Dr. Stephen Johnson, associate professor of preaching, was named dean of the Honors College June 1, replacing Gregory Straughn, who was named assistant provost for general education at the end of last semester.

Johnson said the Honors College is unique because it includes students with majors from all across the university in an interdisciplinary environment. Founded as the Honors Department in the 1980s and developed into its own college two years ago, the Honors College has been a place of academic innovation benefitting all students, Johnson said.

He said he was privileged to serve the Honors College.

“Honors allows the space for us to hold academic excellence and the pursuit of a life of faith to be held together closely,” he said.

Johnson also believes ACU’s mission is that all students would take up vocations as followers of Jesus. His new position in the Honors College will enable him to further this mission.

Jeanine Varner, provost, said she saw “an enormous capacity of leadership” in Johnson during the interview process.

“He’s highly creative, highly innovative and an outstanding teacher in his own right,” Varner said. “We thought his skills and abilities and experiences were very much a match for what we needed in the Honors College.”

To fill the position, Varner formed a search committee last fall. The finalists – including Johnson – were interviewed on campus by the search committee, Varner, other deans on campus, the Honors College staff and several Honors College students.

“It made for a full day,” Johnson said.

The search committee then made their recommendations to the provost who in turn gave her recommendation to the president.

“There were several really strong candidates,” said Varner.