Johnson University Magazine - Annual Report

T H E 2018 JOHNSON UNIVERSITY A NNUA L REPORT

CONTENTS WINTER 2019

2

From the President’s Desk

PRESIDENT

4

Johnson University Educates Students

PRESIDENT, ALUMNI ASSOCIATION

11

For Christian Ministries

13

And Other Strategic Vocations

18

Framed by the Great Commission

22

In Order to Extend the Kingdom of God

28

Among All Nations

31

Gifts to Remember and Honor

L. Thomas Smith Jr. Molly Conaway

PRESIDENT, COUNCIL OF SEVENTY Carl Roudebush

EDITOR IN CHIEF Jennifer Johnson

COPY EDITOR

Marsha Cunningham Linda Reid

PHOTOGRAPHERS Amber Craft Stephen Hester Ruthie Martin Hannah Mattson

CREATIVE & PRODUCTION Ruthie Martin Quillan Scheer

CONTACT INFORMATION

Johnson University Tennessee 7900 Johnson Drive Knoxville, TN 37998 865-573-4517 JohnsonU.edu Info@JohnsonU.edu

OUR MISSION

Johnson University educates students for Christian ministries and other strategic vocations framed by the Great Commission in order to extend the kingdom of God among all nations.

OUR VISION

To bring glory to God and hope to the world by preparing promising students for excellence in Christian ministry through an affordable, community-oriented, Christ-centered education.

Opinions expressed are those of the contributors and do not necessarily represent those of Johnson University.

Copyright © 2019 Johnson University.

All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part without written permission is strictly prohibited.

Johnson University does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, color, national origin, age, handicap, veteran status, genetic information, or political affiliation in provision of educational opportunities, programs and activities, or employment opportunities and benefits, pursuant to the requirements of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and subsequent amendments to that act, Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972 and subsequent re-authorization of that act, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and subsequent amendments to that act.

POSTMASTER

Send address corrections to: Johnson University Tennessee 7900 Johnson Drive, Knoxville, TN 37998

JOHNSON UNIVERSITY EDUCATES STUDENTS FOR CHRISTIAN MINISTRIES AND OTHER STRATEGIC VOCATIONS FRAMED BY THE GREAT COMMISSION IN ORDER TO EXTEND THE KINGDOM OF GOD AMONG ALL NATIONS. JOHN SON U N IV E R SIT Y M ISSION STAT E M E N T

FRO M T H E PRE S IDE NT’ S DESK | 2

From the President’s Desk

I learned the phrase discipline of gratitude from the writings of Henri Nouwen. In his book, The Return of the Prodigal Son, Nouwen wrote: “The discipline of gratitude is the explicit effort to acknowledge that all I am and have is given to me as a gift of love, a gift to be celebrated with joy.”

The spiritual discipline of gratitude demands that we conduct our work with a deep appreciation that all we are, have, and do flow from the grace of God. I attempted to communicate this in my inaugural address: Take care that we never forget all of this is a gracious gift of God, undeserved and unearned; that we never forget God is the Source of every good and perfect gift, and those gifts are to be used for his glory and the extension of his kingdom; that we never forget that with blessing comes responsibility, the obligation of faithful obedience.

As you examine this annual report and reflect on the accomplishments of Johnson University in the past year, please exercise the discipline of gratitude by first giving thanks to God and then determining a way to express your gratitude to our faculty, staff, and students through notes of encouragement or a financial gift to a scholarship fund or our current capital campaign. (See page 31 for more details on how you can give.)

This has been a momentous year for Johnson University as our campus communities have:

Initiated a year-long celebration of our 125th anniversary which included new historical videos, a new history center on the Tennessee campus, and special events at Homecoming, Founders’ Day, Commencement, Senior Saints, Vanguard gatherings, and the Fall Birthday Celebration

Launched a new capital campaign, Uncommon Community: Creating Spaces for Students to Grow, to support the ARC and Royal Fund on the Tennessee campus and the Commons and Florida Fund on the Florida campus

Commenced construction of the Athletics & Recreation Complex (ARC) on the Tennessee campus with a projected March 2019 completion date

Rejoiced with more than 360 graduates (Class of 2018) and their families at commencement services in May and August, and recently held our first-ever December commencement on the Tennessee campus

Dedicated the Florida Commons, a beautiful, first-class dining facility, coffee shop, and student social space on the Florida campus

Celebrated the inauguration of new president Tommy Smith

Honored the exceptional service of Gary and Janis Weedman upon his retirement from the presidency

Assembled the Greater Knoxville Advisory Board to bring together highlevel business, educational, political, nonprofit, and church leaders to advise the president on how to better engage and serve various communities in the greater Knoxville region

Gathered as alumni and friends of Johnson in a series of Vanguard events in Indianapolis, Louisville, St. Louis, Roanoke, WinstonSalem, Johnson City, Knoxville, and Kissimmee to learn how to better represent, recruit for, and increase resources for the University

This annual report focuses on these accomplishments and many more that reflect the fulfillment of the mission of Johnson University. The report is organized around the various elements of the University mission statement and seeks to demonstrate the centrality of this mission in the everyday work of the school. As I recently wrote in the Johnson Magazine: “It is one thing to construct a worthy, historically consistent, focused mission statement and another to implement it within every aspect of the institution. . . . It is imperative that the Johnson community systematically reviews and reaffirms its mission and continues to clearly communicate that mission to its external constituencies.”

“Mission” is more than a buzzword or a trendy catch-phrase—it is both the goal (why we do what we do) and the means (how we do what we do) of our existence as an institution of Christian higher education. As you read this report, I pray you will understand that the mission of Johnson University to extend the kingdom of God among all nations is also your mission as an individual Christian and our mission together as the church of Jesus Christ.

Grace and peace,

L. Thomas Smith Jr. President, Johnson University

“JOHNSON UNIVERSITY EDUCATES STUDENTS...”

4

Admissions Both the Tennessee and Florida campuses experienced enrollment growth in 2018. The Florida team, led by director of admissions Doug Johnson, had an especially strong year.

Under Doug’s leadership, Johnson University Florida jumped 63%, from 57 new students registered in fall 2016 to 93 new students in fall 2018. The current freshman class at the Florida campus includes nine international students and 18 students who are the first in their family to attend college.

Forty-nine percent of new students at JUFL are involved in the University’s athletic program.

JUT N A D M I SSI O NS T E AM JU FL ADMISSIONS TEAM

807 TENNESSEE

On the Tennessee campus, chief admissions officer Lisa Tarwater and her team implemented a variety of new strategies to increase enrollment across both campuses as well as online. These included implementing texting software to communicate with prospective students; developing presentations to educate parents about the application process; creating new communication strategies including e-newsletters, new printed materials, and social media; and enhancing Preview Days and the “Royal Welcome” summer orientation.

206 FLORIDA

Student Enrollment

by Campus

351 ONLINE

369 Graduates

E DUC ATE S ST UD EN TS | 5

Student Life The Student Services and Student Life programs provide students with opportunities to grow spiritually, build friendships with other students, participate in recreation and social activities, and develop leadership and relationship skills that will benefit them for a lifetime.

“

I was considering transferring from my previous school, and I met many Johnson students and alumni. They always discussed the close community Johnson students create on campus and the spiritual development. I was excited to attend chapel three days a week and participate in dorm devotions. I am glad to spend the next three years of my education in a community that is pursuing God. Mikaela Miller

”

On the Tennessee campus, new students are invited to attend a summer “Royal Welcome” during which they meet other students as well as staff and faculty. In the dorms, students participate in hall devotions, hall social activities, and periodic open houses.

Campus programs, often offered in conjunction with the Student Government Association (SGA), include the K-18 Community Service Day, coffee houses, monthly men’s/ women’s worship nights, seasonal social activities, Founders’ Day fun day, and a drama production in the spring semester. Students are also treated to a Christmas meal and program at the annual Miller-Scott banquet. Other services offered by the Student Life office include “Fit to be Tied,” a program for couples contemplating marriage, and health services, career services, and professional counseling through the University Counseling Center.

The SGA also provides recognition and funding for student organizations.

The Ultimate Frisbee Club is one of the largest student organizations and often travels to tournaments around the country. Other student organizations include Harvesters (missions), Students Promoting Social Unity, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, International Students Association, and Drama Council. Students enjoy organized intramurals, recreation, and fitness and wellness programs which will expand when the Athletic & Recreation Complex opens this spring.

Student Life also trains both staff and residence hall student staff in conflict management, suicide prevention, crisis intervention, and personal spiritual wellcare. This training is especially important for the student staff as they work on the “front line” with other students.

On the Florida campus, Student Life regularly offers a variety of social, intramural, recreational, and fellowship opportunities including weekly REC the SUB games, Friday Night Fun activities, a secret sister Christmas party, study night in the library, a Super Bowl party, “Galentine’s Day,” and summer ice cream potlucks.

Florida’s Student Government Association provides a well-attended worship program on Thursday nights and maintains a strong campus community through student events like Fall Fling, the Fall Harvest Party, the Christmas banquet, end-of-semester Exam Jams, Spirit Week, a diversity dinner, the “Suns Out Guns Out” water gun competition, a spring picnic/ banquet, and graduating senior gifts.

6 | E DU CATES STUDENTS

A R C C E L E B R AT I O N S C H E D U L E D F O R A P R I L 1 1 !

Johnson University will celebrate the new Athletic & Recreation Complex (ARC) this spring! The celebration is planned to coincide with Founders’ Day and the spring Day of Giving, both scheduled for April 11. The ARC includes baseball, softball, and soccer fields, tennis courts and basketball courts, a 10-lane swimming pool, a workout and fitness center, a café, a game room, and classrooms and study areas. The official dedication, grand opening, and ribbon cutting is scheduled for August 27.

We are excited about all the ways this new facility will continue to build our “uncommon community” and enhance student life on campus. Learn more at www.JohnsonU.edu/Community.

ED UC ATES ST UD EN TS | 7

FACULT Y SPOTLIGHT DR. NEALY BROWN Nealy earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology at the University of Illinois so she could communicate Jesus more effectively. After earning two graduate degrees from Lincoln Christian University—a Master of Divinity and a Master of Arts in Counseling—she became a chaplain in the Air Force Reserves. She has served in that capacity for 16 years, earning the rank of lieutenant colonel, and as a professor in the School of Social and Behavioral Sciences at Johnson since 2015.

“Most of my counseling work is marriage counseling,” she says.

“I got my doctorate from Northcentral University in psychology with an emphasis on faith-based marriage intensive therapy and wrote three sets of marriage enrichment curriculum.” She also leads marriage conferences around the country.

Nealy and her husband Jeff both teach at Johnson University Florida; Jeff recently retired early from working at Caterpillar, Inc. for Nealy to pursue ministry at JUFL. The Browns enjoy having their students in their home for dinner, games, and fellowship throughout the school year.

“We love Johnson,” Nealy says. “We love the students, and we believe in this mission.”

8 | E DU CATES STUDENTS

DR. SARAH CATHEY Originally, the plan was to be a dentist.

Dr. Cathey majored in biology in her undergraduate work at Lipscomb University and worked for an endodontist for a few years.

“I didn’t like the business end of it,” she says, “and I started looking at graduate programs that took me in a different direction.”

That direction included an M.S. and a Ph.D. in agronomy from the University of Florida, studying how plants interact with the environment, looking at production limits for crops, and working in a forest ecosystem in Florida.

Sarah joined the Johnson University faculty as associate professor of natural science in 2013 and teaches a range of classes including animal biology, plant biology, water science & human thriving, and science concepts & methods.

“I was drawn to Johnson’s mission and I was interested to teach in a Christian context where we could talk about all aspects of understanding the world,” she says. “I’m excited about the science program at Johnson continuing to grow.”

DR. JEFF SNELL “I dated my way into the Christian churches,” says Dr. Jeff Snell.

“My high school sweetheart, Francene, attended an independent Christian church.”

Francene is now his wife, and Jeff is now dean of the School of Congregational Ministry and professor of preaching at Johnson University Tennessee. Before coming to JU, Dr. Snell taught at both Ozark Christian College and Lincoln Christian University and designed the Doctor of Ministry program at Lincoln Christian Seminary.

“I have a great respect for Johnson’s preaching heritage as well as the Third Way approach Johnson takes to education,” Jeff says. “I was drawn to this model because of the collaboration it promotes across disciplines. As I teach preaching I want to

hear from the experts in other disciplines across the University.

How does personality affect preaching? What can we learn as preachers from studying education theories? I enjoy learning from my colleagues.”

In addition to his work at Johnson, Jeff has taught courses at TCM International Institute for several years.

“In one class I taught 18 students from 13 countries, four continents, three generations, and both genders,” he says. “I was teaching Turkish leaders in Vienna while a coup was raging in Istanbul. These experiences have profoundly shaped who I am, who I’m becoming, and the way I teach. My current interest is exploring preaching as a global conversation and working to advance that dialogue.”

ED UC ATES ST UD EN TS | 9

Johnson University Athletics TENNESSEE This year Brandon Perry was named JUTN’s athletic director; Brandon will also continue in his role as the men’s basketball head coach. Ben Fair was hired as the assistant athletic director and will continue in his role as the head coach for the baseball program. The Royals athletic department will soon launch a new website with an updated design including our new logo, live stats, notifications, and mobile app capabilities.

Our athletic teams have seen tremendous success this year. Our women’s volleyball team captured the NCCAA Mid-East Regional Championship, defeating Grace Christian University and securing a bid to the national championship tournament. Two women from the team were named 1st Team All-Region, three players were named 2nd Team All-Region, two received Honorable Mention, one was named All-Region Libero, and two players were named AVCA All-Americans. The team ended the season ranked fifth in the nation. Our women’s soccer team concluded their season ranked fourth in the nation and had five players named 1st Team All-Region, one player named 1st Team All-American, and one player named 2nd Team AllAmerican. The men’s basketball team is currently ranked fourth in the nation and looks to qualify in back-to-back seasons for the national tournament.

FLORIDA Johnson University Florida’s athletic department encourages its studentathletes to think “beyond the game” by focusing on leadership, character, and growth in every area of life. This mission is based on 1 Corinthians 9:24 (“Run in such a way as to get the prize”) and Hebrews 12:1-2 (“Run with perseverance the race marked out for us”).

In September, several teams participated in the first-ever “The Rising Suns” community service project. Over thirty athletes and coaches worked together to clean the building of The Osceola Council on Aging, a nonprofit charitable organization in Kissimmee. In addition to moving students and staff beyond the game to help others, the experience was also a team-building opportunity.

Every Friday, several coaches and athletes gather in the “Honor Room” to pray together for their teams, coaches, opponents, and leaders. Two players from each team also participate in the Student Leadership Council and work together to provide input into the future of the athletic department.

The department is also working on a new athletic logo and a new website.

JUFL currently offers men’s and women’s basketball, men’s soccer, and women’s volleyball. Thirtythree percent of Johnson University students play on one of these teams.

10 | E DU CATES STUDENTS

Johnson University Curriculum Core Though Johnson University undergraduates pursue degrees in dozens of distinct fields, nearly three-quarters of the course requirements are the same for all students. That “core curriculum” in the arts and sciences and in biblical studies and theology is the center of the Johnson experience.

It shapes students to become people who can use their professional skills in a complex world (arts and sciences) to bear witness to the word of God (biblical studies and theology) irrespective of the work by which they earn their living.

Recently we spoke with three senior students— Jessica Hammock, a humanities major from Jacksonville, Florida; Ian Dugger, an intercultural studies major from Port Orange, Florida; and Kyle Troupe, a preaching and church leadership

major from Mooresville, Indiana—about their experiences with the core curriculum. Our conversation repeatedly led back to three themes.

One is confidence. Through the core curriculum, these students report they have acquired knowledge that makes them confident to enter kingdom service. They have gained deeper understanding of the entire Bible and the view of the world it presents. Ian remarked that the Bible curriculum isn’t “just a one-and-done class. Our entire Bible curriculum worked together.” That

understanding of Scripture is coupled with understanding of the world. Jessica observed that through the core curriculum, “I got to see how people think differently and how I can reckon with that as a Christian. I look a lot smaller, because the world is a lot bigger than I thought it was.”

Confidence is coupled with maturity. The core curriculum provides students with the means to address emerging questions and problems as thoughtful, self-aware followers of Christ. Jessica says that she has gained “a holistic view of the world . . . how our culture shapes our view of other people.” Kyle noted that as the curriculum widened his world, it also “darkened a bit of my past . . . my position in the world isn’t as great as I thought it was.”

Ian noted that this altered perspective allows students “to see the beauty and difference among cultures and celebrate those things while also being able to unite around the things we have in common, especially being created in the image of God.” And so Kyle concluded, “When I came to Johnson, a lot of ideas that contributed to my faith were fragile. Now I know it is strong enough to withstand attack.”

Jessica added, “When I came to Johnson, I was dependent on others for my faith. Now I am my own faith director.”

All this leads to action. Johnson students enroll because of their ambition to impact the world for Christ, and the core curriculum gives them the foundation on which to put their faith into effective action. Kyle said that the “main drive” of the core curriculum is “doing something,” as “professors intentionally connect the biblical text to how we can use it.” Ian noted that the effect is immediate: “We talk about how what we just learned can be applied in our ministries, not just in the future but currently.”

As the teachers of such students, we are encouraged and challenged by the growth we regularly see in their lives. We look forward to seeing how their confident maturity will, with God’s power, enable them to “extend the kingdom of God among all nations” in years to come.

“... FOR CHRISTIAN MINISTRIES...”

11

School of Congregational Ministry The School of Congregational Ministry furthers the mission of Johnson University by preparing students for Christian ministries that typically take place in church settings. The School offers two certificate programs, an associate degree, eight undergraduate majors, and one master’s degree. The School includes about 300 students on Johnson’s Tennessee and Florida campuses, online, and at extension sites in Phoenix, Indianapolis, and Orlando. Several highlights from 2018 deserve mention:

PROGRAMS:

PROFESSORS:

• A generous donation funded acoustic improvements in the Russell Preaching Center.

• Over forty students from the Tennessee, Florida, and Online campuses completed internships for academic credit. About the same number completed non-credit internships.

• Two undergraduate and twenty-two graduate students are enrolled in the Strategic Ministry Residency program, which Johnson conducts in partnership with churches and ministries in Phoenix, Indianapolis, and Orlando.

• Dr. Jerry Taylor delivered the 2018 Fred B. Craddock Lectures on Preaching in March. He addressed the topic “The Contemplative Core of Preaching.”

• Under the direction of professor Brian Leslie, the School began a weekend conference devoted to equipping and encouraging high school students who have an interest in church-based ministry vocations. Thirty-seven students attended the inaugural Pursue conference.

• Dr. Jeff Snell taught a graduate course in “Preaching from the New Testament” for TCM International Institute at Haus Edelweiss in Austria. The course had 22 students from several eastern European and central Asian countries. He also taught a Doctor of Ministry course, “Improving the Creativity of Your Preaching,” for Lincoln Christian Seminary. Dr. Snell served as acting dean during most of Dr. Overdorf ’s sabbatical; in October, he became dean.

• Associate professor David Wheeler served as a short-term worker at Haus Edelweiss in Austria for TCM International Institute.

• Dr. Daniel Overdorf completed a sabbatical in December, during which he wrote a biblical historical novel set in firstcentury Judea. He also contributed articles to E2 Effective Elders and PreachingSource.com. Dr. Overdorf spoke for conventions in New York City and East Tennessee and served as a coach for the Next Gen Preacher Search training event at Pepperdine University. He concluded his service as dean in October. His new titles are professor of congregational ministries and director of the preaching program.

• Associate professor Brian Leslie built connections with local and national youth leaders by serving for two weeks as campus pastor for CIY Move, participating with the planning team for the Tennessee Christian Teen Convention, and organizing a gathering of Knoxville-area youth ministers. He is also continuing his graduate studies through Lipscomb University.

He served as main speaker for the high school week at Allendale Christian Camp and provided workshops and lessons at various church events.

• Dr. Rory Christensen began serving as associate professor of congregational ministry at JUFL in August. Since his arrival, he has built strong mentoring connections with students and expanded Johnson relationships with area churches and church leaders.

• Dr. Michael Shannon served as a keynote speaker for two conferences in Florida and at various special church events in the Midwest. He continued his writing ministry with a regular column on illustrations for Preaching magazine. Dr. Shannon also continues to serve as a commissioner for the Chaplaincy Endorsement Commission of the Christian Churches and Churches of Christ.

12 | FO R CH RIST I AN MINISTR IES

Church Partnerships

Our ministry partners include: Phoenix: Christ’s Church of the Valley Eagle Christian Church (Boise, ID) Orlando: Real Life Christian Church

Johnson University continued to partner with churches and other ministries around the country in 2018 to provide students with opportunities for hands-on, mentored ministry training in local contexts.

Johnson offers a residency program in which students spend nine months serving and learning with vibrant churches in Phoenix, Indianapolis, and Orlando. The program includes an undergraduate option through which students spend their senior year in residence earning a major in Strategic Ministry.

The program also includes a graduate option through which students complete the residency and online work to earn a 34-credit Master of Strategic Ministry within twelve months.

Students spend Mondays in class with doctoral-level professors learning about effective, strategic ministry leadership. During the remainder of each week, they serve with mentors in their ministry fields completing projects and participating in ministry. The residency also includes a class called “Bible Lands,” which is built around a trip to Israel and includes appropriate pre- and post-work.

Twenty-four students are participating in the residency during the 2018-2019 school year.

Indianapolis: Greenwood Christian Church Indian Creek Christian Church Park Chapel Christian Church Plainfield Christian Church White River Christian Church BLOC Ministries (Cincinnati, OH)

13

“...AND OTHER STRATEGIC VOCATIONS...”

School of Business & Public Leadership The School of Business and Public Leadership (SoBPL) constantly pursues ways to immerse students in business topics infused with biblical principles. The faculty of the business administration program challenge students to become ethically and socially responsible Christian business leaders, whether they choose to pursue their passion in a nonprofit, for-profit, or government industry. Our goal is to equip students with the knowledge, skills, and abilities that are necessary for gaining employment in the 21st-century workplace, while simultaneously developing Christ-like character that will positively affect each student’s sphere of influence.

Tasking students to apply the knowledge they gain to make decisions, the new business curriculum engages students in real-world scenarios through simulations, case studies, and discussions. The Commons Café on the Florida campus will serve as a lab or practicum for business administration majors who will take leadership roles in its operation and experience a real business training venue.

“

I love that my professors emphasize the practical application of what we learn. The point of learning is to be able to put it into practice. So with the exercises, discussions, and presentations, I actually remember what I learn and discover how to use my knowledge.

Pam Mundi

In a continuous effort to establish excellence, the SoBPL is actively pursuing program accreditation from the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP). On September 9, 2018, the School received a letter from ACBSP approving its Application for Candidacy Status. The accreditation process will enable us to review our current programs, benchmark against established standards for business schools, and determine opportunities for improvement. According to ACBSP, “Benchmarking against a set of external quality standards provides reassurance both that the service meets the needs of customers, but also that it matches the quality that the market expects.”

”

AND OT H E R ST RAT E G IC VOCATIONS | 14

School of Communication & Creative Arts The School of Communication & Creative Arts (SCCA) continues its focus of preparing students for “other strategic vocations” by creating more opportunities for students in the fields of mass communication, music, and worship.

SCCA faculty completed the design of JU’s first Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA), a degree focused on visual production and design. The degree immerses students in visual arts and trains them in graphic arts, video production, animation, and web design.

Students from other majors can supplement their skills and education by minoring in video production or graphic design.

While the BFA, the graphic arts and design minor, and the video production minor are new to Johnson University, the areas of mass media/communication and production have long been viewed as strategic vocations. The need for the use of media arts in kingdom work and cultural impact is evident.

The BFA is a technical/arts-focused degree, but content will be taught through the lens of faith.

Students will be challenged to use the skills they learn to advance the kingdom and “bridge the gap”

as they prepare for a field that is desperate for voices of faith.

SCCA faculty also received licensure approval for the Bachelor of Music Education, which is a partnership between SCCA and the Templar School of Education.

Students can now receive Tennessee state teaching licensure in music education. Our first student is expected to graduate this year.

The School also launched the bachelor’s degree in journalism and digital mass media on the Florida campus this year and will launch the bachelor’s degree in strategic communications on both campuses in 2019, with a tentative date of 2020 for the online degree. This will be SCCA’s first completely online degree option.

In the worship ministry program, our unique focus on worship theology has been successful. Churches continue to hire our worship ministry majors at a very high rate. Most of our students are working in worship ministry, or have a job secured, before graduation. We want to see this area of study grow, as we regularly have churches come to us seeking worship ministers.

The faculty also created an associate of music degree for both campuses. This is strategically important so students in Tennessee can bring Tennessee Promise Scholarship money with them. This allows students to pursue their strategic vocations at JU their freshman year rather than doing two years at a community college before coming to JU.

AND OTH E R ST RAT E GI C VO C AT I O NS | 1 5

School of Intercultural Studies

The School of Intercultural Studies prepares men and women to work cross-culturally, at home and abroad, in vocations that are strategically designed to extend the kingdom of God. The School offers an undergraduate and four graduate certificates, two associate degrees, ten undergraduate majors and concentrations, and a Master of Arts with five concentrations. The graduate programs are specifically designed to allow students to work on the mission field and continue their education as needed. In the undergraduate programs, one highlight of the on-campus student’s experience is the mentored internship. During 2018, mission students completed internships in many countries including Nepal, Japan, Germany, France, Guatemala, and Tanzania.

Beyond excellence in the classroom, the School of Intercultural Studies faculty is active in missions, scholarly endeavors, and publishing. Activities are intentionally considered to enhance the education of students and to advance the kingdom of God.

“

The online program in Intercultural Studies is an exceptional tool that has transformed my life. JU opened my eyes so that I have begun seeing the world through Christ’s eyes.

Thanks to Johnson University for making my learning experience enjoyable and challenging, as well as retooling my heart for service.

Terry Gunn 2018 graduate, Associate of Science in Intercultural Studies

”

Examples include: • Dr. Linda Whitmer served as president of the Association of Professors of Mission which held its annual meeting at Notre Dame in June 2018. She was named the first president emeritus of the association. She was also named prayer chair for ICOM (International Conference on Missions) for 2019.

• Dr. Kendi Howells Douglas continues to play a central role in urban ministry as senior editor of Urban Loft Publishers’ Urban Ministry in the 21st Century series, as well as editing and publishing several other articles and books such as Christ Laid Hold of Me in the International Journal of Urban Transformation.

• Dr. Steve Whitmer serves as associate editor for MissionalPreacher, a publication of the American Society of Missiology.

• Dr. Gerald Mattingly has continued to demonstrate his scholarly expertise through publications and presentations.

His activities include the publication of three essays in the Archaeology Study Bible: English Standard Version on “Daily Life in Israel in Old Testament Times,” “Archaeological Dating,” and “A Short History of Archaeology in the Near East.”

• Professor Brent Brewer continues work on his doctoral studies at Oxford Centre for Mission Studies.

16 | AND OT H E R ST RAT E GIC VOCATIONS

School of Social & Behavioral Sciences In preparing this report, it seemed fitting to highlight the mission statement developed by the faculty of our School to provide guidance and cast vision for how we seek to fulfill the University mission statement. It reads: The School of Social & Behavioral Sciences (SSBS) exists to develop passionate Christians, strategically trained and professionally competent to serve in our community and throughout the world. We want to develop:

Passionate Christians who…

• • •

embody compassion and humility, which compels us to offer mercy undergirded with justice. seek redemption emotionally, physically, economically, socially, and spiritually. embrace service to others as an expression of God’s desire for reconciliation, both with God as well as with ourselves, our families, and our communities.

Are Strategically Trained to…

• • •

meet others where they are in brokenness, respecting the dignity of every human being. live in the intersection of poverty and privilege, grace and truth, what is and what might be. serve individuals, churches, and the broader community.

Are Professionally Competent to…

• • •

adhere to best practices with the highest ethical and professional standards in the field. implement innovative and effective interventions built on a foundation of lifelong learning. practice across diverse contexts, with integrity and awareness of self and others.

“

In my teenage years God placed a calling on my life to serve children and youth.

Following that call eventually led me to Johnson as I sought a career in school counseling. I am now serving in a highneeds, low-income community school where I am prepared for the unique situations I encounter. The focus of the program on cultural competency, development, spiritual integration, and self-care have proven to be vital. Long before I was aware of the needs of that mission field, God ordained my education at Johnson to equip me.

Emily Fain-Lynch, 2018 Graduate, Master of Arts in Counseling

”

AND OTH E R ST RAT E GI C VO C AT I O NS | 1 7

Templar School of Education Templar School of Education continues to move forward based on the success of our five-year strategic plan. We will soon be entering the fourth year.

Our different campuses have different needs. The Florida campus is on target with recent approval of a K-6 elementary education licensure program. This license approval will come with endorsements in reading and English as a Second Language. Our Tennessee campus has recently received great news from the Tennessee Department of Education that will allow our JUTN campus to begin K-12 music and K-8 special education licensure programs. The special education licensure program is much needed in Tennessee to serve the marginalized students in public and private schools. Finally, as we approach the “finish line” of our first cohort in the Ed.S. program, we’re excited to say the second cohort recruiting process has begun.

To complete our five-year plan, we still need to implement the Ed.S. K-12 administrative licensure program in 2019.

This would be followed by an Ed.D. program in 2020 that would be a culmination of both Ed.S. cohorts.

The Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI) team recently completed their on-site visit. Johnson University and the Templar School of Education received stellar reviews. Also, in November 2019 the Tennessee Council for Accreditation of Educator Preparation team will be on our Tennessee campus for a five-year licensure review.

Enrollment continues to improve in our School on both campuses. Also, we recognize the resources it takes to implement the plans, proposals, and programs to make our collective vision come to fruition. Kudos to a wonderful Johnson University administrative team that continues to support our vision so it becomes a reality.

At Templar School of Education, our vision is clear, our goals are being met, and we’re excited about the short- and long-term future of our University, School, faculty, and staff, and especially our students.

“...FRAMED BY THE GREAT COMMISSION...”

18

TWO CAMPUSES, ONE THEME, AND A UNITED MISSION FOR JOHNSON UNIVERSITY CHAPEL As a University, we cannot respond to the Great Commission in extending the kingdom of God unless we are actively participating in that kingdom.

Chapel is a time in which we as the Body of Christ connect as a body to Christ our Head, breathing into our lungs and our souls the clean air of the kingdom that we might breathe it out again as we live and move and have our being within the brokenness of this world. Therefore, chapel exists to not only bring God the unique honor, pleasure, and glory of our communal worship through prayer, song, and the study of his Word, but also to cultivate a sense of Christ-centered community on campus through worship services (on Tuesday and Thursday mornings) and small groups (on Wednesday mornings) that reflect an academic setting, support the overall mission of the University, and challenge us to grow together as disciples into the likeness of Christ.

Each year both campuses share a theme that guides the texts and topics of each chapel. Our theme this year is: “Because of Your Participation in the Gospel…” (Philippians 1:5). In the fall, we focused on the various uses of the word koinonia (translated “participation” in Phil. 1:5) throughout the New Testament in an attempt to understand what it means to participate in the gospel. In the spring, we will focus on the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus—in other words, the gospel in which we participate. In Christ, the kingdom of God has come near, and we are invited in.

“

In my four years at the University, I have studied four chapel themes that gave depth to my understanding of the Lord’s Supper (“Do This in Remembrance of Me”), the universal Church (“My Praise in the Great Assembly”), prayer (“Lord, Teach Us to Pray”), and fellowship (“Because of Your Participation in the Gospel”). Each year, the chapel theme spans beyond the four walls of the physical chapel. The theme finds its way into dorm life, classrooms, and the greater city of Knoxville. I am thankful for the impact chapel has had on my spirituality and will forever value the fruit of each theme I had the opportunity to study.

Brad Campbell

”

“

As a Media Services employee, I’ve come to deeply appreciate how each aspect of a service—whether lights, sound, or video—can create an environment of personal growth that complements the Word of the Lord being spoken. As a member of the chapel worship leadership team, I’ve not only learned the importance of intentionality in choosing each part of a service but I have grown in my understanding of worship as a whole.

Parker Everett

”

F RAMED BY T HE G RE AT CO MMI SS I O N | 1 9

A call for a prayer response or a call to action is incorporated each week into the services. Students grow in various roles of student leadership: in worship leading and participation, speaking, production, scripture recitation, hosting, and serving.

Additionally, weekly student-led Thursday evening coffee shops with devotions and worship music, plus two additional morning coffee shops each semester, provide informal settings among students to grow deeper and grow together.

Bill Wolf guides chapel and spiritual formation on the Florida campus. A Florida Chapel Committee, consisting of an administrator, two faculty members, and a staff member, currently assists the dean in developing spiritual formation and community within the JUFL campus family.

Our work can best be described in three words: connect, grow, and go. Faculty, students, and staff are connected in corporate worship two days a week and in a discipleship group each Wednesday. The campus family cultivates relationships with one another by worshipping together, praying together, working together, studying together, and eating together, both in larger contexts and smaller groups. We hope that students grow in their Christian walk by hearing and being challenged by timeless and relevant messages through the chapel groups.

At the initiative of President Smith, Johnson University is beginning to develop more intentional strategies for spiritual formation. Dr. Smith listed this as one of his priorities in his inaugural presentation to the faculty in August 2018. His desire is to see a comprehensive plan for spiritual formation that spans both campuses and coordinates chapel, small groups, accountability groups, mentorships, service learning, and career services. The president charged the dean of the chapel with oversight of this effort. The first step is to assemble a team of people who can together define what the term “spiritual

During the annual Missions Emphasis Week, the campus family is called to greater awareness and engagement in the calling of the Great Commission. The students are further encouraged to use their developing knowledge and skills to go outside campus walls to serve the community and area churches through teaching, preaching, leading, counseling, volunteering, or serving. Various “serve” projects are coordinated through the office of Student Life, as well as the chapel discipleship groups. The Great Commission compels faculty, students, and staff to use their God-given talents and resources to help meet identified needs and serve all people, regardless of color, creed, and culture.

“

I love chapel and I’m glad it is a requirement for every student. It is a unique opportunity for remembrance: to remember our purpose and to exhort one other to pursue that purpose wholeheartedly. Several chapel services have been the most meaningful moments during my time at Johnson, especially the prayer chapels which have fueled my passion for God’s kingdom.

Kyara Figueroa

formation” means for a private Christian university.

The goal with this team is to articulate the “why” and the “what” of spiritual formation. Once those foundational issues are established, a second team will be assembled—made up, in part, by the primary stakeholders of the areas mentioned above such as service learning, career services, and others.

This group will research, discuss, and ultimately craft a comprehensive plan for spiritual formation at Johnson University. The members of the first group are currently being identified and assembled, with the goal of meeting for the first time during the spring semester of 2019.

Spiritual Formation

”

20 | FRAME D BY T H E G RE AT COMMISSION

Service Learning IN FLO RIDA During the 2017-2018 school year Florida students completed over 3,000 service hours, stretching across Florida, up to Virginia, and even reaching Trinidad. Students served in area churches and their home churches as worship leaders, Sunday school teachers, and youth sponsors. Central Florida is home to a large number of homeless people, and many students also connected with area churches to serve this population.

Many students feel a responsibility to serve in their home churches even if it requires a commute on Sunday mornings. They have enjoyed watching the time and energy they are pouring into Sunday school lessons or worship benefit their congregations.

I N T E N N E SS E E Johnson University Tennessee has implemented a plan called “Metacognitive Understanding for Service Engagement (MUSE).”

MUSE is designed to help students recognize the reciprocity between their classroom learning and their service learning experiences. This includes two components: a curricular module that requires students to reflect on their learning in the wider context of both their service and the University’s mission as part of five Arts & Sciences core courses, and two “service reflection courses” that make connections between their field of study and their service learning experiences.

The overarching theme of both courses—Service Learning and Discipleship and Multicultural Experience—comes from Acts 1:8.

Students explore what it means to be Jesus’ witnesses in Jerusalem, Judea, and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth, and serve at a local organization, church, or school for at least 20 hours each semester. In Service Learning and Discipleship, students develop metacognitive thinking skills and field research skills, practice diverse spiritual disciplines and expressions, and explore leadership and vocational practices as it relates to their service learning experiences. In Multicultural Experience, students cultivate skills in intercultural communication, begin to understand the multi-faceted dimensions of poverty and wealth, practice economic discipleship, and learn how to integrate change and development models into their service-learning experience. Both courses employ a dialogical model in which reflection informs action and action in turn informs reflection. Both courses have small sections of students to encourage deeper connection with the faculty and build community.

Our athletes are also using the skills learned on and off the court to work with youth. Senior Jay Smith spent time at Superior Collegiate Academy as an assistant basketball trainer working with high school students where his goal was “to bring these young athletes closer to Christ while also continuing to elevate their skills in all facets of the game of basketball.”

“

Creating relationships with those we served, rather than just checking a work project off a list and moving on to the next thing to be done, was an important aspect of my mission trip. Many of the interpersonal and counseling techniques and skills I have learned over the last two years at Johnson equipped me to be able to handle such situations more effectively.

Jessica Hammock

“

”

One of the best parts about my service learning experience was getting to see how much the kids I was working with grew. I realized service is valuable and important to the overall health of the church.

Brittnay Parsons

”

F RAMED BY T HE G RE AT CO MMI SS I O N | 2 1

K18 Service Day Johnson University Tennessee coordinated the annual “K18” day of service on September 27. Classes are cancelled for this campuswide experience and students are given the opportunity to serve in dozens of organizations throughout the community.

ORG A N I Z AT I O N S S E RV E D DU R I N G K 1 8 Angelic Ministries CAC Beardsley Community Farm CAC Mobile Meals Catholic Charities of East Tennessee: Columbus House Catholic Charities of East Tennessee: Samaritan Place The Children’s Center of Knoxville, Inc. Daily Living Center Family Promise of Knoxville Focus Ministries Knox Area Rescue Ministries (KARM) KARM Stores KICKO/KLF Knox County Association of Baptists: Western Heights Baptist Center Knox County Head Start Knoxville Habitat for Humanity ReStore LIVE-IT Ministry Lost Sheep Ministry/Knoxville Dream Center The Love Kitchen Mane Support O’Connor Senior Center Second Harvest Seymour Volunteer Fire Department Smoky Mountain Area Rescue Ministries Volunteer Ministry Center Wesley House Community Center YOKE Youth Ministries YWCA Knoxville & the Tennessee Valley

“...IN ORDER TO EXTEND THE KINGDOM OF GOD...”

Through the Capital Campaign In February, Johnson launched its most ambitious capital campaign to date. Uncommon Community: Creating Spaces for Students to Grow provides two facilities as well as general operating expenses on both our Tennessee and Florida campuses through 2023. The goal is $24,500,000.

However, the campaign is not simply about buildings and budgets. The focus is the University’s mission to extend God’s kingdom and is based on Philippians 1:3-5: “I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now.” The Greek word for partnership is koinonia, which can also be translated community or communion. Johnson University truly is a place of uncommon community, and so we are working together to create two new spaces to connect our students.

Tennessee’s Athletic & Recreation Complex will offer opportunities for physical fitness, sportsmanship, and personal growth, while the Commons on the Florida campus will allow students to enjoy meals together in a beautiful dining hall and gather for study and socializing. Just as Jesus grew “in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man” (Luke 2:52), we also want our students to grow intellectually, physically, spiritually, and relationally.

Generous alumni and friends have already given and committed $5.4 million to this campaign. Visit JohnsonU.edu/Community to give and to learn more about both projects.

22

IN OR D E R TO EX T E ND T H E K I N GDO M O F GO D | 23

Through Stewardship COM BI N E D REVENUE & EXPENSES R E VENUE T U IT IO N, FEES, STUDEN T IN COM E G I FTS PE RMANENT SCH FUND I N COM E I N VEST MENT IN COME OT H E R

TOTAL INCOME E X P E NS E S AC ADEMICS A N D A DMIN IST R AT I ON STUDE NT SERVICES S C H O L ARSHIP S PH YS ICAL P LANT AUX IL IARY ENTERP RISES D E BT S ERVICE OT H E R

TOTAL EXPENDITURES

2017-2018 A M O U N T P ERCENTAGE $2 0, 2 2 2 ,1 89 $1 ,737,04 3 $1 , 837,000 $2 , 9 1 3 ,7 1 9 $2 , 5 6 8,06 0

$29,278,011 A M O U N T P ERCENTAGE $1 6 , 2 82 , 6 83 $2 ,79 9, 802 $2 , 5 80, 492 $2 , 808,1 2 6 $2 , 241 , 4 5 5 $2 ,04 0,75 5 $3 4 8, 63 3

T U IT IO N, FEES, STUDEN T IN COM E G I FTS PE RMANENT SCH FUND I N COM E I N VEST MENT IN COME OT H E R

TOTAL INCOME E X P E NS E S AC ADEMICS A N D A DMIN IST R AT I ON STUDE NT SERVICES S C H O L ARSHIP S PH YS ICAL P LANT AUX IL IARY ENTERP RISES D E BT S ERVICE OT H E R

TOTAL EXPENDITURES

2017-2018 A MO U N T P E RCENTAGE $1 7,1 69,72 1 $1 , 2 05 , 957 $1 ,7 76 ,000 $2 , 9 1 3 ,7 1 9 $2 , 41 7, 887

T U IT IO N, FEES, STUDEN T IN COM E G I FTS PE RMANENT SCH FUND I N COM E I N VEST MENT IN COME OT H E R

TOTAL INCOME E X P E NS E S AC ADEMICS A N D A DMIN IST R AT I ON STUDE NT SERVICES S C H O L ARSHIP S PH YS ICAL P LANT AUX IL IARY ENTERP RISES D E BT S ERVICE OT H E R

TOTAL EXPENDITURES

67 % 5% 7% 11% 10%

$25,483,284 A MO U N T P E RCENTAGE $1 3 , 5 4 2 , 5 82 $1 , 9 88,76 5 $2 , 2 92 , 9 1 1 $2 , 4 47, 874 $2 ,083 , 2 04 $1 , 9 09, 5 05 $2 39, 86 6

55% 8% 9% 10% 9% 8% 1%

$24,504,707

JU FL REVENUE & EXPENSES R E VENUE

5 6% 10% 9% 9% 8% 7% 1%

$29,101,946

JU T N REVENUE & EXPENSES R E VENUE

69% 6% 6% 10% 9%

2017-2018 A MO U N T P E RCENTAGE $3 ,052 , 4 6 8 $53 1 ,086 $61 ,000 $$1 5 0,1 73

8 0% 14% 2% 0% 4%

$3,794,727 A MO U N T P E RCENTAGE $2 ,74 0,1 01 $81 1 ,037 $2 87, 5 81 $3 6 0, 2 52 $1 5 8, 2 5 1 $1 3 1 , 2 5 0 $1 08,767

$4,597,239

60% 18 % 6% 8% 3% 3% 2%

24 | IN O RDE R TO E XT E ND T H E K IN GDOM OF GOD

COST PER STUDENT 2017/2018 Affordable tuition was foundational to Johnson University and remains a guiding principle for the University. Still emblazoned on the walls of the flagship Tennessee campus are the words of founder Ashley Johnson: “Open day and night to the poor young man who desires above every other desire to preach the gospel of Christ.�

We employ two strategies to keep that promise. First, we keep our costs as low as possible. The cost to educate a student at Johnson is well below the national average, as illustrated here. Second, we keep our tuition costs below our actual costs through the generosity of donors who have provided endowed scholarships and annual donations to cover general operations.

INVESTING IN THE UNSEEN As Johnson University launched our 125th Anniversary celebration in February, we concluded our Investing in the Unseen campaign. The goal was $15,000,000. We actually received $16,255,893!

Thank you for your investment in Johnson students through this initiative!

$46,9901

$26,7082 $24,1462 $21,0803 National Average

Charged Charged for TN for FL

Source: College Board / 2Expenses divided by the number of full-time students at JUTN/JUFL / 3 JUTN Tuition, Room, and Board/JUFL Tuition and Room

JUTN INDIVIDUAL GIVING 2013/2014

$1,723,714

2014/2015

$1,608,437

2015/2016

$1,539,106

2016/2017

$1,600,499

2017/2018

$2,023,423

$15,000,000

RECEIVED

Spent for FL

1

$16,255,893

GOAL

Spent for TN

$18,2703

According to Giving USA, the leading report on charitable giving in America, 2017 set a new record in generosity with charitable gifts topping $410 billion. The vast majority of that giving (over 70%) came from individuals. Johnson University, especially on our Tennessee campus, reflected that national trend in 2018. Giving from individuals reached a five-year high of over $2 million.

As we successfully concluded Investing in the Unseen, we also launched our most ambitious campaign to date, Uncommon Community. This is a five-year, $24.5 million campaign to fund two building projects as well as the annual funds on each campus. At the end of 2018, we were slightly ahead of schedule on our five-year goal!* AMO UN T G I V EN /CO MMI T T E D T H R O U GH DE CE MB E R 31, 2018

$5,396,040 TOTA L A M OUN T NE E DE D F O R C A MPAI GN

$24,500,000 *The schedule assumes $24,500,000 evenly distributed at approximately $408,334 per month (or 1.667%) for 60 months.

IN ORD ER TO EX T E N D T H E K I NGDO M O F GOD | 25

Through Community Partnerships GRE ATE R K NOXVILLE ADVIS O RY BOARD This summer, Johnson University created the Greater Knoxville Advisory Board to help Dr. Smith and the University develop deeper relationships with the Greater Knoxville region. The Board held a kickoff retreat in August to brainstorm potential initiatives that would connect Johnson’s students, faculty, and staff with the community and met again in November to begin focusing on specific plans for the coming year.

We are excited about the potential of this Board and thrilled at the caliber of leaders from across the city who have agreed to serve!

F U TURE O F H O P E The Future of Hope Youth Theology Initiative—funded in part by a generous grant from the Lilly Endowment—provides Knoxville-area high school students with an opportunity to engage their city by inspiring them to think theologically about the challenges of living in a contemporary urban context.

This initiative carries out its mission through the following components: • The Future of Hope Institute is a selective program for rising juniors and seniors from Knoxville inner-city high schools. The program begins with a three-day retreat followed by a week-long institute. The 2018 Future of Hope cohort consisted of 16 students from eight different Knox county high schools, representing 15 churches and ten denominations. This year’s cohort was the most racially diverse group, with 56% identifying as black, 38% as white and 6% as Latino. Forty-seven students have participated in the Institute since it launched in 2016.

Future of Hope has awarded $44,800 in scholarships to Institute alumni and is projected to award an additional $48,800 over the next two years. Seventeen percent of Future of Hope Institute alumni pursue post-secondary degrees at Christian colleges and universities.

• The Faith and Justice Summit is an opportunity for high school students and youth leaders to reflect on injustice in our society, engage in biblical conversation, and connect with like-minded students from different backgrounds. Through workshops, a keynote speaker, and roundtable discussions, students gain knowledge

about how to respond to injustice and are empowered to take biblical action that will impact the Knoxville community. Sixty-six local high school students and church leaders attended this year’s first-ever Summit.

• Future of Hope EMERGE is a five-day trip to Chicago focusing on urban ministry, theology, culture, and social justice. EMERGE provides students an opportunity to engage with ministries that serve inner cities and gain theological insight in a large urban context. This summer, Future of Hope alumni also participated in the EMERGE program.

26 | IN O RDE R TO E XT E ND T H E K INGDOM OF GOD

U R B A N S C H O LARS As a businessman, church planter, and parachurch leader, Alec Woodhull embodied Johnson’s mission. That Alec was able to accomplish this through the strategic vocation of small business ownership and a life of volunteering is a compelling testimony of an integrated Christian life.

Today, Johnson University is more intentional than ever in its commitment to equip students to live out the integrated life through strategic vocations framed by the Great Commission. The Urban Scholars program exemplifies this commitment by intentionally partnering with under-resourced students from urban Knoxville who wish to complete a four-year degree at Johnson.

At this time, with $154,000 raised in Alec Woodhull’s name, we are pleased to have five Urban Scholars on the Tennessee campus. In fact, we are especially pleased that our very first Urban Scholar— Yeni Martinez from Central High School in Knoxville—is scheduled to graduate this spring!

U R BAN P LUNGE The Urban Plunge program is designed to provide a select number of upper-level undergraduate students with a one-of-a-kind opportunity to explore urban ministry, academic integration, spiritual formation, and intentional community within the context of a mentor-based missional cohort.

Since 2012, seven cohorts (51 JUTN students) participated in the Urban Plunge program. Just as pregnancy includes a nine-month gestation period, the Plunge has trimesters of ups and downs—but always, as with every pregnancy, there is the expectation of something beautiful being born in the end.

Cohort five, for example, included senior Ciarra Chiusano Smith, who struggled to find her place in ministry for most of the program. In fact, it was not until the eighth month of her journey, while experiencing and reflecting on a mission trip to inner-city Philadelphia, that she fully knew her clear calling to urban ministry. Because of her time in the Plunge, Ciarra went on to complete a master’s degree in urban ministry.

Congratulations to you, Ciarra! And to all the students who are taking the Plunge: growing in faith, skills, and knowledge for missional purposes among the cities of the world.

R OYA L EX P LO RE RS For the fourth year, Johnson University has partnered with the Emerald Youth Foundation to conduct the Royal Explorers Summer Camp. As part of this experience we want middle-school students to see science in the real world, to explore science careers, and to see a future in which they attend college.

To accomplish these goals, graduate students work with inner-city middle school youth, taking them on field trips in Knoxville and working with them on experiments and activities on the Johnson University Tennessee campus. In

the past four years, we have served over 150 middle school students, with 55 campers in two different camps this year.

Next year our program will include three camps with a potential of 90 campers and 30 leaders.

While the aim of the camp is to teach science, our biggest desire is to build relationships with the students and show them Christ’s love. We believe that extending the kingdom of God begins in our city with students who may not experience the love of Christ in their daily lives.

IN OR D E R TO EX T E ND T H E K I N GDO M O F GO D | 27

K N OXVILLE FELLOWS The Knoxville Fellows is a year-long program designed for recent college graduates who want to grow spiritually, professionally, and academically while developing a deeper sense of their vocations as leaders in the city of Knoxville.

The Knoxville Fellows is part of the Fellowship Initiative, a Christian leadership development organization that sponsors similar Fellows programs across the country. The seven men and seven women who make up each class of Fellows spend ten months in Knoxville engaged in an intensive program built around living together in community, working and professional development, and learning.

Since the fall of 2014, Johnson has partnered with the Knoxville Fellows to provide graduate education as part of their academic course offerings. As the partnership developed, the Fellows leadership approached Johnson about offering a full graduate degree. Beginning this year,

we have begun the process of transitioning these courses into a full graduate degree program that focuses on training in leadership, biblical and theological studies, and ethical theory. All Fellows will now receive a Master of Arts in Leadership and Ethics through Johnson University, pending final accreditation approval.

This exciting and innovative program is another sign of Johnson’s commitment to training Christian leaders for strategic vocations in the city of Knoxville. The Knoxville Fellows program is intentional about developing Christian leaders who stay in Knoxville, and a high percentage of Fellows alumni work in leadership positions in the city and are active in Knoxville’s civic and religious life. They are valuable ambassadors for the University as well as leaders who are equipped to make disciples.

Florida Community Partnerships

Since February 2015, Johnson University Florida has been working with local Latino pastors through the Kissimmee Area Ministerial Association to establish relationships and develop pathways for Latino students to enroll at JUFL. In addition, many JUFL students work with local Hispanic churches and parachurch organizations to help Latinos dislocated from Puerto Rico make central Florida home.

JUFL has participated in “Viva Osceola!” at the Kissimmee lakefront during Hispanic Heritage month (September 15-October 15). This event is a celebration of all the Latino cultures that call Kissimmee home.

In addition, Mindy Marengo-Sardinas was recently named JUFL’s Latino community liaison. Mindy will continue to strengthen our presence within the Latino community and help our growing Latino/Latina student population feel comfortable at JUFL. JUFL also partners with the Haitian Coalition of Central Florida to provide guidance to Haitian and other minority families to prepare first-generation youth for college, and students and faculty from the elementary education program partner with Ventura Elementary School to conduct an annual summer Reading Camp.

“...AMONG ALL NATIONS.�

28

Alumni Around the World

LOC AT I ON O F J U A LU MN I A R O U N D TH E WO R L D

Matt Nance, class of 2013 Matt and his wife Susan live and work in Jordan, seeking to serve Syrian refugees displaced by the ongoing conflict in their own country. The Nances help to obtain needed resources for the refugees, connect them to job opportunities, provide access to healthcare, and more. In addition, Matt is pursuing a Ph.D. through the Oxford Centre for Mission Studies and teaches part time at Johnson University Online.

Erika Nishiyama, class of 2014 A native of Japan, Nishiyama returned to the country after her studies at Johnson to pursue her calling to serve youth. She works as a youth minister with a local congregation in addition to teaching in the public school system.

She has hosted meetings of the Christian churches in Japan and reached out to youth within the community.

Anyway Mupesewa, class of 2014 Mupesewa serves as an evangelist in his home country of Zimbabwe, preaching at churches, conducting workshops, and holding revivals throughout the country. He also serves with Eden Christian Ministries Inc., which works with orphans affected

by HIV/AIDS. Mupesewa is also an accomplished musician who has recorded and released a CD in Zimbabwe.

Jeff Fife, class of 2002 Jeff and his wife, Monica, serve as the executive directors of Brazil River of Life Ministries, which exists to make disciples, plant new churches, and provide assistance and justice in the country of Brazil and other Portuguese-speaking nations. Jeff will also be serving as president of the 2019 International Conference on Missions.

Australia Austria Bosnia Botswana Brazil Burkina Faso Canada Chile China Colombia Dominican Republic England Ethiopia Ghana Guinea Haiti Honduras Hong Kong Hungary India Italy Ivory Coast Jamaica Japan Jordan Kazakhstan Kenya Kosovo Mexico Mongolia Mozambique Myanmar New Zealand Papua New Guinea Poland Puerto Rico Russia Sierra Leone South Africa South Korea Spain Taiwan Tanzania Thailand Tibet Tonga Turkey Uganda Ukraine USA Vanuatu Vietnam West Africa Zimbabwe

AM ONG A L L N AT I O N S | 2 9

Diversity & Inclusion

The Diversity and Inclusion Committee began several years ago when two separate groups of faculty and staff visited the Council for Christian Colleges & Universities Diversity Conference. This committee consists of faculty and staff at Johnson University who have been charged with partnering with Cabinet-level leadership to foster an equitable, diverse, and inclusive campus community. This group has also been given the task of developing goals and initiatives related to diversity and inclusion. In its first two years, the group created a University-wide statement regarding unity, diversity, and inclusion and hosted a two-day diversity training opportunity for faculty, staff, administrators, and student leaders with Redgina Hill, director of diversity and inclusion at Bethel College.

Moving forward, the committee will work with senior leadership to implement strategies for removing barriers to diversity and inclusion. One new initiative for the 2019 calendar year is launching a faculty and staff diversity book club.

JO HN SO N UN IVERSI TY DI VERSI TY STATEMENT Johnson University strives to foster an equitable, diverse, and inclusive community that promotes the success and well-being of women and men across races, ethnicities, socioeconomic backgrounds, abilities, and ages. Johnson University’s commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion is first and foremost rooted in Scripture. Our mission statement—to “educate students for Christian ministries and other strategic vocations framed by the Great Commission in order to extend the kingdom of God among all nations”—derives from Jesus’ Great Commission given in Matthew 28. This mission commits us to extending God’s kingdom among and making disciples of all people. Furthermore, Johnson University is committed to reflecting the multicultural kingdom of God that includes people from every tribe, language, people, and nation, as shown in Revelation 5. Finally, as Paul describes the Christian’s ministry as one of reconciliation in 2 Corinthians 5, we are committed to the ministry of reconciling both humanity’s broken relationship with God and humanity’s broken relationship with others, relationships which often

manifest themselves in divisions between races, ethnicities, socioeconomic backgrounds, abilities, and ages. We pursue this reconciliation by embracing and embodying the God-given gifts of unity and diversity.

Johnson University’s commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion is also rooted in our heritage. Johnson rose from the tradition of the Stone-Campbell Movement, which seeks to foster unity in the midst of theological diversity for the larger goal of mission as described in Jesus’ prayer for unity found in John 17. The founders of the University were dedicated to providing education for all socioeconomic groups, as evidenced by their openness to all “who desire above every other desire, to preach the gospel of Christ.”

We have not and do not live out these ideals perfectly, but we aspire to move toward our commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion in all areas of the University: students, staff, faculty, and administration.

30 | AMO NG ALL NATIONS

First Generation Students

“

College opened up a lot of ways to learn more about myself. I started running cross-country and acting. I learned to play the piano. College offers the opportunity to grow.

Some kids want to be firefighters or police officers when they grow up. For whatever reason I’ve always wanted to be a history teacher, so I’m studying history at Johnson.

The people who help first-generation students support and bring peace not only to the student but to the family of the student. I’m grateful for people who believe pioneering students can make a difference.

Kris George

“

”

I came to Johnson with $200 and a prayer. I work 20 hours a week while attending classes.

When I graduate, I want to pursue a degree in physical therapy and specialize in gerontology back home in the Bahamas.

Johnson allows me to combine my career path with study of the Bible. On behalf of every firstgeneration student, thank you for all of your love, support, and prayers.

Denaire Pickstock

”

In 2015, after noticing a correlation between students frequenting the Academic Support Center and students who are the first in their families to attend college, Johnson University began tracking first-generation students’ admittance and retention. After analyzing this information and conducting further research, the director of academic support recognized a need to provide additional resources to help these students succeed at Johnson. Although every first-generation student requires personalized support, many students experience difficulty within four distinct domains: professional, financial, psychological, and academic.

This year, Johnson University began piloting a mentoring program on the Tennessee campus to address these needs from multiple angles. This program provides academically successful first-generation upperclassmen mentors to incoming firstgeneration freshmen. This provides work-study positions for the upperclassmen and serves as an emotional and academic resource to the freshmen. Fifty first-generation freshmen have access to mentors this year. If the program is successful, it will expand to the Florida campus.

Johnson University’s First-Generation Program also began assisting students financially. Many first-generation students struggle to pay for their tuition and room and board. In addition, many students cannot afford their textbooks, school supplies, other school-related fees, or necessities for daily life.

The financial burden on students leads some to try completing classes without access to the needed textbooks. To address these needs, Johnson created a need-based scholarship specifically for upperclassmen first-generation students and created a lending library to provide access to the necessary textbooks for all offered courses.

This year, Johnson served 211 first-generation students in Tennessee and 78 in Florida. With support, these firstgeneration students can earn their degrees, reinvent themselves, and reposition their families in positive ways that impact following generations.

Gifts to Remember

31

GIFTS RECEIVED FROM OCTOBER 1, 2018 TO DECEMBER 31, 2018

THE SUPPORT OF DONORS LIKE THESE MAKES IT POSSIBLE FOR US TO FULFILL OUR MISSION. WE ARE GRATEFUL FOR THEIR GENEROSITY! If you would like to make a gift, please visit JohnsonU.edu/Donate or call our Advancement offices: 865-251-2253 (TN) 407-569-1388 (FL) JOHNSON UNIVERSITY TENNESSEE IN MEMORY OF

Stephen G. Abernathy Caleb Andrew Able Roberta Able

Elizabeth Ann Absher Elder John Adcock Clyde & Ethel Albright Steve Allen Warren D. Allison Richard & Ruth Apple Ronald Apple Kenneth & Margaret Arnold Edgar Ashworth Rebecca Stewart Atwood Mitzi Avant Jeannette H. Ayers Bille Bacon Olin & Edna Badeaux Bob Badgett Darrin Todd Bailey Justus D. & Ina K. Barkley Robert E. Black Robert & Blanche Black Joseph & Margaret Blakslee Irma Blevins Tom Blevins William “Bill” Blevins Erette Bobbitt Larry Boehringer Marcia K. Booher Russell Booher Norma Bounds Ralph Bounds

M/M H. A. Bourne Richard Bourne B. E. & Irene E. Boyce Celia B. Boyer

DONATED BY

M/M Charles Ronan Norman Able Norman Able M/M Dan Able M/M Richard L. Peck Lucretia Scammahorn M/M Rick Absher Nancy Adcock Sgt. & Mrs. Scott Paul M/M Frank Allen M/M Sam Eddy M/M Richard K. Apple M/M Joshua D. Kelley M/M William Lemasters Jr. M/M Paul T. Coleman M/M Robert G. Perkins M/M Ted C. Avant M/M Keith Wilkins M/M David Crumpton Don Bacon Lynn M. McKnight Norma Badgett M/M Perry Bailey M/M Duane Calhoun M/M Steve Ford M/M John Black D/M Carl Bridges M/M James Burrell Grady Blevins Grady Blevins Norman Able Peggy Blevins Anthony R. Manuel M/M James D. Jordan Lillian Boehringer Michael D. Booher Michael D. Booher Ralph Bounds M/M Paul Beam Wanda Caldwell M/M Dean Davis D/M David Eubanks M/M Philip Eubanks M/M Charles E. Hathaway Sybil Knight Constance Taylor Peggy Bourne Tonya Hoffmeister Peggy Bourne M/M Ken Broad Tonya Hoffmeister Elizabeth Day Laura Boyer

IN MEMORY OF

Clyde & Dorcas Boyer Ray & Louise Britton Marcy Snyder Brogan Jane Brookshire Betty Brown Ida Mae Brummett Lewis & Elizabeth Buckley Joe Burbrink Cecil Byrd Joseph & Lillian Cahill Calvin D. & Delphine Calhoun Dick Canfield Ruth Long Carmony Ruth Carnathan Vernon L. Carpenter W. Glenn Carter J.T. Carver

DONATED BY

Laura Boyer M/M Jon Hubacher Audra Norwood Don Brookshire First CC, Carmi, IL D/M David Holdaway Cecil Howard M/M Jerry Sweitzer Betty Byrd M/M Larry D. Potts M/M Duane Calhoun Mabel Canfield M/M Frank T. John D/M Ralph D. Carnathan Jo Ann Langston M/M Norman Nolde D/M David Eubanks Betty Ann Sykes Mary Case M/M Paul T. Coleman B.D. & Edna Caton Dr. Benjamin Caton III Benjamin D. Caton Sr. Dr. Benjamin Caton III Irma J. Caton Dr. Benjamin Caton III Billy & Roberta Chambers Jane Chambers Billy Chambers M/M John M. Stricklen Bill & Chappy Chapman M/M James Chapman Louis Cheek M/M Harry Williams Anna Lou Chowning William R. Chowning Mary Christensen D/M Rory E. Christensen Neal Clapp Dorothy Clapp Allen & Jennie Clark Sheila Clark Clarence “Sandy” & Helen Clark M/M Curtis Sherrill Floyd Clark M/M Steve Ford Floyd & Billie Clark Ruth Dorney Betty Ann Sykes Ima H. Clark Evelyn C. Kelley A. Berton Clarke M/M David Clarke Joe & Helen Cobb Christian Comrade Cl, First CC, Selmer, TN Bill & Jane Coffman M/M James Chapman Wanda Cole Earl E. Cole Richard & Evelyn Cole M/M William Sutton Minnie Coleman M/M Paul T. Coleman Helen Thompson Collins First CC, Pennington Gap, VA Helen Thompson Collins Klaus Wirbelauer Raldo Cook M/M Timothy W. Cook Fred J. Couch Joyce Couch M/M Harrel Quimby Drs. Daniel & Charlotte Wilson Fred W. Couch Joyce Couch M/M Harrel Quimby Drs. Daniel & Charlotte Wilson Howard & Myrtle Crabtree M/M Steve Ford “Granny” Crabtree D/M James D. Harless Fred Craddock Dr. Benjamin Caton III Ralph & Ruth Culler Craig Delich Tim Gartrell

IN MEMORY OF

William Curtis Mark & Wilma Dailey Glen and Mary Daugherty

DONATED BY

LaVerne Curtis M/M William J. Day M/M Glen Daugherty Ed Jeffries Viola Daughtry Rose R. Frank Charles W. & G. Gurney Davidson M/M Gene Davidson Paul R. Davis Patricia Davis Sam & Mattie DeBord M/M Bruce DeBord Glena Culler Delich Craig Delich Walter M. Dine Spearsville CofC, Morgantown, IN John H. Dorney Ruth Dorney Don E. Doyle Catherine Doyle Toni Lynne Doyle Catherine Doyle Denis Dutka Ruth Dorney Vernon Eaton M/M Paul T. Coleman Emili Williams Dr. Harvey & Ruth Enyeart M/M James Gresham Berenice Eubanks M/M Philip Eubanks Doris J. Ferguson M/M Frank T. John Pat Ferguson M/M Frank T. John Carlos Fields M/M Nathan Jones Charles Flake Linda James Scott Forrester M/M Donald D. Forrester Catherine Earlene King Fowler M/M John T. Fowler Patty French Anthony R. Manuel Coy & Matteline Frost Col. & Mrs. Charles V. Smoot Corporal Josiah R Fulton M/M Keith Exum Mark Fulton M/M Dennis Fulton Donald M. & Mary H. Gally M/M Paul T. Coleman Ted & Ruby Gartrell Tim Gartrell Denise Gates Brenda Boggs David & Patricia Gerkin M/M Dewayne Barnard M/M Jeffrey G. Gerkin Dorothy Trexler Pilley Kenneth & Dorthea Gould M/M Jeffrey G. Gerkin Teena Green Jon Green East Win CC, Memphis, TN Thoe Green Jon Green Clayton R. Grimstad M/M George O. Grimstad Carol Grimstead Carey C. Grimstead Roger Grubb M/M Mark W. Grubb M/M Donald F. Sandwell Bill & Ethel Gulick Patsy Campbell Clarence & Bettie Gurkin M/M Bill Simmons III Carl B. Hackney Karen Hackney Don & Vicky Hagy M/M Charles B. Morris George & Doris Haley M/M Paul T. Coleman Gail Hamilton Sgt. & Mrs. Scott Paul Harry & Gladys Hamilton Ruth Dorney Daniel Hardison Betsy M. Hardison Judy Hardison Suzanne Modlin Faye Hardison M/M Lemuel M. Hardison Rufus & Katie Hardison M/M Randy Hardison Gene Harper Marjorie Harper

G IFTS TO R EMEMBER | 32 IN MEMORY OF

Gene Harper Troy Hasty

DONATED BY

M/M Kevin O’Brien Rose R. Frank Shirley Hasty D/M Gregory L. Linton Cecil Hatfield M/M Larry Hatfield Max & Rosabel Haven M/M Del Schanie Elizabeth Hayes M/M Frederick S. Summers Richard G. Hayes M/M Frederick S. Summers Bea Herrin D/M David Eubanks Clarence Herrin M/M Wyatt Scoles Charles E. (Gene) Higgins Kay Higgins Della King Lois D. Higgins Kay Higgins Della King John Paul Hill M/M Bill Cummins Harold & May Hockley M/M William A. Morse Tiffany Hodge M/M Spencer Blackmore Alva & Janet Holland Kay Higgins Della King J. Spencer & Maggie P. Holland Kay Higgins Della King Janet M. Holland Kay Higgins Phyllis Holsclaw Tim A. Holsclaw Winston & Arvilla Honsberger M/M Robert Sargent Frank & Edna Horn M/M John Horn Kenneth & Marion Hoschouer M/M James Gilmore Jack R. Hudson Guyton CC, Guyton, GA Wilson & Gleta Hughes Rev. William A. Hughes Ray Huskins East Side CC, Elizabethton, TN Jack & Maxine Hyder Tammy Hyder H. Eugene Ingram M/M Lowell Ingram John M. Jackson Sr. Karen Hackney Raymond & Eleanor Jackson Dorothy Wood Raymond Jackson M/M Russell E. Millspaugh Harold & Rosie Jackson Sgt. & Mrs. Scott Paul Eldon Jandebeur Ellen Jandebeur Lyle Jesse First CC, Findlay, IL Hattie Johnson D/M Greg S. Harrell D/M Mark J. Harrell Sue Harrell Hoyt L. Johnson Geraldine Bailey Grace W. Johnson Nelda Simpson Laurel Oak CC, High Point, NC Bob & Dorothy Johnson M/M Larry Johnson Duke & Louise Jones Christine P. D’Ascoli John and Mary Jones M/M Steve Fulton Sam P. Jones Arnolds Creek CC, Middlebourne, WV Charles Kellar M/M James R. Kellar Jack Kelley M/M Paul T. Coleman First CC, Pennington Gap, VA Rachel Kelley M/M Joshua D. Kelley M/M Nathanael S. Kelley M/M Paul Kelley M/M David J. Martiniuk Eugene & Ruth Ketchen D/M John Ketchen Prentice & Chaplain & Mrs. Edward H. Kicklighter Mary Kicklighter Phillip Yung Kim D/M C. Y. Kim David Kineman D/M David Eubanks Carl D King Dr. Benjamin Caton III Floyd Kline Jr. Carol Kline William E. Knight Sybil Knight Mable Clara Knop M/M James A. Knop Richard Knowles Eunice Knowles Jeremy Grant Koontz M/M A. A. Russell Linda Ladd Berean Builders ABF, Okolona CC, Louisville, KY Mark Landrum M/M Cash Hilliard Carol S. Lane M/M Major W. Lane Debra Mintz Leahy D/M Bruce Greene Fenton & Edith Ledermann Kathryn Morecraft Thomas A. Lesh Jane Lesh-Willard Charles E. Lewis Martha Lewis

IN MEMORY OF

John E. Littrell Dr. Adam Reid & Lola McNeely Liverett Jack & Becky Lowe

DONATED BY

Marjorie Murry M/M William R. Liverett

Ruth Dorney D/M David Osborn Robert Lee Lowry Sgt. & Mrs. Scott Paul M/M Rod Waldroup Russell Lutes M/M Richard Parker Russell Lyall Marie Lyall Lauren Lyons Christene Lyons Harold L. Maddux M/M Frank Baker Jr. Nadine Dorsheimer Mahler M/M Richard E. Tamble Cleopas & Maxine Malone M/M Bill Worrell George H. Manning Sr. M/M George H. Manning Jr. Linnie Manning Jessie V. Martin M/M Gene Grasham Raymond Martin M/M Tom Moll Bob Martin M/M Joshua D. Kelley M/M Paul Kelley M/M David J. Martiniuk Carl McClellan Kathryn McClellan Vicki McDonald Louise Ridlen Cecil McGee M/M Kenneth L. Underwood Jim & Lillian McKowen M/M David McKowen M/M Paul McKowen M/M Ronald Shepherd Barry & Edna McLean Dick and Carol Clifford Woodrow & Gladys McPhetridge D/M L.D. Campbell H.O. and Jennie B. Meade Margaret M. Gillenwater Harold Meriwether Kay Meriwether Don & Virginia Merrell M/M Scott A. Biss M/M Rick Merrell Richard A. Merrill Peggy Merrill Joseph Messick Jr. Bonnie Messick Wendell & Lois Miller D/M Roy Miller Rev. Oscar T. Moline M/M Oscar L. Moline Jeff Monday M/M James Monday Golden & Mildred Moore Philemon Class, Mortons Gap CC, Mortons Gap, KY Ronald D. Moore Debra A. Adams Ruth Moore M/M Wes Moore Frieda Boyer Morgan Laura Boyer Russell & Jean Morgan M/M Tom Moll Keith Morrical M/M Daryl Morrical Allen Morris M/M Randy Finchum Iris Morris East Union CC, Atlanta, IN Newell & Margaret “Peggy” Morris M/M Charles B. Morris Oren Mulvany D/M David Eubanks M/M Philip Eubanks Joyce Scolnick Murphy Judith L. Ecton Jane Scolnick Tom Neely Geraldine Neely William B. & Ethel Neeriemer M/M Ned Cates Jack & Nadine Noel M/M Jack Warner Robert Norwood Audra Norwood Bill & Betsy Ogden Susan Calderon Bertie Oliver M/M Frankie W. Pilley George & Berneice Overdorf M/M Bill Paul Richard & Helen Overmyer M/M Steve Overmyer M/M Elmo M. Owen M/M William K. Knight Rebekah Patten D/M Gregory L. Linton Gorden Patten D/M C. Y. Kim William C. Peeples M/M David Peeples John & Edna Phelps M/M Danny Nunn Scott H. Phillips Jimmie Phillips Dian Leamnson Phipps M/M Doug Irvin Judy L. Pickett M/M Bill Worrell Jeremy Worrell Jim Pierson M/M Jerry C. Estes Norma Pierson Rachel Simpson M/M David Stacy

IN MEMORY OF

James H. “Hal” Pitts Jr. David Earl Poling Don Pouncey Fred C. Price Mayo & Janet Proctor Olive Pryor

DONATED BY

Janet Pitts M/M William Martin Betty J. Moore Dwight C. Price M/M Larry Proctor Lt. Col. & Mrs. Bruce A. Bennett Margaret M. Gillenwater Dorothy Pyle Scottsville CC, Floyds Knobs, IN Michael, Marilyn, & Baby Quinn Ivagene Quinn James N. Rainey M/M Richard Rainey John Ralls M/M Scott W. Teaford Lawrence & Violet Randle D/M Harold Keck M/M Ronald Shepherd Harry C. Randolph M/M Bob Buchanan Jean Ray M/M James D. Jordan Howard & Gwen Ray Ms. Sharlotte L. Ray Wilbur & Mabel Reid M/M Larry Johnson Margaret J. McClimans Linda Reid Wilbur Reid Jr. M/M Paul T. Coleman M/M Mark W. Grubb M/M Larry Johnson M/M Jon Rawlins Linda Reid Leslie Richhart Lorrene Wetzel Charles W. Ridlen Brenda Boggs Sara Michael Louise Ridlen M/M Bill Russell Joyce Stotts June Zeigler Surfside CC, Myrtle Beach, SC Kelly Roberts Peggy Blevins D/M David Eubanks M/M Wayne A. Sayre A. J. & Jean Robinson M/M Jerry Sweitzer James & Audra Rose Mary Lee Cunningham D/M Gary E. Weedman Walter Ross Doris Wotring Deane Rothrock Leroy Rothrock Clark & Ruth Rowland Ruth Dorney Ruth Rymer M/M A. A. Russell Maxine Sams D/M David Eubanks Lewis Sams Martha Sams Ronnie W. Sams M/M Mark W. Grubb Bertrum “Butch” Scott M/M Bert Scott Jr. Robert C. Scott M/M Scott Vance Jean Seals M/M Delbert Seals Jean Shannon Patricia J. Bonner Erlanger CofC, Erlanger, KY D/M David Eubanks Foscoe CC, Boone, NC Martha J. Harris M/M Mark Norman D/M David H. Ray D/M Michael Shannon Robert Shannon M/M Gary Taylor D/M Tony Twist D/M Gary E. Weedman M/M Francis Wootton Don & Ruth Sharp M/M Robert L. Binkley M/M D. Stephen Sharp D/M Ronald L. Waggoner Gayl & Irene Sheets M/M Timothy Banta Samuel & Amanda Sheets, M/M Gary W. Sheets John & Virginia Sheets, Pennie Sheets Mary Ann Shell Fellowship Cl, West Side CC, Elizabethton, TN C. E. & Grace Shepard D/M Eugene Nix C. E. Shepard M/M Paul Shepard Ollie Mae Shumake M/M Robert H. Duke John Sichting M/M Dan R. Noblitt Hannah Steward

33 |

G I F TS TO REME MB E R

IN MEMORY OF

Cyril & Mary Simkins Harold & Marsha Simones Web & Jan Smartnick Elbert Bryan Smith Howard & Irene Smith Josephine Smith Joann Smith Ronald “Pat” Smith Ivan & Betty Snider Edith “Mama” Snow

DONATED BY

M/M James L. Simkins Pamela Simones M/M Richard Smartnick M/M Carl Smith M/M Kevin Duval Max Smith Max Smith Scarlett Smith M/M Donald F. Sandwell M/M Harlon Coy Carol Ann Gilbert Orin & Edith Snow Linda Reid Carlton & Evelyn Snyder Audra Norwood Sidney Spain Elizabeth Spain Clifton Spainhour D/M David Eubanks Howard & Conston Spradlin M/M Sam Smithwick Madonna Burget Spratt M/M Joel Rood Kenneth Starkey Jeanne Starkey Arlie & Thelma Steffenson M/M Darwin Miller Carole Vosdingh Robert L. Stewart M/M Robert G. Perkins M/M Herman Stone M/M William K. Knight Jim Stookey M/M J. Kent Stookey Lewis & Helen Styons Mary Garrison Don Summers Eloise Summers Helen & Oren Sutton M/M William Sutton Ed & Martha Swartz M/M Philip Eubanks Edward Swartz Martha Swartz Charles Syester D/M David Eubanks David Sykes Betty Ann Sykes Robert E. Taylor Ralph Bounds Constance Taylor Josh Teegarden M/M William G. Teegarden Vine Grove CC, Vine Grove, KY S. Edward & Daisy Tesh Nancy Thompson S. Edward Tesh M/M LaVerne Tesh James A. Thomas M/M Wade E. Clark Beverly Thomas Kenneth Thompson Nancy Thompson W.F. and Pearl Trexler Dorothy Trexler Pilley Clyde H. True Phyllis True William “Bro Bill” Turnage Lila Turnage M/M Mike Turnage Jane Tuttle M/M Dean Davis Bill Twaddell David C. Leist Rheba Tyson M/M Dametraus Jaggers George & Ranie Vartenisian Kay Higgins Della King Alice Jo Voris Deborah K. Apple M/M Richard K. Apple Sophia Apple M/M Larry Bellville M/M Andy Brewington Karen Denney Molly Garau Lynn Habegger M/M Marty Haslanger Rachel Hazaray Marjorie Hendricks Mary Hooper Hostetter & Associates Attorneys at Law Kenneth Johns Ann L. Johnson M/M Robert E. Kelly M/M Roger A. Larrison Theresa Mattson M/M Brent A. McClain D/M John E. McKinney M/M Dave Murray Lori Nichols Debra Phillips Mary Etta Stearns M/M Dale Steele

IN MEMORY OF

Alice Jo Voris

DONATED BY

Jennifer Stewart M/M Chase Stone M/M Richard Stuart Jr. M/M Thomas E. Sylvester M/M James M. Tageson M/M Dominic Tumminello Wanda Weatherford Holly Yoder M/M Victor Young Larry J. Vosdingh M/M Darwin Miller Carole Vosdingh V.K. Vose Mark & Rebecca Vose Sedig Lee Waggoner D/M Ronald L. Waggoner Halsey and Mildred Wakelin Christian Church Foundation Inc. Adrian Walker Christine S. Walker Rufus H. Walker M/M Webster Walker Chuck Walters Suzanne Fultz M/M Jerry Kincaid M/M William Vaught Marlene Walters Bill Ward Virginia Ward Ritchie Ware Anne R. Waring Sharon Warner Louise Ridlen Sharon Waterman M/M Brian Ury Lester Waters Christian Workers Cl, Corinth CC, Loganville, GA Corinth CC, Loganville, GA M/M Donald Myers M/M Walter Stearman Charleen Waters Crystal Waters Dorothy Waters Zachary Waters M/M Larry Willard Willie Dean Waters Dorothy Waters W. Edward Watts M/M Tom Moll Drema Tolbert Way M/M William K. Knight Beverly Weaver Col. & Mrs. Charles V. Smoot M/M William M. Weaver Donald Weaver M/M William M. Weaver Marshall & Marie Weaver M/M William M. Weaver Melody Weaver M/M David R. Branco M/M William M. Weaver George & Donna Wells D/M Randy Wells Wallace O. Westhoff Donna Westhoff Betty Wheeler D/M David Eubanks Don & Julia Wheeler M/M Wallace W. Andrews Glen and Evelyn Wheeler Judith Fugitt M/M David Wheeler Leonard White III M/M Lloyd Ginns M/M John T. Moore Richard Swartzel M/M Leonard M. White Jr. Joe Whitesel M/M David Wheeler Russell Willeman Jane Willeman Clarence Williams M/M James W. Freeman Ernie Williams M/M Larry T. McAdams Samuel & Jeanette M/M William A. Palmer Jr. Warfield Willman Clara Glass Willyard Laura Boyer Frank E. Wilson Elmira Wilson Joseph Wilson Helen B. Wilson Teresa Gail Marion Wilson Fellowship Cl, West Side CC, Elizabethton, TN Eddy Wilson Charles Wingfield D/M Timothy W. Wingfield Glenn D. Wolfe Scottsville CC, Floyds Knobs, IN M/M Jack Warner Alec Woodhull M/M Kelly E. Clevenger D/M Frank Murchison Allen & Nona Worrell M/M Bill Worrell Don & Winnie Wright M/M Ronald Bourland John F. Yearty Marilyn Yearty Gary L. Zeigler Judith Zeigler Matthew Zeigler Judith Zeigler

JOHNSON UNIVERSITY FLORIDA IN MEMORY OF

Richard & Ruth Apple Bob Badgett Joyce Barlow Rich Irma Blevins Billy Chambers Roger Chambers Bill & Chappy Chapman Jim Chesser Mary Christensen Bill & Jane Coffman Sam & Mattie DeBord Agapito & Rosalia Fernandez Loretta Goodman Richard & Betty Hayes

Richard Holley Phyllis Holsclaw Mark Landrum David Meyer Ella Mae Muniz Cassie Pack Kathy Tison

David Tison Bill Twaddell Don & Julia Wheeler

DONATED BY

M/M Richard K. Apple Norma Badget M/M Jeff Barlow Grady Blevins Jane Chambers M/M Doyle Adams M/M Robert Mehlenbacher M/M James Chapman M/M Del Schanie M/M Rory E. Christensen M/M James Chapman M/M Bruce DeBord Major John F. Fernandez D/M David Eubanks A. B. Clifton & Associates M/M Wallace W. Andrews Virginia B. Booth Lois A. Douglas Paula C. Gray Toni A. Herderson-Wiese Hilton Grand Vacations M/M John Hollkamp Joe Costa & Associates Rodney P. Keyes M/M Jack Larocca The Main Street Academy Edith S. Newberry M/M Malvern L. Powell M/M Frederick S. Summers M/M Paul C. Peppard Tim A. Holsclaw M/M Cash Hilliard Eva Meyer Luis Muniz M/M Devon O. Craft Anonymous Grady Blevins M/M Bruce M. Dusterhoft M/M Philip Eubanks Alan Tison D/M Guthrie Veech Neoma Tison M/M Victor L. Tison David C. Leist M/M Wallace W. Andrews

Gifts to Honor

34

GIFTS RECEIVED FROM OCTOBER 1, 2018 TO DECEMBER 31, 2018 JOHNSON UNIVERSITY TENNESSEE IN HONOR OF

Class of 1950 Class of 1953 Class of 1957 Class of 1968 Class of 1969

DONATED BY

Norman Able M/M Frank Baker Jr. D/M Raymond Williams M/M Tom Moll Betty Ann Sykes M/M C. Scott Richmond M/M William K. Knight M/M Tom Moll Class of 1976 M/M Bruce Graff M/M Ronald Hayes M/M Robbie King M/M Douglas E. Newhouse Class of 1977 M/M Bruce Graff Class of 1981 M/M G. Kevin Duval Class of 2001 Joe Gibson Class of 2003 Lenny Becker III Class of 2005 M/M Scott A. Curtice Allison Williams Class of 2006 M/M Kyle Thorp Class of 2009 M/M Adam Bloch Class of 2013 M/M Michael A. Reynolds Class of 2015 Grace Resha Class of 2016 M/M Jackson Moser Class of 2017 Hailey Bullis M/M Kaleb Smith Class of 2022 M/M Eric L. Gilpin M/M Rodney E. Tarwater Dalton Hill Christian Church M/M Tyson Chastain Dennis Pruett Terra Ceia CofC, Pinetown, NC Kevin & Lee Able Norman Able Ruby Thomas Norman Able M/M Dan Able M/M Richard L. Peck Lucretia Scammahorn Don & Jessie Adams M/M Don Brewer Charles & Virginia Aldridge Christopher A. Aldridge M/M Ralph Sproles Leroy Ashworth M/M Paul T. Coleman Tony & Diane Augsburger Raleigh CC, Rushville, IN Frank & Alice Baker M/M Hugh Lee Thomas Banks D/M John C. Krug Harmon & Mildred Battles M/M Joe R. Green Clair and Charlotte Berry M/M Frank Baker Jr. Peggy Blevins Norman Able Margaret M. Gillenwater Gary & Renee Boschain M/M Gary Boschain Sr. Della Swain Glenn H. Bourne M/M Scott W. Teaford Lauren Whalin Brammer M/M Rick D. Whalin L. D. & Joyce Campbell M/M Charles Holland Joe & Joan Caraway Pratt CC, Baldwyn, MS JUTN Advancement Office Sharon Ford Dick Clifford Carol Clifford Tom Cooperider Laura Strater Brigitte Corley M/M Bert Scott Jr. Christian and Chase Corley M/M Bert Scott Jr. Dean & Judy Davis M/M Ralph Sproles Ben & Jennie Diehl M/M David Eunson Rex & Charlene Dunning East Union CC, Atlanta, IN Devin Dutka M/M Charles Miller Denny Eaton M/M Paul T. Coleman David Eubanks M/M Steve Ford David & Margaret Eubanks Peggy Blevins M/M Paul T. Coleman Ruth Dorney M/M Philip Eubanks Great Smokies Flea Market Fellowship M/M C. Scott Richmond M/M Steve Sollman Philip and Nancy Eubanks M/M Kenneth Mitchell Steve & Ruth Ann Fair Clarksville CC, Noblesville, IN Curtis Farr Donna Westhoff

IN HONOR OF

DONATED BY

Bob & Rebecca Farrer Ruth Dorney Carol Morgan Fields Dorothy Trexler Pilley M/M Steve Ford JoAnn Ford M/M Bill Bolling Sharon Ford Rick Fordyce Anthony R. Manuel David & Mary Freeman M/M Bobby Cox Danny French Anthony R. Manuel First CC, Brazil, IN Chris Gregg Rose R. Frank Shirley Hasty Charlie Hathaway’s birthday M/M Bill Bolling Inez Hawks Col. & Mrs. Charles V. Smoot Bea Herrin M/M Wyatt Scoles M/M Bruce DeBord Mary Hilton Deanna Thompson Humphrey M/M Joe Thompson Juanita Jesse First CC, Findlay, IL Grace Johnson Geraldine Bailey Paul & Elizabeth Johnson M/M David Wheeler Michael L. Jones M/M Tyson Chastain JUTN Choir Gap Creek CC, Knoxville, TN Doug Karnes M/M Perry Bailey M/M Kevin Duval M/M Wes Moore M/M David Reece Jim & Clara Kellar’s 60th Anniversary Jane W. Black D/M David Eubanks M/M Philip Eubanks Randy Gastfield M/M Wheeler M. Moulton M/M Horace A. Noble M/M Robert E. Stickney M/M Vaughn Williams Glenn Keller M/M Charles Miller Jo Kelly First CC, Pennington Gap, VA John Ketchen M/M Steve Ford Bill & Leona Key D/M Archie A. Tyson Jr. Larry and Debbie Kineman Shirley Hasty Matt & Danielle Kirk Ruth Dorney David Legg M/M Stuart J. Large Tim & Erin MacSaveny Robert MacSaveny Linnie Manning M/M George H. Manning Jr. Mary Lou Martin Clara Holmes M/M Joshua D. Kelley M/M Paul Kelley Raymond Martin M/M Gene Grasham Larry & Susan McAdams M/M Harlon Coy M/M Michael L. Hall Christian Chapel Church, Morgantown, IN Nik Miller M/M Neil W. Schaffer Kay Moll Dorothy Trexler Pilley Wilma Morrical D/M Daryl Morrical Daniel Overdorf Crusaders Cl, Oak Grove CC, Beckley, WV Ken & Becky Overdorf M/M Paul D. Miller D/M Daniel L. Overdorf M/M Bill Paul Rufus & Arlis Peer Deedra D. Gerkin Dorothy Trexler Pilley M/M Jeffrey Messinger Evelyn Price Dwight C. Price Tony & Nancy Pushnik M/M Richard Smartnick Linda Reid M/M Kenneth Mitchell M/M Paul T. Coleman Ruth Reyes M/M Jimmie O. Walker Lee & Lovella Richardson M/M Paul T. Coleman Elsie Richhart Lorrene Wetzel Brian & Julie Richmond M/M James R. Tweedy Louise Ridlen Brenda Boggs Sara Michael M/M Bill Russell Surfside CC, Myrtle Beach, SC June Zeigler Jonathan & Holly Robinson M/M Jerry Yarnell Dick & Sarah Robison M/M Frank Baker Jr. Steve and Denise Sandefur M/M Chris Gehring Ryan Schaffer M/M Neil W. Schaffer Nathanael Delano Schanie M/M Del Schanie

IN HONOR OF

DONATED BY

Sherri Boschain Simmons Ed & Pat Simon

M/M Gary Boschain M/M Chris Gehring Margaret A. Simon Debbie Smith M/M Bill Bolling Tommy & Debbie Smith Peggy Blevins Ralph Bounds Susan Calderon D/M L.D. Campbell M/M Paul T. Coleman M/M G. Kevin Duval M/M Steve Ford Shirley Hasty M/M Ralph Sproles Tommy Smith M/M Scott Richmond Robert & Susan Spellman M/M Russell Fahlberg Susan O. Spellman, 60th anniversary Robert Spellman Susan O. Spellman, birthday Robert Spellman Ralph & Ricki Sproles M/M Perry Carroll Dobson CofC, Dobson, NC D/M Davey Stallings Alice Stewart M/M Robert G. Perkins Sara Stewart M/M Robert G. Perkins Joe and Alice Stump Evergreen CC, Walterboro, SC Connie Taylor Ralph Bounds Lee & Wanda Temple Peggy Blevins M/M Al Thomas Jr. Community CC, Mt. Pleasant, PA Beverly Thomas M/M Wade E. Clark Richard & Cathi Throckmorton Lorrene Wetzel Robert Throckmorton Joe Tibbetts M/M Neil W. Schaffer The Clyde Timbs Family M/M Duane Calhoun Jonah Wahl M/M Neil W. Schaffer Charlene Waters M/M Donald Myers M/M Larry Willard M/M Walter Stearman Christian Workers Cl, Corinth CC, Loganville, GA Corinth CC, Loganville, GA Norman Weaver Inez Hawks Col. & Mrs.Charles V. Smoot Gary & Janis Weedman Susan Calderon M/M Paul T. Coleman Ruth Dorney Duan Hua Cindi Norton Ralph Wheeler M/M Michael W. Toney Jeff & Julie Whitlock Fred Daniel East Win CC, Memphis, TN Relina Wilde Melissa C. Spong Jerry & Mary Beth Williams M/M Dwight Bechtel M/M Kenneth Mitchell Ruth Davis Wingfield D/M Timothy W. Wingfield David & Cindy Woods M/M Donald E. Crane Jr. Scott & Donna Hampton Zerger M/M Donald Hampton JOHNSON UNIVERSITY FLORIDA IN HONOR OF

Rees & Patti Bryant Mark Durbin Mark & Ann Fessler Mary Hilton Marilyn Holley Jim & Clara Kellar Obie & Johnnie Mae Lewis Wanda Bays McKinley Alan Tison

DONATED BY

M/M Bruce M. Dusterhoft Action Air & Electric Fairway CC, The Villages, FL M/M Bruce DeBord M/M Paul Peppard M/M Horace A. Noble Catherlyn Brim M/M Devon O. Craft M/M Craig Adams Grady Blevins D/M Michael L. Chambers M/M Richard Clark M/M Charles Durham M/M David Johnson M/M James R. Kellar M/M Ross Pepper D/M Guthrie Veech

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AS W E G O INTO A NEW YE AR, CO N S I D E R ACCEP TING TH IS C H ALLENGE !

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