A Homecoming After Two Decades
Dr. Brian Harrell, a Liberty University alumnus and former Flames baseball standout, has returned to campus after a 21‑year stint as a global missionary in Mozambique. His journey began on the diamond, where he earned both a bachelor's and a master's degree before pursuing a five‑year professional baseball career.
Now an associate professor of global and intercultural engagement at the John W. Rawlings School of Divinity, Harrell channels his extensive field experience into classroom instruction, shaping the next generation of Christian leaders who are equipped to navigate diverse cultural landscapes.
A Family Legacy of Service
Harrell’s commitment to service is rooted in a three‑generation tradition of humanitarian work across Africa. Alongside his wife, Becky, he spent years delivering education programs and disaster‑response initiatives in Mozambique, a partnership that deepened his conviction that faith must be lived out through action.
The couple’s four children reflect this legacy; two currently attend Liberty, while Becky, a Liberty‑trained nurse, has begun providing healthcare services in nearby Lynchburg, further extending their impact within the local community.
Teaching with Faith and Passion
In his courses, Harrell stresses that faith and passion are the twin engines of effective teaching. He believes that building genuine relationships with students creates a fertile ground for both academic growth and spiritual development.
Beyond regular undergraduate and graduate classes, he will also direct a newly established Ph.D. program, positioning Liberty at the forefront of intercultural scholarship.
His story illustrates how a background in sports, academia, and overseas service can converge to produce an educator who is both globally minded and deeply rooted in his institution’s mission.