Liberty University mourns the loss of luminary biblical scholar and Dean Emeritus Dr. Ed Hindson

Regarded as a servant of God, a biblical scholar, a faithful leader, and a guardian of Liberty University’s Christian mission, Dean Emeritus Dr. Ed Hindson, 77, died on Saturday, July 2. He leaves behind a rich legacy at Liberty, having helped to build the foundation for the school in its early years and instilling biblical truth in the hearts and minds of thousands of students, faculty, and staff during his 48 years of service to the university.

At the time of his passing, Hindson was Dean Emeritus at the John W. Rawlings School of Divinity and a Distinguished Professor of Religion. He authored 40 books and edited five major study Bibles, including the bestselling King James Study Bible (Thomas Nelson) and the Gold Medallion award-winning Knowing Jesus Bible (Zondervan). He was a speaker on “The King is Coming” telecast and a visiting lecturer at Oxford University and Harvard Divinity School, as well as numerous evangelical seminaries including Dallas, Denver, Trinity, Grace, and Westminster.

Hindson first began teaching at Liberty in 1974. In 1985, he videotaped Liberty’s first distance learning course: Old Testament Survey. Over the years, he has taught over 100,000 students, residentially and online. He was named Teacher of the Year many times. He retired from his role as dean in 2019 but continued to teach divinity courses as a Distinguished Professor of Religion.

Hindson served the School of Divinity in various roles. From 2013-2019, he led the merger of the School of Religion and the Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary, the move to the Freedom Tower, the acquisition of the Keesee Fund Scholarship, and accreditation of several graduate programs in the School of Divinity by the Association of Theological Schools (ATS).

“Liberty University would not be recognizable without the myriad contributions of Dr. Ed Hindson. The impact of his life and ministry will live on through the millions of lives he touched. He was a member of our founding generation, an academic cornerstone of our institution, and a friend and mentor to scores of leaders. He is irreplaceable, and we celebrate his homecoming with immense gratitude: well done good and faithful servant.”

— Liberty University President, Jerry Prevo

“Liberty University has lost a legendary theologian, administrator, and friend, who was a trailblazing supporter of Dr. Falwell’s vision and architect behind the school’s mission. Ed Hindson played a crucial leadership role on faculty during the most profound periods of Liberty’s growth from its early founding to becoming the dean of one of the largest divinity schools in the world. Ed was a true scholar and servant leader throughout his life. On behalf of the entire Liberty family, I extend our condolences and appreciation to the Hindson family and ask that everyone keep them in prayer.”

— Liberty University Provost, Dr. Scott Hicks

“Ed Hindson made a great contribution to the building of Liberty University in Training Champions for Christ. He was well-known for the books he wrote, including The Left-Behind Series as well as ‘The Illustrated Bible Survey’ that we wrote together. This book was required of all freshmen when there were over 4,000 enrolled each semester. Dr. Hindson also won the Gold Medallion book award from the Evangelical Christian Publishers Association for the book of the year. Dr. Hindson’s greatest impact was on his students because of his powerful lectures and life-changing principles that he shared. He will be greatly missed but will always be appreciated for his scholarly and godly influence he left with the students during his time at Liberty University.”

— Liberty University Co-founder, Dr. Elmer Towns

“These moments are undeniably defining. Dr. Hindson impacted my life and leadership in deeply profound measure. Apart from his scholarship and leadership, he was a shepherd to countless lives. His impact will ripple throughout decades to come. But his legacy will be evidenced in the lives of those who heard his careful handling and proclamation of the Word of Truth and then live it out in obedience, for that is exactly what he did. His example and wisdom serve as a capstone in my own life and leadership. Just as Elijah passed the mantle to Elisha, Hindson has passed the mantle to us all. On behalf of the Liberty University Rawlings School of Divinity, I offer the Hindson family our deepest sympathies and comfort as we celebrate the life of our respected leader, dear friend, distinguished colleague, and faithful brother.”

— Liberty University Dean of the John W. Rawlings School of Divinity, Dr. Troy Temple

“Ed Hindson has been my dear friend for over 45 years. We met in our doctoral studies at Westminster Seminary in 1976. We became fast friends, and he began immediately to recruit me to teach at Liberty. Two years later I came and the rest, as they say, is history. Ed started the counseling center at Thomas Road and at the University. I had the privilege of serving there with him. I never worked for a finer boss. During his tenure at the university, he taught hundreds of thousands of students to love and live the Bible. Like many of you, I was blessed by his love for the word and his gift for proclaiming it. His quick mind was almost unequaled. His unique combination of gifts ensure that no one will ever truly take his place in our hearts, in the halls and classrooms at the University and in pulpits and conferences across America.”

— Longtime Liberty University Provost, retired, Dr. Ron Hawkins

Dr. Ed Hindson teaches class in 1974, his first year at Liberty.

Dr. Ed Hindson speaks at Convocation in 2006.