humor in his voice , Dean Faulkner explained that once submarines submerge , there ’ s no sense of motion , which was a good thing for him — he gets seasick .
After four years aboard the Billfish , Seaman Faulkner was assigned as an instructor for the Nuclear Power Training Unit in Charleston , South Carolina . He loved teaching officers and enlisted personnel the theory of nuclear power and how to operate nuclear power plants aboard naval warships . But as much as he loved teaching , his heart ’ s desire was to go to law school … and he knew what he had to do to get there .
CAMPBELL UNIVERSITY
While stationed in Charleston , Seaman Faulkner enrolled in Charleston Southern University . He took a Bachelor of Science degree in business administration with an emphasis in finance . He completed the degree requirements in 1998 , just a few months after completing his naval service .
Desiring to study law from a Christian perspective , he applied to , and was accepted at , Campbell Law School in Buies Creek , North Carolina . Dean Faulkner took both a master ’ s in business administration and a Juris Doctorate from Campbell , completing the degree requirements simultaneously . During law school , he served on law review , various trial teams , and worked for Campbell ’ s legal newspaper .
After graduation , Dean Faulkner joined a general practice firm in North Carolina . After several years in general practice , he joined a leading civil defense firm as a litigation associate . In 2004 , Dean Faulkner accepted a full time position with Campbell Law School . He served in numerous positions , including associate dean for external relations , executive associate dean for academic affairs and administration , vice dean , and interim dean . In 2013 , he was selected to serve as the dean of the Lundy-Fetterman School of Business — a position he held when God called him to a new purpose . That purpose would take him from the sandhills of North Carolina to the Blue Ridge Mountains of Central Virginia .
“ LORD , MAY YOUR WILL BE DONE .”
When Dean Faulkner was made aware of Liberty ’ s need for a new law school dean , he had mixed feelings . It wasn ’ t as though he was unhappy at Campbell . Quite the contrary . He loved his job and his team . But the opportunity to serve Liberty Law was one he could not ignore . As Dean Faulkner and his wife struggled with the decision on whether to apply for the deanship , he began to pray .
“ Lord , show me the way . Let any decision I make be from a desire to fulfill your plan for my life .”
Sensing God ’ s call , Dean Faulkner submitted his application . Some time later he was invited to Liberty University ( LU ) for an interview . Moments before the interview , he was shown into a small office just off the interview room . He was nervous . It was there , in those fateful moments , when Dean Faulkner was alone with God that he sat down , bowed his head , and prayed . “ Lord , may your will be done .”
Dean Faulkner then rose and walked into that interview — at peace . The rest , as they say , is history .
EXCEPTIONALISM
As Dean Faulkner and I began to discuss his vision for Liberty Law , one theme emerged — exceptionalism . Exceptionalism in academics consistent with the tradition of Christian higher education . Exceptionalism through service by Liberty Law students , staff , and faculty in churches and the community . Exceptionalism through innovations such as the Lawyering Skills program . Exceptionalism through interdisciplinary partnerships with other LU programs to better equip Liberty Law graduates for service . Exceptionalism through engaging both Christian and secular law schools to incorporate ideas that complement and advance the mission of Liberty Law .
What will be Dean Faulkner ’ s legacy ? Only time will tell . But one thing is certain . He has the ability all great leaders have when they talk about vision : he makes you believe it . More than that , he makes you want to be a part of it .
Welcome to Liberty University School of Law . A new day has dawned .
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A “ sock boarder ” takes a damp sock and puts it on the “ form ” of an upside down foot . On the “ form ” the sock finishes drying , is nicely shaped and smoothed , ready for packaging . The “ form ” is extremely hot so that it will quickly dry the sock . It was hard and sometimes disagreeable work . Many nights Keith would come home with painful burns on his hands .
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