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PRESIDENT BRAD JOHNSON: A YEAR IN REVIEW

June 5, 2023
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President Johnson's First Day

Welcome to Hard Work U

A little over one year ago, College of the Ozarks staff, faculty, and students welcomed Dr. Brad Johnson and his family to campus on June 1, 2022, to serve as the 17th president of College of the Ozarks. Johnson came to College of the Ozarks with a robust background in higher education, having served as the interim president of Southwest Baptist University (SBU) for 10 months, and served as the vice president for institutional advancement since 2012. Prior to his time at SBU, Johnson had administrative positions at McMurry University, Hardin-Simmons University, and two stints at Howard Payne University, all in Texas. At SBU and Howard Payne, he raised more than $57 million in cash gifts and managed $41 million in estate gifts.

“I’m very thankful that we are at C of O,” Johnson said, referring to his family, wife Laura, and their children -- Evan, 17, and Elle, 15. “As a person of faith, I believe the Lord has everything to do with directing our steps. I believe the College is a great fit for me personally and our family. We love it here!”

President Johnson's first day on campus was full of activities and meetings designed to introduce the Johnson family to the faculty, staff, and students at College of the Ozarks.

Read the Board of Trustee's announcement about President Johnson HERE

Read about the Johnson's journey to C of O and their vision for the College HERE

Listen to President Johnson's story on episode 5 of the "Our Story" podcast HERE

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Two men exchange a medal Dr. Jerry Davis passes the presidency to Dr. Brad Johnson

A New Era

Dr. Brad Johnson was inaugurated on October 13, 2022, to formally recognize his new position as president of College of the Ozarks. This was the first inauguration held on campus in over 40 years, and the ceremony was well attended by students, staff and faculty, and also members of the community. The day included numerous activities to celebrate including a faculty luncheon and campus tours for visiting guests.

The inauguration began with an introductory welcome given by Dr. Eric Bolger, dean of the college, followed by the singing of the National Anthem by College of the Ozarks choir. Several featured guests, including pro-life activist Dr. Alveda King and former Attorney General John Ashcroft, spoke on behalf of the College to welcome Dr. Johnson and highlight their excitement for this new era for College of the Ozarks.

After a time of prayer for the president and his family, Johnson issued his address as the 17th president of College of the Ozarks.

“Since our founding, God has chosen to use men and women in this distinctive brand of Christian higher education in this special place,” Johnson said. “From our earliest days, we have faced challenges and trials that have caused other institutions to close their doors and perhaps lose their way. But God has sustained us and provided for the rich educational experiences we know today as College of the Ozarks.”

It was a day filled with excitement and a time to celebrate what is in store in the following years with Dr. Johnson’s leadership. Students were able to witness the inauguration, and were invited to a ice cream social to celebrate their new president. Additionally, Kari Jobe and Cody Carnes were invited to campus to host a special night of worship and celebration to end the historic day. 

Read about the inauguration in the Winter 2023 Ozark Visitor and watch a special production on our Facebook

 

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A man and woman stand in front of an cross statue The Johnsons stand with the newly placed monument

The Empty Cross

Johnson envisioned the addition of The Empty CrossTM  after arriving on campus to begin serving in his role as president and hearing the sentiments of the campus family. His desire was to create a monument that both reflected the Christian pillar of the College and acted as an invitation to the community.

“The Empty CrossTM, by artist Max Greiner, is aptly named – as Jesus is no longer there,” said College of the Ozarks President Brad Johnson. “He is risen and sits at the right hand of God. This symbol, placed at the entrance of campus, represents our deep Christian faith. It also serves as a reminder to those who live, work, and study on campus to view the world through the truth of Christ’s redemptive work at the cross.”

After unveiling the plans for the construction of The Empty CrossTM in early fall to students and staff, the reaction across campus was one of excitement and hope. Seth Miller, sophomore biblical and theological studies major, looks to the cross as a symbol and reminder.    

“The Empty CrossTM on campus will make clear to the world who we affiliate ourselves with, which is Christ,” Miller said. “The cross will show to all those entering the Gates of Opportunity that it is the cross that matters most to us. My heart for this campus is for people to truly make Christ the foundation and priority in everything they do, whether they are an engineering, business, or biblical studies major.”

The Empty CrossTM composition uniquely communicates the Resurrection, that Jesus is alive, not dead. Its “hollow” or “empty” design allows light to pass through, symbolizing the “Light of the World” (John 8: 12) that comes to us through the cross. The openness of the design communicates that all people are welcome at the foot of the cross. This is the “Open Door” all must pass through to find eternal life in Heaven (Matthew 7: 7 & 8). Finally, the cross also represents the price Jesus paid for everyone at His Crucifixion.

Read more about the The Empty CrossTM and its installation and significance on our News page, and be on the lookout for a special edition of the Ozark Visitor about the The Empty CrossTM!