Liberty University Helms School of Government

04/30/2026

Last week, two Liberty Analytic Support Initiative (LASI) teams visited the Pentagon. These teams of interdisciplinary undergraduate and graduate students were provided sensitive projects of interest to the Office of the Under Secretary of War (Intelligence and Security) and the Joint Staff Strategy, Plans, & Policy Directorate. Their findings were presented in formal briefings to senior Department of War officials. Liberty University is deeply grateful to the Department of War for its critical contributions to the education of these future national security professionals.

Following their briefing at the Pentagon, the LASI teams visited National War College (NWC) at National Defense University (Fort McNair) in Washington, D.C. The students visited the historic Theodore Roosevelt Hall and received an overview briefing of the academic curriculum of this premier U.S. Government academic institution by the Dean of Faculty and Academic Programs, Dr. Kelly Ward. Liberty University is deeply grateful to Dr. Ward for taking time out of his challenging schedule to pour into the next generation of U.S. strategic thinkers.

04/28/2026

Liberty University Analytical Support Initiative (LASI) Briefs LU President and Provost: This week, four LASI teams, which were assembled to support U.S. Government offices, briefed Liberty University President Dondi Costin and University Provost Scott Hicks on the preliminary findings of their assigned projects. Also in attendance to receive the briefing were former Director of the Defense Intelligence Agency David Shedd and Dean of the Helms School of Government Jason Bohm. These students represent undergraduate and graduate students from a wide range of disciplines, including law, psychology, criminal justice, computer science, cybersecurity, engineering, strategic intelligence, and national security. In the coming days, the student teams will be traveling to report their findings to senior U.S. Government officials in the Washington, DC area. The Liberty University leadership congratulates these students on their analytical excellence and impressive accomplishments in contributing to US national security with their respective disciplines!

04/23/2026

On April 8, students from Liberty University’s Helms School of Government engaged senior foreign diplomats during a trip to the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China. The delegation comprised students from Professor Scott W. Roenicke’s International Relations, Post-Communist Politics, and Terrorism classes. At the Chinese Embassy, the Liberty delegation was hosted by Deputy Chief of Mission and Minister Qiu Wenxing. Students engaged in substantive dialogue with senior Chinese diplomats on topics of mutual interest. Earlier that day, students had visited the Pentagon’s 9/11 Memorial, where they heard a first-hand account from Professor Roenicke of the terrorist attack on the Department of Defense Headquarters. Liberty University is most grateful for the involvement of the Chinese Embassy in providing our students with invaluable opportunities in the realm of diplomacy and national security.

04/21/2026

The Helms School of Government’s Dean’s Council is here to remind all HSOG students to attend the first annual HSOG formal on April 26! It will be an evening full of food, dancing, and fellowship! RSVP using the link in the bio and we hope to see you there!

04/09/2026

This month, students from Liberty University visited the FBI Academy, including the gun range, gym, and FBI agent graduation auditorium, and the FBI Laboratory tour, visiting the Fi****ms and Toolmarks Unit, DNA Casework Unit, and Operational Projects Unit. Students were given several lectures from FBI personnel on the operational and training functions of the FBI Academy. Case-related presentations included the gun vault viewing of weapons used in famous criminal cases, the attempted assassination of President Trump, the Idaho co-ed murder case, and the DNA identification of found unknown human remains.

04/08/2026

Last week, our International Relations students conducted a series of White House “Principals Committee” meeting simulations. The exercises were designed to develop policies and strategies in response to a rapidly evolving international crisis, posing a potential nuclear threat to the homeland. Students engaged as various Cabinet-level officials and presented their recommendations to Professor Scott Roenicke, who chaired the meeting as U.S. National Security Advisor. During his 33-year Department of Defense career, Professor Roenicke served in the White House as Director for Russian Affairs and consequently was able to offer our students a “real world” approximation of Cabinet-level meetings. Our aspiring “senior U.S. Government officials” formulated innovative and compelling policy recommendations to support our Nation and global stability. The students responded effectively to a complex and multifaceted 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!

04/07/2026

The Helms School of Government proudly kicked off its new Distinguished Speaker Series with an inspiring launch event featuring its host, 70th U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, and guest, 27th U.S. National Security Advisor Robert C. O’Brien.

Together, they explored some of today’s most pressing national security challenges and shared insights shaped by their service on a global level.

This series falls under our Center for Law & Government, led by 70th U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Deputy Director Zane Richer.

04/02/2026

03/19/2026

Last week, Dr. Prentice, Professor Cothron, and Professor Van Allen led a panel on “The Political Necessity Between the United States and Israel” for the School of Divinity’s Center for Israel. Thank you for all of those who participated in this very timely discussion!

03/17/2026

Join us in celebrating Professor Scott Strobel, who was recently promoted from Major to Lieutenant Colonel in the United States Air Force.
His dedication, leadership, and service — both to our nation and to our students — continue to inspire excellence.
We’re proud to honor this incredible milestone and the impact he makes every day in the Helms Community.
👏 Well deserved, Lt Col. Strobel!