NOBTS faculty member Mark Johnson has been named the 10th president of Louisiana Christian University (LCU).
Johnson, who serves as assistant professor of evangelism and pastoral ministry and director of the seminary’s Doctor of Ministry program, was announced as LCU’s new president on Tuesday, Feb. 25.
The LCU board of trustees elected Johnson upon recommendation from a presidential search committee formed in May 2024. He will begin his presidential duties on June 1.
“Mark Johnson is an incredible hire for Louisiana Christian University,” said Jamie Dew, president of NOBTS and Leavell College. “He is very personable and relatable, and I think Louisiana Baptists are absolutely going to love getting to know him and work with him.
“Louisiana Christian has been a wonderful school in our state for a long time, and I believe that it is ripe with potential for the future as well. The hire of Mark Johnson will strengthen and solidify LCU’s footing in our state and serve all of us incredibly well. Mark is a natural leader and pastor. He will connect instantly with students, faculty, staff, administration and the churches of Louisiana.”
Anthony Bunting, chair of LCU’s board of trustees, said the school is thrilled to announce Johnson as their new leader.
“Dr. Johnson’s exemplary leadership and profound love for the students and staff will undoubtedly support our mission and foster the growth and support of our university,” he said.
“Dr. Johnson said he sees this role as a divine calling. He is moved by the opportunity to serve the Lord at this remarkable institution. He is committed to upholding the university’s Christian values and inspiring students and staff to grow in their faith and academic pursuits. Dr. Johnson emphasized his commitment to a transparent leadership style and expressed his eagerness to build meaningful relationships. He believes that through open communication and mutual respect, the university can achieve new heights of excellence.”
Johnson and his family moved to NOBTS in 2019 to pursue his Ph.D. in Evangelism, Pastoral Ministries and Christian Leadership. After joining NOBTS faculty as assistant professor in Aug. 2020, Johnson would then become director of the Doctor of Ministry program in Jan. 2023.
He and his wife Heather, assistant director of the seminary’s Thrive ministry wives program and former LCU trustee, have been married for 29 years and have four children: Mark Jr., Jonathan, Victoria and Benjamin.
NOBTS Provost Norris Grubbs spoke to Johnson’s impact on NOBTS.
“Dr. Johnson has served with excellence during his time with NOBTS as a faculty member and as the director of the Doctor of Ministry program,” Grubbs said.
“His passion for evangelism and love for students is evident in all his efforts. We celebrate this new opportunity for leadership.”
Originally born in Indiana, Johnson is a third-generation Baptist minister. He graduated from Washington and Jefferson College with a bachelor’s degree 1994, becoming the first African American senior class commencement speaker in the college’s history.
After a professional basketball career in Europe and South America, Johnson earned both a Master of Divinity and a Master of Theology at Princeton Theological Seminary. Additionally, he served as executive director of youth and youth adult ministries at Metropolitan Baptist Church in Newark, N.J.
In 2009, Johnson began serving as pastor of Liberty Hill Baptist Church in Cleveland, Ohio. During his time in Cleveland, he also served as a Chaplain for the Cleveland Indians (now Guardians).
Johnson later earned a Doctor of Ministry from NOBTS with his project titled “Racial Reconciliation in the Southern Baptist Convention,” focusing on the themes of repentance, reconciliation and restoration. His debut book, “Black Church, White Convention: A Pastor’s Story of Hope,” will release in spring 2025.
Upon moving to the Crescent City, he pastored Edgewater Baptist Church of New Orleans through the COVID-19 pandemic before joining the NOBTS faculty.
Johnson is the first person during the Dew administration to be elected as president of another educational institution.
As he embarks on a new ministry opportunity, Johnson expressed gratitude for his time of service at NOBTS.
"I’m grateful to Dr. Jamie Dew for my time on faculty at NOBTS where I’ve had the privilege of serving alongside incredible colleagues and investing in students who will impact the Kingdom for years to come,” Johnson said. “I will always cherish my time here and pray for God’s continued blessing on the work of NOBTS and Leavell College."
