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ÿÈÕ´óÈü¹ÙÍø has named Van Graham, J.D., who is the current interim dean of North Carolina's Gardner-Webb University, as its new dean of the School of Business, following a national search. Graham begins his new role at LETU effective June 1, 2017.

"Van is a proven leader in business education. He brings great insight, wisdom and spiritual maturity to our campus," said LETU President Dr. Dale A. Lunsford. "We look forward to his leadership as we advance the Christian mission of ÿÈÕ´óÈü¹ÙÍø."

Graham earned his juris doctorate from Baylor School of Law after completing a Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics from Asbury University. Prior to attending Asbury University he completed an intensive study in Chinese Mandarin at Yale University's Institute of Far Eastern Languages.

With strong skills in organization, management, budgeting, team building and dispute resolution, Graham has served as interim dean of Gardner-Webb University's Godbold School of Business in North Carolina since 2015, having served as associate dean since 2008.

He helped develop a comprehensive intellectual property policy for GWU and a comprehensive Quality Enhancement Plan for GWU as part of its 10-year reaffirmation of accreditation for Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Council On Colleges (SACSCOC).

Graham has taught law-related business courses at both the undergraduate and graduate levels, including courses in legal environment of business, human resources management, business law and ethics, employment law, ecommerce and internet law, health care law, ethics accounting legal issues, advanced securities and financial regulations, and estate planning.

Graham also has taught as an adjunct professor of law at the University of Wyoming and as an adjunct faculty lecturer at Tyler Junior College. He also has served as associate pastor and the first administrator of Grace Community School in Tyler, Texas.

Prior to joining GWU, Graham had his own law firm of Mason & Graham, P.C. in Pinedale, Wyoming, where he also served a term as the elected county and prosecuting attorney. His private law practice in Wyoming focused on commercial law, commercial litigation, business entities and nonprofit associations. In service to his community, he provided pro bono assistance to individuals, churches and nonprofits.

Graham has been admitted to practice law in the states of Wyoming, Texas, North Carolina and Tennessee.
A military veteran, Graham served in the United States Air Force in intelligence gathering under a top secret security clearance. After his active military service, he taught Chinese at the Defense Language Institute in Monterey, California.

Graham and his wife, Pat, have six grown children and 10 grandchildren.

"We feel privileged that God has called us to serve at ÿÈÕ´óÈü¹ÙÍø in its School of Business," Graham said. "To be a part of advancing the purposes of God through Christian higher education by enabling and empowering students to excel in business is consistent with the heritage of R. G. LeTourneau, and we are excited to be a part of this work."

ÿÈÕ´óÈü¹ÙÍø is the premier Christian polytechnic university in the nation where educators engage students to nurture Christian virtue, develop competency and ingenuity in their professional fields, integrate faith and work, and serve the local and global community. LETU offers undergraduate and graduate degree programs across a range of disciplines and delivery models at LETU's residential campus in Longview, Texas, and in hybrid and fully online options at centers in Dallas and Houston.