The President and the Board of Trustees of Acadia Divinity College are pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Matthew Walsh to the Payzant Chair of Biblical Studies. This appointment recognizes Dr. Walsh’s excellence in teaching and scholarship, service to the College and the constituency, and spiritual and community leadership.  

“We are so pleased to see Dr. Walsh step into this historic role,” said Dr. Anna Robbins, President of Acadia Divinity College. “His scholarship and pastoral presence exemplify what this Chair was created to sustain – a deep commitment to Scripture, and to the students who study it.” 

An investment in the Future of Faithful leadership 

The Payzant Chair of Biblical Studies is ADC’s oldest faculty position supported by a lasting gift made possible by a generous donation from Godfrey Philip Payzant, a prominent merchant, President of the Commercial Bank of Windsor, Nova Scotia, and an active Baptist layperson. Through his will, the “G.P. Payzant Fund” was established in 1897, with its income used toward funding a Theological Chair at Acadia.  

Dr. Walsh steps into a long line of distinguished scholars who have occupied the Payzant Chair since its founding—including Dr. Thomas Trotter, the 5th President of Acadia (1897-1906) and ADC Professor Emeritus Dr. Allison Trites.   

“I am truly honoured to be named to the Payzant Chair,” Dr. Walsh said. “I will strive to uphold the strong record of teaching, scholarship, and service that has characterized its former occupants.” 

 Ongoing Scholarship  

With research that has had national and international recognition, Dr. Walsh continues to be active in advancing the academic study of the Old Testament. His work contributes to scholarship and the church’s understanding of Scripture. Some of his publications include:  

Angels Associated with Israel in the Dead Sea Scrolls: Angelology and Sectarian Identity at Qumran. WUNT 2/509. Tübingen: Mohr Siebeck, 2019. 

“What Angel or Prince Is Like Your Redemptive Help? Revisiting the Assistance of 1QM 13:14.” Dead Sea Discoveries 32 (2025): 231–261. 

“Divine Wisdom and Knowledge on Steroids: גבורה in Biblical Tradition and at Qumran.” Journal of Ancient Judaism 15 (2024): 65–97. 

Dr. Walsh’s interest in the Dead Sea Scrolls and other texts of ancient Judaism is inspired by “the obvious passion the writers had for God—how their bold claims of closeness to God are juxtaposed with being overwhelmed by one’s sinfulness and, in turn, the riches of divine grace.” 

Transformative Impact  

Dr. Walsh joined the ADC faculty in 2016, teaching Old Testament, Hebrew, and biblical interpretation. He is known for his expertise and passion for Scripture, as well as his steady pastoral presence as Dean of Students. On July 1, 2026, Dr. Walsh was promoted to full professor.  

We are grateful that almost 130 years later, Godfrey Payzant’s generous gift is still shaping theological education. By stepping into the Chair, Dr. Walsh carries Payzant’s legacy into the future with his excellent scholarship and transformative teaching, ultimately contributing to the formation of church-ready leaders through his service at ADC.