It is with profound sadness and deep respect that we remember the life and legacy of Dr. Chris Templar, a pioneering educator, technologist, and servant of Christ, who has left an indelible mark on Johnson University and beyond.

Dr. Templar’s journey in education began over 50 years ago at Johnson University in Knoxville, Tennessee, where she dedicated herself to developing innovative teaching programs and integrating technology into education. Her contributions were so impactful that in 2012, the School of Education at Johnson University was named the Templar School of Education in her honor—a testament to her transformative influence on the institution.

Chris Templar teaching kids to work with computers, Knoxville News Sentinel 1984.

A trailblazer in the field of robotics and educational technology, Dr. Templar was instrumental in designing and delivering Johnson’s undergraduate and graduate teacher education programs. Her visionary leadership helped prepare the University for multiple state approvals of these programs.

Dr. Templar’s work extended far beyond the classroom. She was appointed Director of Educational Technology, where she focused her efforts on Johnson’s graduate students. Her passion for education was rooted in a childhood spent in England, where she was deeply influenced by missionaries. From a young age, Dr. Templar knew she wanted to serve as a missionary, and her life’s work has been a fulfillment of that calling.

Throughout her career, Dr. Templar remained committed to integrating faith with education. She believed that the tools and technologies used in education were gifts from the Lord, and she sought to glorify Him in all her endeavors. Whether she was working with graduate students, developing robotics programs for children, or mentoring the next generation of educators, Dr. Templar approached her work with a spirit of innovation, curiosity, and a deep desire to serve Christ.

One of Dr. Templar’s great joys was seeing the success of her students. Though she had no children of her own, she nurtured countless students who went on to impact the world in significant ways. Her legacy lives on in the lives of these students and in the programs she helped to create.

Dr. Chris Templar passed away on Thursday, August 8, 2024, at 1:13 p.m. at Holston Health and Rehabilitation Center in Knoxville, Tennessee. Her life was a testament to her unwavering faith, her love for education, and her commitment to serving others. As we honor her memory, we are reminded of the profound impact one life can have on the world. Her work, her wisdom, and her witness will continue to inspire and guide future generations.

Dr. Templar, you will be deeply missed, but your legacy will endure. Thank you for your life of service and for showing us the power of integrating faith with innovation. May you rest in peace, knowing that your work for the Lord continues to bear fruit.

𝑃𝑙𝑒𝑎𝑠𝑒 𝑛𝑜𝑡𝑒 𝑡ℎ𝑎𝑡 𝑎 𝑛𝑒𝑤 𝑠𝑐ℎ𝑜𝑙𝑎𝑟𝑠ℎ𝑖𝑝 𝑓𝑢𝑛𝑑 𝑤𝑎𝑠 𝑟𝑒𝑐𝑒𝑛𝑡𝑙𝑦 𝑒𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑏𝑙𝑖𝑠ℎ𝑒𝑑 𝑡𝑜 ℎ𝑜𝑛𝑜𝑟 𝐷𝑟. 𝑇𝑒𝑚𝑝𝑙𝑎𝑟’𝑠 𝑒𝑥𝑒𝑚𝑝𝑙𝑎𝑟𝑦 𝑠𝑒𝑟𝑣𝑖𝑐𝑒 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑡𝑜 𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑡𝑖𝑛𝑢𝑒 ℎ𝑒𝑟 𝑙𝑒𝑔𝑎𝑐𝑦 𝑏𝑦 ℎ𝑒𝑙𝑝𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑒𝑑𝑢𝑐𝑎𝑡𝑒 𝑓𝑢𝑡𝑢𝑟𝑒 𝑡𝑒𝑎𝑐ℎ𝑒𝑟𝑠. 𝑀𝑒𝑚𝑜𝑟𝑖𝑎𝑙 𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑡𝑟𝑖𝑏𝑢𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛𝑠 𝑡𝑜 𝑡ℎ𝑖𝑠 𝑓𝑢𝑛𝑑 𝑐𝑎𝑛 𝑏𝑒 𝑚𝑎𝑑𝑒 𝑜𝑛𝑙𝑖𝑛𝑒 at JohnsonU.edu/Donate 𝑜𝑟 𝑐ℎ𝑒𝑐𝑘𝑠 𝑚𝑎𝑑𝑒 𝑝𝑎𝑦𝑎𝑏𝑙𝑒 𝑡𝑜 𝐽𝑜ℎ𝑛𝑠𝑜𝑛 𝑈𝑛𝑖𝑣𝑒𝑟𝑠𝑖𝑡𝑦 𝑐𝑎𝑛 𝑏𝑒 𝑠𝑒𝑛𝑡 𝑡𝑜 7900 𝐽𝑜ℎ𝑛𝑠𝑜𝑛 𝐷𝑟𝑖𝑣𝑒, 𝐾𝑛𝑜𝑥𝑣𝑖𝑙𝑙𝑒, 𝑇𝑒𝑛𝑛𝑒𝑠𝑠𝑒𝑒 37998 𝑤𝑖𝑡ℎ 𝑎 𝑛𝑜𝑡𝑒 𝑖𝑛𝑑𝑖𝑐𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑦 𝑎𝑟𝑒 𝑖𝑛 𝑚𝑒𝑚𝑜𝑟𝑦 𝑜𝑓 𝐶ℎ𝑟𝑖𝑠 𝑇𝑒𝑚𝑝𝑙𝑎𝑟.