Dr. John Webb (Ph.D., Ohio State University), who retired from HIU in 2014 after 26 years of service, passed into eternity this May. His life and ministry left an indelible mark on all who had the honor of knowing him.

Dr. Webb joined the Pacific Christian College faculty in 1988 with a teaching load in Communication and in Ministry. He developed and utilized expertise in “organizational communication,” consulting with churches and advising them about effective communication strategies and practices within the church organization as well as effective communication by the church to their surrounding neighborhoods and communities.  

Over the years, Dr. Webb also assisted a number of churches in the SoCal region through interim ministries, often inviting PCC/HIU students to come alongside and learn about ministry in the church. Driving to and from those churches on a weeknight or a Sunday must have been the occasion for some rich and meaningful conversations between Dr. Webb and his students, as well as a time of great fun!

Dr. Webb was generously pastoral to both students and to younger faculty. He was especially supportive and encouraging of women in ministry. His impact on generations of students both in the classroom and outside the classroom was meaningful and significant. Dr. Webb was a dedicated churchman and an academic who modeled a steadfast commitment to the church and its mission, sensitive compassion for people, and effective servant-leadership.