Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain. (1 Corinthians 15:58)
“Living legend.” It’s a phrase often used around The Master’s University campus to describe Dr. John P. Stead. For fifty years, he’s been a fixture on the campus, a steadfast presence and source of wisdom, strength, and humble leadership. “He’s shown all of us what a life well-lived looks like by planting himself here and serving this institution in countless ways over the past half-century” said Luke Cherry, Vice President, Development at TMU. “Dr. Stead always believes the best of people, he patiently, lovingly, listens and invests in staff, students and faculty. To say he’s beloved is almost an understatement. Our institution owes him so much.”
In honor of this living legend The Master’s University has created the 2020 Steadfast Scholarship fund, which will provide full-tuition for five brand-new students of The Master’s University this fall. Full scholarship details, including how to apply, are available below.
Dr. Stead first joined the faculty of Los Angeles Baptist College in 1970 as a professor of history. In 1978, he was appointed Vice President of Academic Affairs, a role he served in for 17 years before returning to the classroom full-time in 1995. Dr. Stead has helped lead TMU through some of the school’s biggest milestones, including initial accreditation in 1975, the selection of John MacArthur as the school’s eighth president, the transition from LABC to The Master’s College and then later to The Master’s University. Since returning to the administration in 2013, Dr. Stead has served as Vice President for Academic Affairs, Senior Vice President, and as Interim President. When asked why he stayed at TMUS for all these years, Dr. Stead said the following “I truly love The Master’s University. I get to watch students mature, grow intellectually and spiritually here at TMU, and leave as men and women who love Christ and can truly change the world. And the joy it is to serve alongside so many brilliant, godly faculty and staff: men and women who share the same biblical convictions. To be influenced by them, and to watch them influence my family, is something I couldn’t find anywhere else.”
Only one relationship in his life is more enduring than The Master’s University: his 52-year marriage to his beloved wife, Ellen. “Through everything, the ups and downs, Ellen has been incredibly supportive of my work at TMU. She, as an alumna (‘64) of the school, loves it as much as I do, and this scholarship honors her as much as me.” Together, they have four children and 15 grandchildren, eight of whom have attended The Master’s University through the years. As Dr. Stead begins a new decade of ministry, it is a particular joy for him to teach students of his former students.
We will be celebrating Dr. Stead together with family, faculty, staff, students, and alumni at the start of the Fall semester, so join us in thanking Dr. Stead!
Scholarship Amount:
• Full tuition, equivalent to $27,950/year across four years.
• Scholarship will be combined with your other financial aid.
Eligibility:
• For all new undergraduate on-campus freshmen and transfer students.
• Students must be first-time applicants admitted for Fall 2020.
• Students must complete the FAFSA and the 2020 John P. Stead Steadfast Scholarship application.
• Standard financial aid eligibility applies for awarding and renewal.
Deadline: July 1, 2020
