Johnson University, Florida Christian College merge to form national Christian university system

Johnson University Tennessee campus

Johnson University Florida campus

KNOXVILLE -- Johnson University, one of the country’s leading institutions of Christian higher education located in Knoxville and Florida Christian College, located in Kissimmee, Fla., have officially merged to become part of the newly established Johnson University System. Florida Christian College is now Johnson University Florida.

“Johnson University and Florida Christian College have long shared a common mission to prepare men and women for Christian ministries and other strategic vocations,” said Gary E. Weedman, Ph.D., President, Johnson University. “We both view the study of the Bible as central to that preparation, and our academic offerings are based on the premise that students should be exposed to their own culture and other world cultures from a Christian worldview. It is only natural that we have formed this partnership, and we look forward now to impacting God’s kingdom in ways that our separate institutions could not.”

The merger ushers in a new era for Johnson University with the establishment of the Johnson University System now offering Christian higher education opportunities across three campuses: Tennessee, Florida, and online.

“This merger will advance the Florida campus by as much as half a century, which is the time it would have otherwise taken to build the degree options and opportunities that Johnson University has in place today,” said Kenny Funk, who served as most recent chairman of the former Florida Christian College Board of Trustees. “Within a few years, Johnson University Florida will have the expanded bachelor’s degree and master’s degree program options we have desired to put in place for a long time.”

Along with the name change and the establishment of a national University system, Weedman also announced that Dr. David L. Eubanks will continue as chief operating officer of Johnson University Florida. Eubanks served as president of Johnson University for 39 years (1969-2007) and most recently came out of retirement to help guide the merger process and begin the new chapter of Johnson University Florida.

The merger is the result of many months of hard work by both institutions to ensure the continuation of the collective mission and commitment to Christian higher education following challenging economic times experienced by Florida Christian College.

“The president and trustees of Florida Christian College appealed to the administration and trustees of Johnson University earlier this year to assume financial responsibility and continue the College under the name and management of Johnson University,” said Eubanks. “I couldn’t be more pleased and excited to help lead the Florida school into this new, invigorating, blessed, and rewarding era.”

Since 1893, Johnson University has been a leader in Christian higher education. Today the Johnson University System offers more than 40 accredited bachelor’s, master’s, and Ph.D. programs across three campuses – in East Tennessee, Central Florida, and online. The mission of Johnson University remains its primary focus – to equip individuals for Christian ministries and other strategic vocations to extend the kingdom of God.

Nestled among the foothills of the Smoky Mountains, Johnson University is one of the finest Christian universities in the country. Johnson University Tennessee offers more than 35 accredited bachelor’s and master’s programs – all with a biblical and arts & sciences core – designed to equip individuals for Christian ministries and other strategic vocations to extend the kingdom of God. Areas of study include Bible and theology, ministry leadership, teacher education, intercultural studies, counseling, nonprofit management, media communications, music and worship, preaching and congregational ministries – each created to prepare students for careers in service to Christ and others. Since 1893, Johnson University has provided a quality, affordable Christian education for those who desire to impact the world in His name.

Located in the heart of the Sunshine State, Johnson University’s Florida campus offers a quality, affordable Christian education for those who desire to impact the world in the name of Christ. Johnson University Florida’s accredited bachelor’s programs have a biblical core and are designed to equip individuals for Christian ministries and other strategic vocations to extend the kingdom of God. Areas of study include Christian ministry, organizational leadership, counseling, nonprofit management, children’s ministry, youth and family ministry, music and worship, and preaching – each with an emphasis on preparing students for careers in service to Christ and others.

Johnson University has been a leader in distance learning for nearly 50 years, with correspondence offerings dating back 120 years. As technology has evolved, so has the scope of the learning options available to Johnson students seeking a quality Christian education from anywhere in the world. The accredited bachelor’s, masters and Ph.D. programs offered through Johnson University’s online campus are designed to equip individuals for Christian ministries and other strategic vocations to extend the kingdom of God. Online undergraduate degree programs include Intercultural Studies and Ministry Leadership. Online master’s degree programs include New Testament and Intercultural Studies. Johnson also offers an online Ph.D. program in Leadership Studies. Each program is created specifically for local or global online learners who desire a career in service to Christ and others.

Published July 20, 2013