W. Marshall Johnston, Ph.D.
History Program Director
History & Classics Faculty
With broad training in ancient philology, specialized work on Greek and Roman biography and a recent focus on the Gospels and hagiography, Marshall Johnston's enthusiasm for history is evident in his classes and to his students. His appreciation for lively academic and theological exchange as well as his desire to further his own and students' knowledge and understanding explains his involvement in leading a European study tour, serving on undergraduate academic and general education committees and on the editorial board of Pacific Journal, and even organizing judges for Fresno County History Day which FPU recently hosted.
"I enjoy the opportunity to teach broadly in classics and history, and I am challenged by advanced students and knowledgeable colleagues. We keep pushing ourselves to greater service to our community of learners.
"In my classes, I always make room for student inquiry and prepare lessons to introduce appropriate questions. The inquiries should motivate a desire for knowledge and the use of critical thought. I encourage my students to learn broadly but nurture specialties so that they see history through a meaningful framework.
"My job as professor—even on the longest and most trying day—involves the importance of ideas. I’m in position to share them with and present them to bright people, and I get to be a part of creating the next generation of Christian leaders.”
