant (CPA) licensed in the state of Virginia and holds a graduate certificate in applied statistics from Kansas State University.
Todd has published extensively and has contributed 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 is the first Liberty Law alumnus and alumnus to join the law school’s full-time faculty. Todd served as Associate Dean for Academic Affairs from 2016 to 2020 and Liberty Law’s inaugural Associate Dean for Faculty Development and Scholarship from 2020 to 2024.
In addition to serving as Dean of the School of Business, Dr. Rich Didamus also serves as Assistant Vice President for Engineering and Technology at Liberty. His distinguished career includes more than 20 years of service as a Marine infantry officer. He also served on the Pentagon’s Joint Staff staff and as a White House senior advisor on counterterrorism. Diddams has more than 15 years of experience in the engineering and construction industry and has held numerous leadership positions, including president and CEO of a mid-sized engineering company with operations in 17 states and internationally.
In both of his current roles at Liberty, Didamus continues to focus on enhancing students’ educational experiences and career readiness. His leadership is characterized by a dedication to helping leaders realize their potential and fulfill their mission of service to others.
Didams earned a bachelor’s degree in leadership from Liberty University, a master’s degree in econometrics and management from the Naval Postgraduate School, and a bachelor’s degree in engineering from John Brown University.
