Mark Hyde

Higher Education (HE) isn’t just about preparing for a career – it’s about cultivating the kind of integrity, respect, and responsibility that make meaningful lives. This mission is central to the work of Mark Hyde, Dean of Students at Liberty University.

In today’s conversation, Interview Co-Host Max Webber sat down with Mark to discuss topics including fostering a culture of care and wellbeing, Liberty University’s unique mission, and the importance of holistic student development.

Mark’s Journey

Max: Let’s start with a brief introduction to yourself and your institution…

My name is Mark Hyde, and I’m the Dean of Students at Liberty University. I’ve been in student affairs for nearly 25 years, with 20 of those at Liberty. Liberty University is a Christian liberal arts college with a faith-based, biblical mission. We serve around 15,000 residential students and approximately 115,000 online students, making it a large and diverse community. Our residential population includes both on-campus and commuter students. It’s a unique environment with many moving parts, but it’s a privilege to be part of such a dynamic institution.

Max: What inspired you to pursue a career in student affairs?

My journey started with my own undergraduate experience at a very small college. Back then, student affairs looked different – we had a Dean of Men and a Dean of Women. The Dean of Men played a pivotal role in my life. I made some choices during college that required difficult conversations, and he guided me with wisdom and integrity. He taught me about keeping promises, living by my values, and becoming a person of character.

When I learned there were graduate programs to prepare people for this kind of work, I was inspired to follow that path. I earned a master’s degree with a focus on student affairs and began my professional journey. Since then, my passion has been fostering the holistic development of students. I love watching students grow during those transformative years of leaving home, navigating challenges, and discovering who they are. Seeing those “lightbulb moments” when a student realizes the impact of their choices is incredibly rewarding.

Max: What are the key values or principles that guide your approach to helping students develop both academically and personally?

At Liberty, a significant part of my work revolves around our Student Honor Code, which we call “The Liberty Way.” It’s built around three core values: integrity, respect, and responsibility. Integrity is about being truthful and consistent in actions. Respect means valuing others within the context of our faith, honoring God and each other. Responsibility emphasizes how we treat people and our accountability for our actions. These values are woven into the fabric of our community standards and our approach to student development. Every student comes in at a certain stage of growth, and we walk with them through their journey.

Max: Building a sense of unity and community across a diverse student body is no small task. How does Liberty approach this challenge?

One of Liberty’s defining features is that we’re unapologetically a Christian institution. Our mission and identity are clear, and students who choose Liberty know what to expect. This shared faith provides a foundation that unites our community. That said, we encourage open, respectful conversations even when students have differing interpretations or opinions. The Bible teaches us to love one another, and that principle shapes our interactions. By focusing on what connects us rather than what divides us, we create a space where students feel valued and supported. These discussions are vital but always conducted with mutual respect and understanding.

Max: In today’s world, fostering mental health and well-being is a major focus for universities. How has Liberty addressed these challenges post-pandemic?

COVID-19 brought significant challenges, particularly around isolation and its impact on mental health. Many students entering HE today experienced disrupted learning during their K-12 years, leading to an increase in anxiety, depression, and other issues. Our Care and Support Office, which I oversee, has worked tirelessly to address this. It’s essentially our behavioral intervention and threat assessment team. We train faculty and staff to recognize when students might be struggling and refer them to our central hub for support. Every referral is reviewed, and we ensure students receive the resources they need, whether it’s counseling, academic help, or other interventions. Our approach is proactive. We aim to “get in the river” with students early, supporting them before challenges become overwhelming. It’s a culture of care that we’re proud to foster.

Max: Beyond supporting mental health, how are you engaging students with the resources and opportunities available to them?

Engagement starts with creating a culture where students feel naturally inclined to get involved. At Liberty, we offer a wide array of activities – over 100 student clubs, spiritual life events, and leadership opportunities through our active student government. Research shows that engaged students are more likely to thrive. By providing so many avenues for involvement, we ensure students can find their niche. For instance, our Residence Life team plays a crucial role, with resident assistants and directors trained to support and guide students. We also offer free counseling services, making it easy for students to access help when needed. Ultimately, we want students to feel empowered and connected.

Max: Civil discourse and free speech have been hot topics across campuses. How can we help students to build constructive conversations across differences?

Civil discourse is crucial, and it’s rooted in the same values we’ve discussed – integrity, respect, and responsibility. At Liberty, we emphasize that it’s okay to disagree, but disagreements must be handled with love and respect. We have an office dedicated to diversity within a biblical framework, called LU One. Their focus is on what unites us as God’s creation rather than what divides us. These principles guide our discussions, whether about cultural issues, faith, or social concerns. By prioritizing respect and shared purpose, we create a space for meaningful dialogue without hostility.

Max: What’s the best piece of advice you’ve received in your career?

One thing that’s stuck with me is this: Every student interaction is an opportunity for student development. It’s a simple idea, but it’s transformative.

Whether you’re running a program, writing a report, or having a casual conversation, every interaction is a chance to make a difference in a student’s life. I’ve shared this advice with staff at every level because it reminds us of the heart of our work – supporting students in their growth, one interaction at a time.