Luther College announces professors selected for endowed chairs, professorships and fellowships

Nine Luther College faculty members have been awarded endowed chairs, professorships and fellowships to honor their commitment to teaching and research. Created by generous gifts from Luther community members, these endowed roles provide funds for special projects for the recipient.

The recognition also supports the college’s identity as a community dedicated to academic excellence and the development of well-rounded individuals.

“Every chair, professorship and fellowship has been established to further the mission of Luther, and each reminds us of the college’s commitment to academic excellence and the power of the liberal arts,” said Provost Pam Bacon.

Molly McNicoll, Nena Amundson Distinguished Professorship

Molly McNicoll, associate professor in biology and natural areas manager, will serve as the next Nena Amundson Distinguished Professor.

The Nena Amundson Distinguished Professorship is named in honor of Nena Amundson ’56 (1932-1999), who taught physical education and coached women’s athletics for more than 40 years.

“Many of us are disconnected from nature in our modern society, sometimes only seeing nature as a backdrop or not even noticing it at all. But there is accumulating research and cultural knowledge that indicates we are healthier when we intentionally connect with nature daily,” McNicoll said. “When students connect with nature in my courses, it can be an ‘Aha’ moment of the enjoyment it brings.”

The award is competitive, based on the selection committee’s evaluation of project proposals, particularly those focusing on health and wellness issues for women. McNicoll’s project is titled “Wellness steps through nature.”

“Developing this nature-wellness project will allow us to create more nature connection opportunities for students and the Luther community as a whole,” McNicoll said. “Some of the programming will specifically aim to support women who are interested in developing these connections. Nena Amundson was a trail blazer for women in athletics and this [project] gives our students a wonderful opportunity to benefit from Amundson’s legacy.”

Richard Mtisi, Kermit O. and Jane E. Hanson Professorship in History

Richard Mtisi, associate professor of Africana studies and history, will serve as the next Kermit O. and Jane E. Hanson Professor in History.

The Kermit O. and Jane E. Hanson Professorship in History is named in honor of Kermit O. Hanson ’38 (1916-2010) and Jane E. Hanson ’39 (1916-2010), whose support for the college included an endowment gift to establish the Hanson Professorship. The award recognizes the value of educational opportunities and the quality of the academic program provided by Luther, and in recognition of dedicated faculty in the area of history who influenced the Hansons’ lives and careers.

“It is truly an honor to be recognized as the Hanson Professor of History at Luther,” Mtisi said. “As someone who grew up in a different part of the world, I never dreamed of receiving such an accolade. The recognition reflects not only my own dedication to teaching and research in the field of history but also the inspiration and support of mentors, colleagues, and, perhaps more importantly, the students, who continue to influence my life as a scholar and teacher. I look forward to continuing to advance scholarship in history and to contributing to the mission of Luther through research, teaching and service.”

Guy Nave, Wilford A. Johnson Chair in Biblical Studies

Guy Nave, professor of religion, will serve as the next Wilford A. Johnson Chair in Biblical Studies.

The Wilford A. Johnson Chair in Biblical Studies honors the memory of Wilford A. Johnson and his son, Herbert G. Johnson, in recognition of the value of Christian higher education and the quality of the academic program provided by Luther. The chair was established by the resolution of the Board of Regents in appreciation for the significant support and commitment from its former member Herbert G. Johnson (1911-1992) and his spouse, Katherine G. Johnson (1915-2021), and in recognition of the interests of the donors.

“It’s an honor to receive the Wilford A. Johnson Chair in Biblical Studies,” Nave said. “It seems that we are in a time when scripture is being weaponized in ways to oppress people and that troubles me. I’ve been thinking about ways to help students think about how we can use scripture compassionately in a time of so much despair and to interpret the text to liberate rather than oppress. I appreciate the opportunity to focus on helping the students and our community think about how we use and interpret sacred text.”

Amy Weldon, Dennis M. Jones Chair in the Humanities

Amy Weldon, professor of English and the English department head, will serve as the next Dennis M. Jones Chair in the Humanities.

The Dennis M. Jones Chair in the Humanities, named in honor of Luther Professor of English Dennis M. Jones (1932-1990), is awarded to a member of the faculty who honors the values and traditions of the humanities, enriches the intellectual life of students, and provides academic leadership in the humanities. This was formerly a National Endowment for the Humanities Distinguished Teaching Professorship established through a challenge grant from the NEH and funded during Luther’s Fund for Luther III campaign.

“The Jones Chair appointment is an honor for so many reasons. It represents Luther’s enduring investment in questions of beauty and meaning, and it recognizes how my own writing and teaching try to speak to those issues too,” Weldon said. “It also arrives as I’m beginning my 20th year at Luther, following in the footsteps of English department colleagues who have occupied this position before me. I hope to live up to the example of thoughtful, creative leadership they have set.”

Orçun Selçuk, Rev. John and Barbara Melin Professor in International Studies

Orçun Selçuk, associate professor of political science and international studies program director, will serve as the first Rev. John and Barbara Melin Professor in International Studies. This is a new endowed professorship at Luther.

The Rev. John and Barbara Melin Professorship in International Studies was established by Rev. John Melin ’70 (1947-2024) and Barbara Melin. The award recognizes the critical role the dedicated faculty in the international studies program at Luther play in a globalized world where international concerns impact almost all areas of our lives.

“I am honored to be the inaugural John and Barbara Melin Professor in International Studies,” Selçuk said. “This gift shows the Luther College community’s commitment to global education in politically turbulent times. Luther College is a vibrant place for international education with its course offerings, study abroad programs and student body. I am excited to further contribute to our campus internationalization through this endowed professorship.”

Robert Christman, Martin and Mary Hull Mohr Professorship in Renaissance and Reformation Studies

Robert Christman, professor of history and history department head, will serve as the first Martin and Mary Hull Mohr Professor in Renaissance and Reformation Studies. This is a new endowed professorship at Luther.

The Martin and Mary Hull Mohr Professorship in Renaissance and Reformation Studies was established by former Professors of English Martin Mohr (1928-2019) and Mary Hull Mohr (1934-2021), with additional generous support from former English Professor John C. Bale (1925-2019) and Mabel L. Bale (1925-2008). The award recognizes the strong tradition in the humanities that has characterized Luther from its beginnings, as well as the ways the Renaissance and Reformation continue to shape attempts to define the limits and potentialities of what it is to be human.

“It is a great honor to be selected as the inaugural chair of the Martin and Mary Hull Mohr Professorship in Renaissance and Reformation Studies,” Christman said. “I am delighted by the opportunity to draw attention to this important era of the past that is so deeply embedded in the DNA of Luther College. In particular, I look forward to exploring what the Renaissance and Reformation say about what it means to be human, that enduring question that now, more than ever, is so relevant.”

Jodi Enos-Berlage, Russell R. Rulon Endowed Chair in Biology

Jodi Enos-Berlage, professor of biology, will serve as the next Russell R. Rulon Endowed Chair in Biology.

The Russell R. Rulon Endowed Chair in Biology honors Russell R. Rulon (1936-2016), professor of biology at Luther College from 1963 to 2000, whose teaching and mentoring skills helped numerous students advance to careers in medicine and established Luther’s biology/pre-med program as one of the best among liberal arts colleges. It is awarded to a Luther professor who has demonstrated excellence in teaching biology and dedication to serving as an advisor and mentor to students. The Rulon Endowment was created through the support of colleagues, friends and alumni who were beneficiaries of Rulon’s teaching and mentoring skills. The Rulon Chair will devote part of his/her time to a project that will enhance the training of students in science.

“I am humbled to be the recipient of the Rulon Endowed Chair,” Enos-Berlage said. “I got to know Russ Rulon when I arrived at Luther College in the fall of 2000, and witnessed fellow Biology Professor Wendy Stevens work feverishly to accomplish what many thought was impossible — a $1 million endowment in Russ’s honor. As a farmer, educator, scientist, artist and mother who is driven for impact and positive change, I will use this support to further advance projects aimed at saving soil.

“Soil is the life source, and frankly, it’s in trouble. Specifically, projects will be focused on regenerating soil and community by growing my own knowledge, networks and strengths as well as supporting my students and those who work with, care for, and eat from the soil,” Enos-Berlage said.

“This work ties intimately to my roots growing up on a farm outside of Stockton, Illinois, an upbringing that inspired a love for the natural world and a specific interest in microbiology. I am truly grateful for this opportunity to engage with students, colleagues, and the community to help accelerate the regenerative agriculture movement, a win-win-win for farmers, food eaters and water drinkers,” Enos-Berlage said.

Char Kunkel, Wardell Professorship in Sociology

Char Kunkel, professor of sociology and identity studies department head, will serve as the first Wardell Professor in Sociology. This is a new endowed professorship at Luther.

The Wardell Professorship in Sociology was established through a generous endowment gift by Mark Wardell ’68 (1946-2024). The award was given in appreciation of the quality of the academic program provided by Luther and recognizes the dedicated faculty in sociology.

“I am honored to hold the position because Mark loved sociology and wanted to ensure its continuance at Luther College,” Kunkel said. “In today’s world, there is a great need for a sociological perspective so we can understand what social forces are at play and how to change them.”

Wanda Deifelt, Marilyn Roverud Endowed Fellowship in Lutheran Studies

Wanda Deifelt, professor of religion, received a Marilyn Roverud Endowed Fellowship in Lutheran Studies.

The Marilyn Roverud Endowed Fellowship in Lutheran Studies was established by the Roverud Family in celebration of Luther College’s namesake, Martin Luther, and in honor of the inspired leadership of Marilyn (Haugen) Roverud ’66, alumna, regent, synod volunteer, patron of the arts, friend and more.

As a liberal arts institution and college of the church, Luther embraces a way of learning described by Lutheran studies scholar Darrell Jodock as the “third way”: “committed to academic freedom to seek the truth, respectful of other faith traditions and disciplined to seek whatever will truly serve the needs of the neighbor and make the world more trustworthy.” It is the Roverud family’s intent that this fellowship serve as a catalyst for lively and informed discussion about what it means to be a college of the church.

Deifelt’s fellowship research proposal focuses on Martin Luther’s embodied political theology and addresses how his marriage to Katharina von Bora and the Peasants’ Revolt, both in 1525, shaped his views of vocation.

“One of Martin Luther’s greatest theological contributions was his understanding of vocation — a call to live faithfully and ethically, seeking the well-being of a world in need,” Deifelt said. “With his marriage, Luther reclaimed everyday life as part of divine creation and a way to serve God, thus placing the vocation of a parent as important as that of a priest. With the Peasants’ Revolt, Luther fell short in grasping the complexities of a changing society and failed to acknowledge the needs of the peasantry. The unifying thread between these two events is that of vocation itself, that is, how a Christian is constantly discerning God’s call to be an instrument of love and peace.”

Each fall, Luther College announces the recipients of endowed chairs, professorships and fellowships. This year, the announcement was part of Opening Convocation on Sept. 4, 2025, in the Center for Faith and Life Main Hall.

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