Johnson: A History

Johnson University’s mission is 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. Johnson alumni live out this mission and amplify the impact of Johnson University around the world. Throughout the years, alumni have served in a variety of fields: ministry, missions, healthcare, nonprofits, education, politics, social services, communications, and more.

Here are just a few notable alumni:

Oren Long (class of 1910)
Accomplished teacher and educational administrator who served as Territorial Governor of Hawaii. After Hawaii became a state in 1959, he was one of its first U.S. senators.

Robert Fife (class of 1940)
Respected scholar, preacher, and historian who served as an influential figure within the Stone-Campbell Movement. Dr. Fife also served as a chaplain in WWII and was present at the liberation of the Dachau concentration camp.

Fred Craddock (class of 1950)
World-renowned preacher and scholar of homiletics who redefined the art of preaching and has been called the “father of modern homiletics.”

Madonna Burgett Spratt (class of 1959)
Dedicated missionary to Zimbabwe and Honduras, serving faithfully on the mission field for over 55 years. Her ministry has served as an inspiration to many others.

Martha Raile Alligood (class of 1967)
Accomplished nurse and scholar who has published widely in the field of healthcare and nursing. Her textbook, “Nursing Theorists and Their Work,” is now in its eighth edition and has become a standard resource for nursing school.

Alumni & The Stone-Campbell Movement

Because of Johnson University’s unique historical context, the university has maintained relationships within all three streams of the Stone-Campbell Movement. Outside of traditional congregational ministry roles, Johnson alumni have helped shape and lead the entire Stone-Campbell Movement. Alumni have served as President of the North American Christian Convention and as Moderators and Regional Ministers of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). Johnson University alumni have also led numerous institutions such as the Pension Fund of the Christian Church, Pioneer Bible Translators, and the Disciples of Christ Historical Society. Alumni have served on faculty at Milligan College, Lincoln Christian University, Kentucky Christian University, Emmanuel Christian Seminary, Butler University, Brite Divinity School, and more. Most significantly, Johnson alumni continue to play a vital role in the life of Johnson University. Many alumni return to the University as dedicated members of the faculty, staff, and administration. The Alumni Association and the Council of 70 have supported and sustained the University as both prayer partners and financial partners. Alumni also represent the University as some of our best recruiters, promoting the University’s mission to partner congregations and sharing its programs with future generations of students.