Indicted Ex-Gov. Bob McDonnell Gets A Teaching Gig At Liberty University

You know the old saying. Those who can, do. Those under indictment, teach.

Liberty University announced this week that it had recently named a new distinguished visiting professor in government: former Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell.

“I am privileged to have the opportunity to teach the outstanding young people at Liberty University who will be future leaders for the state and nation,” McDonnell said in a statement issued by the university. “Liberty’s international reach, dynamic growth, and focus on excellence make it a force in higher education.”

A press release put out by the university made no mention of the multiple crimes federal prosecutors have accused McDonnell of committing. Earlier this year, McDonnell and his wife, Maureen McDonnell, were indicted in federal court in connection to the tens of thousands of dollars in gifts and loans they accepted from a wealthy Virginia businessman. They have pleaded not guilty and said repeatedly that their actions were not illegal. Instead, Liberty President Jerry Falwell Jr. said in a statement that McDonnell “will add another dimension to the educational experience of Liberty students by teaching leadership.”

“He achieved great success as governor in making Virginia one of the nation’s most business-friendly and fiscally sound states while getting people to work together for the common good,” Falwell said. “These experiences uniquely qualify him to teach our students about every aspect of serving in public office.”

Dr. Shawn Akers, dean of the Helms School of Government at Liberty, described a recent visit McDonnell paid to the school.

“The students’ eyes lit up when he walked into the class,” Akers said. “They were so excited to hear directly from someone who has been on the frontlines of the important public policy battles in America. The Helms School is proud to welcome Governor McDonnell, who has a proven record in public policy and conservative activism, and who shares in the biblical principles and servant leadership that are so important to Liberty University.”

(Photo credit: Liberty University handout/Ty Hester)