By Elizabeth Clarke, LCU News PINEVILLE, La. (LCU News) - Louisiana Christian University has launched a new podcast, featuring LCU President Mark Johnson and his wife, Heather. The eight-episode first season of the P356 podcast debuts this spring, with episodes released biweekly. “This came about because of my travels, meeting people across the nation and who are part of the Wildcat Nation,” President Johnson said. “It gives us the opportunity to sit down with amazing alumni and highlight some of the great things they are doing and make connections with them.” The conversations will be built around the four pillars of worship, scholarship, stewardship and leadership from Proverbs 3:5-6: Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct your paths. “We have built connections with people in our world—together and separately, and we are excited to share those with listeners,” Heather Johnson said. Heather said one of the key messages she hopes listeners will take away from the podcast is encouragement for their Christian daily walk. Podcasting technology gives believers another way to access biblical messages and hear from other believers living … [Read more...]
LCU social work department hosts TBRI workshop
By Elizabeth Clarke, LCU News PINEVILLE, La. (LCU News) - The Louisiana Christian University School of Social Work hosted a Trust-Based Relational Intervention® workshop, March 9-10, at Granberry Conference Center and welcomed social workers, law enforcement, judges, probation officers and teachers who work with children and families. Trust-Based Relational Intervention is an attachment-based, trauma-informed approach designed to meet the complex needs of children and families who have experienced adversity, trauma or disrupted attachment. Developed at Texas Christian University by the Karyn Purvis Institute of Child Development, TBRI is built on decades of research in neuroscience, attachment theory, and child development. Katherine Jennings, Families in Need of Services, director for the Ninth Judicial District Court, served as the workshop coordinator. Speakers addressed understanding how trauma affects the developing brain and behavior and the importance of connection before correction in building lasting change. They also offered practical strategies that professionals can implement immediately in schools, court systems, foster care and community programs. “Children and families involved in child welfare, … [Read more...]
LCU to exhibit plein air artist’s paintings
By LCU News PINEVILLE, La. (LCU News) - The paintings of Marjorie Shanks will be on display starting March 19, at 5 p.m., when Louisiana Christian University’s “Plein Air and Beyond” art show opens. New York native Shanks, who now lives in Marksville, specializes in plein air painting. Plein air painting, from the French for "open air," involves creating art outdoors to capture natural light and scenery in the moment. By working directly within the environment, artists can more accurately portray the shifting colors and atmosphere of the landscape. “I am thrilled that our gallery will have the privilege of showcasing Shanks’ work,” said Assistant Professor of Art Michael Williams. “This will be an excellent event, and I’m excited that our students and community will have the opportunity to experience the remarkable work of such a talented artist.” Gallery hours are Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., and Fridays from 9 a.m. to noon. Community members should email LCUFineArts@lcuniversity.edu to schedule a tour. Students who attend will earn a cultural credit. … [Read more...]
TLC presents ‘The Drowsy Chaperone’
By Kayla Condrey, LCU News PINEVILLE, La. (LCU News) - Theatre Louisiana Christian will close its 2025-2026 season over the next two weeks with a musical that will transport audiences to 1928 in the show “The Drowsy Chaperone.” The audience will feature senior Cayden Walls as the Man in the Chair, the narrator and lead of the show. This is the same role Walls was cast as in his sophomore year of high school. “This show means the world to me,” Walls said. “I was actually supposed to be in the show when I was a sophomore in high school, but it got canceled because of COVID. I liked doing theatre before, but working on that show sparked my love for theatre, studying characters, learning choreography, and appreciating the artistry of it all. I probably wouldn’t be where I am today if it weren’t for this show and this role.” With this show also serving as his senior capstone, he is the artistic director, choreographer, set designer, costumer and much more. “I was expecting for myself, as well as the cast, to be overwhelmed, but really we have all just been having a blast and getting the work done efficiently! I can definitely see the Lord’s hand in this production, he said. “He has made His work so abundantly … [Read more...]
LCU to hold inauguration of 10th President Dr. Mark Johnson
By Elizabeth Clarke, LCU News PINEVILLE, La. (LCU News) - Mark Johnson will be inaugurated as the 10th president of Louisiana Christian University, March 26, 6 p.m. inside Guinn Auditorium. The keynote address will be delivered by Jamie Dew, president with New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. Representatives from the religious, political, business and academic communities in central Louisiana also will offer remarks. A mass choir will provide music made up of members from the Citywide Choir, Alexandria, LCU Chorale, First Baptist Church, Kingsville, First Baptist Church, Pineville, and Philadelphia Baptist Church, Deville. Johnson, who was unanimously voted on by the board of trustees in February 2025, has been in office since June 1. “I am incredibly grateful to the Lord in how He directed our steps through the search process, and we, as a search committee, felt confident God directed us to Dr. Mark Johnson to serve as the 10th president of Louisiana Christian University,” said Tommy Kiker, chair of the presidential search committee. “Since he has stepped into the role, I have been continually encouraged as a trustee of LCU, a friend of LCU and a Louisiana Baptist Pastor. As we celebrate his inauguration, my hope … [Read more...]
Louisiana Christian launches new mission, vision for its 120th anniversary
By Elizabeth Clarke, LCU News PINEVILLE, La. (LCU News) - Louisiana Christian University celebrates its 120th anniversary this year and is launching a new mission and vision for this new era of Christian education. The new mission statement is "Louisiana Christian University equips undergraduate and graduate students to worship intentionally, learn diligently, steward faithfully and lead courageously." LCU President Mark Johnson said: “We want to completely and holistically develop our students—not just prepare them for the workforce.” He and the executive leadership team have worked for months creating a vision to that end. The vision includes the four pillars of worship, scholarship, stewardship, and leadership, and is built around the scripture from Proverbs 3:5-6, which states: "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct your paths." Johnson said Proverbs 3:5-6 literally gives students a dashboard for looking at their lives. Worship intentionally. “Worship is the foundation of all we do, shaping students to walk daily with Christ through chapel, classroom learning, prayer and Christian community, forming lives for … [Read more...]
LCU students compete at 2026 NRB Convention
By Al Quartemont, LCU News NASHVILLE (LCU News) – Students from Louisiana Christian University received several awards from the recent gathering of Christian media professionals at the National Religious Broadcasters Convention, Feb. 16-20, at the Gaylord Opryland Hotel and Convention Center in Nashville. Competing in iNRB, the collegiate division of NRB, the following LCU students were recognized during the annual Student Production Awards: Adàn Wright, Seth Bynog and Danny Cobb – First Place for Video: TV Newscast for The Wildcat Weekly Minute Update; Bryson Baloney, Jacob Mercer and Nick Morrow – First Place for Video: Live Multi-Camera Non-Studio Production for LCU’s weekly chapel service; Danny Cobb – Second Place for Video: PSA, Commercial or Promo/Newscast/Sportscast for his Wildcats Media Sports Report; Adán Wright – First Place for Audio: News or Sports Production for his story on LCU intramural basketball; and Adán Wright, Danny Cobb and Bryson Baloney – First Place for Audio: Podcast Production for The Wildcats Media Sports Podcast. In addition, LCU had three teams of students compete in on-site competitions. They included: Danny Cobb, Jacob Mercer, Kaelyn Richard and Nick Morrow – Second … [Read more...]
Palmer named vice president for institutional advancement
By Elizabeth Clarke, LCU News PINEVILLE, La. (LCU News) - Louisiana Christian University has appointed Beth Palmer as vice president for institutional advancement. Palmer, who will begin her new role March 2, will transition from Louisiana State University of Alexandria, where she has served as assistant vice chancellor and director for the Career Center, with her final day at LSUA set for Feb. 27. In her new role, Palmer will lead LCU’s advancement efforts, including alumni engagement, philanthropic development and strategic partnership initiatives that support student success and institutional growth. This appointment marks both a professional transition and a personal homecoming, as LCU is Palmer’s alma mater and a place that has long shaped her commitment to faith-centered higher education. “We are ecstatic to welcome Dr. Beth Palmer,” said LCU President Mark Johnson. “She is not only a respected leader in higher education, but she is also family. As an alumna of LCU, she understands the heart of this institution, the strength of the Wildcat Nation, and the sacred responsibility we carry to serve both our students and this region. What excites me most is her deep desire to continue serving Central Louisiana, as she … [Read more...]
