Liberty remembers former journalism professor, yearbook advisor

Liberty University joins the Bohrer family in mourning the death of former faculty member Richard “Dick” William Bohrer, 96, of West Linn, Ore., who passed away on Dec. 21, 2022.

Bohrer served the university as a journalism professor from the program’s first year as a major, in 1983, through his retirement in 1994. He also taught English composition and was an advisor for Liberty’s Selah yearbook.

“As a teacher in the Journalism Department at Liberty, Dick taught and mentored students out of his deep love and commitment to the Lord, holding the academic standard for writing high, teaching students to impact their world through the discipline of journalism,” said Dr. Cecil Kramer, professor of strategic and personal communication at Liberty. “Drawing upon his years of experience as a writer of books and editor of Moody Monthly Magazine, students learned to write in a way that met journalistic standards and made a positive impact in Christ’s Kingdom.”

Bohrer contributed heavily to the Selah yearbook, including an article titled “Excuses and Sardines” in the 1993-94 edition, in which he comedically detailed his day-to-day life as a college professor.

In 1987, he was nominated for Virginia Teacher of the Year while employed by Liberty.

Prior to joining Liberty, Bohrer started the journalism program at Multnomah School for the Bible, and he spent four years as the editor for Moody Monthly Magazine.

After leaving Liberty, Bohrer moved back to Portland, Ore., where he had spent a significant portion of his life. He published 19 books.

According to his obituary, Bohrer was “a devoted follower of our Lord Jesus Christ and used his gift of writing to encourage other believers in their Christian walk.”

Bohrer was predeceased by his beloved wife, Betty, who died on May 17, 2022. While in Lynchburg, Betty supervised student teachers at Liberty. They are survived by their two children, Joel (Susan) Bohrer and Janice (Mark) Pruitt, six grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren. Their grandson, Peter, and his wife, Autumn, are both Liberty graduates.

A memorial service will be held on Jan. 16 at Mount View Baptist Temple in Tualatin, Ore.