Dr. Gary Weedman, the sixth president of Johnson University has passed away. The Johnson family grieves his passing, honors his legacy, and rejoices in the hope we share in Jesus Christ.

President Weedman was raised in Fairfield, Illinois. An accomplished trumpet player, he turned down a music scholarship to attend Johnson Bible College in 1961. After graduating, he served in church ministries in Illinois and Indiana while completing an M.A. in Communication from Western Illinois University and a Ph.D. in Speech Communication from Indiana University. He was also the founding minister of the Indiana Campus Christian Ministry.

 In 1969, he returned to Johnson as the first full-time faculty member hired by President David Eubanks, teaching homiletics, Greek, Bible, and history. He later served as Academic Dean at Lincoln Christian College and as Vice President for Academic Affairs at Milligan University, Palm Beach Atlantic University, and TCM International.

 Dr. Weedman returned to Johnson in 2007 to serve as president, a role he faithfully carried out until his retirement in 2018. Early in his presidency, he initiated an institutional review of Johnson’s mission. He explained, “The question I have wrestled with is this: If Ashley Johnson were alive today, what methods would he embrace for fulfilling our mission?”

From this reflection emerged a vision for the university, summarized in a document titled “A Third Way: Biblical Higher Education for the Twenty-First Century.” This approach seeks to combine the strengths of the Bible College and Christian liberal arts traditions in a way that remains deeply committed to Christ’s Great Commission, is rooted in Johnson’s historic mission, and thoughtfully extends that mission into a new generation.

In 2011, under his leadership, the board of trustees approved this model, along with a new mission statement and the transition from Johnson Bible College to Johnson University.

President Weedman also guided the university into meaningful partnerships with schools in China, led the merger with Florida Christian College and the establishment of Johnson University Florida, introduced online education to the University’s curriculum, and strengthened the University’s engagement with the Knoxville community.

Dr. Gary Weedman leaves a legacy of faithful leadership, thoughtful innovation, and deep devotion to the worldwide mission of Christ.

Please join us in praying for God’s comfort and strength for his wife, Janis; their four children—Mark, Matthew, Micah, and Joshua—and their families.

Celebration of Life Service: 3:00 P.M., PW Auditorium
This will be followed by a Shiloh on the Heights service
A reception will then follow in the Gally Commons

You can view the Celebration of Life: Order of Service below: