Mary Columbus’ unordinary path to Liberty University was one of courage and faith that deeply impacted her life when she enrolled at the then Lynchburg Baptist College in the Spring of 1974. At 34 years old and a single mother, she enrolled with nearly a full art degree from another school—just six credit hours shy. Choosing a fresh start, she declared a double major in Art and Bible, joining the first class to graduate on Liberty Mountain in 1978 and as the first and only Art Major to graduate that year.
Mary didn’t just attend Liberty—she helped shape its early years. In Spring 1975, she became the college’s first art teacher. Dr. J. Gordon Henry had asked her to teach a class for elementary education majors. Her senior art project—a breathtaking display of 10 to 12 eight-foot murals—was proudly exhibited in the General Education building cafeteria, a bold testament to her talent and dedication.
Mary (on the right) pictured with her daughter and son-in-law
But Mary’s creativity extended beyond the classroom. One of her fondest memories is her involvement in the I Love America programs in 1976. She helped sew costumes, flew in planes with Dr. Jerry Falwell Sr. to various cities, and traveled by bus with the choral group to where they performed at nearly every U.S. state capital. “I painted 20 or 30 murals just for those shows,” she recalls with joy.
Mary speaks with deep reverence for her time at Liberty and the people who shaped her. “Dr. Falwell was a humble man, full of faith,” she says. She recalled the story that Dr. Falwell once gave his shoes to a homeless man and came home in sock feet. As a single mom on a limited income, she says the consistent faith of Dr. Falwell and her professors deeply impacted her. “He spoke three times a week at chapel, and his words, along with the support of my teachers, built my faith. I learned to live and walk by faith because of Liberty.”
Life after Liberty continued to be a journey of trusting God. Her degree gave her the credentials to show her artwork professionally, and her English classes equipped her to write the story of her family’s heritage—from Slovakia and Scotland. But most importantly, she carried with her the lessons of daily dependence on God.
When asked how God has impacted her life after Liberty, Mary doesn’t hesitate: “God provided everything I needed—because I trusted Him with everything. From a tube of toothpaste to a bus ticket, I learned to ask in prayer and wait for Him to supply.”
Her advice to current students and soon-to-be graduates? First, Read your Bible every day.Second, Trust God with everything—big and small.
Mary Columbus’ life is a masterpiece of faith, service, and resilience—a reminder that God honors those who seek Him wholeheartedly, one brushstroke at a time.