Rep. Mark Walker says he’s been contacted about Liberty University vacancy

Rep. Mark Walker (R-N.C.) says he has been contacted by a Liberty University board member and others about the leadership vacancy at the evangelical Lynchburg, Va., which accepted longtime President Jerry Falwell Jr.’s resignation on Tuesday.

Walker, a minister with ties to the university, told Politico Wednesday that “it’s not something I have considered,” but that “Liberty University is too important to go without strong leadership.”

“I have talked with a board member but my focus is for the Liberty University family to find healing while continuing its mission of developing Christ-centered men and women with the values, knowledge, and skills essential to impact the world,” he said.

Walker called on Falwell to resign earlier this month after the son of Liberty founder Jerry Falwell Sr. posted a picture on Instagram with his arm around a woman on a yacht, both with their pants appearing to be unzipped. The post was later deleted.

On Monday, Reuters reported that a longtime business partner claimed that Falwell was a willing participant in a years-long affair involving his wife, Becki Falwell. Falwell said that the business partner, whom the Falwells met when he was working as a pool attendant, had been blackmailing the couple for years. 

Liberty said on Tuesday that the school’s board of trustees had accepted Falwell’s resignation as president and chancellor of the school. He also resigned from his seat on the board.

Jerry Provo, the school’s acting president, who took control earlier in August, said in a statement Tuesday, “Our students are ready to be world changers as Champions for Christ. Their spirit is strong as they look to the future. I intend to do all I can to nurture their spiritual side as they grow academically and enjoy all our campus has to offer.”

Walker is a considered a potential candidate to run for the North Carolina Senate seat that is set to be vacated in 2022 by Sen. Richard Burr (R), who has announced he is not running for reelection.

The Hill has reached out to Walker and Liberty University for comment.

–This report was updated at 1:49 p.m.