Liberty University Theological Seminary in the John W. Rawlings School of Divinity is home to the university’s first endowed chair position, made possible by a generous $1 million gift from the estate of Dr. Steven Johnson of Mankato, Minn.
The gift establishes a permanent, full-time faculty position dedicated to advancing theological scholarship. The position will be announced later this year.
Johnson made the donation in honor of his late wife, Dr. Michelle Johnson (pictured above), whose love for the Bible led her to pursue three degrees from Liberty: Master of Arts in Biblical Studies (’11) and Master of Divinity (’16), which she earned through Liberty University Online Programs, and a residential Ph.D. in Theology & Apologetics (’23).
Dr. Steven Johnson, alongside his late wife, Dr. Michelle Johnson
Michelle Johnson was diagnosed with cancer four days after receiving her doctorate. She passed away on Nov. 17, 2024, at age 56.
Steven was a dentist for 36 years. Michelle served as vice president and executive for Bellator Christi Ministries. She co-authored two books, “Strong Faith: 5 Questions and Answers Every Christian Should Know” and “Why Creationism Still Matters.” Her next planned venture was to teach online at Liberty.
Steven said he and his wife had discussed the gift and its impact before her death.
Dr. Steven Johnson (center) poses with Liberty President Dr. Dondi E. Costin and Director of Development Jay Rebsamen (left) in November, 2025. (Photo by: Jessie Jordan)
“Both (Michelle and I) felt that so many schools nowadays, especially in theology, have not kept the Bible as God’s Holy Word. And so, we wanted to (fund) the endowed chair to try to allow opportunities for students to study God’s Word at a good, solid, conservative school and create professors who would be diligent followers of the Bible in its entirety.”
“This generous gift will strengthen our ability to equip future pastors, scholars, and ministry leaders with a robust theological foundation, ensuring that Michelle’s passion for truth and Scripture lives on in every student we serve,” said School of Divinity Dean Dr. Troy Temple. “Such generosity propels the mission of the School of Divinity to come alongside the local church in its quest to fulfill the Great Commission.”
Read the full story at Liberty.edu/News.
