Former president tapped as candidate to lead Criswell

DALLAS?Criswell College trustees will convene on Nov. 5 to consider the selection of former president Jerry Johnson to fill his former office, which has been under interim leadership for the past two years. “He is eminently qualified, specifically prepared, and joyfully welcomed to the presidency of Criswell College,” board chairman Jimmy Pritchard of Forney told the TEXAN.

The presidential search committee chaired by Steve Washburn of Pflugerville announced their unanimous recommendation Oct. 21 with Pritchard expressing confidence that the board would affirm the recommendation. Within six months of his resignation in August of 2008, Johnson was tapped by Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Kansas City, Mo., to serve as vice president for academic development, dean of the faculty and professor of ethics and theology.

“Having previously served as president, Dr. Johnson is aware of the special challenges facing the college,” Pritchard stated. “He will have an immediate and positive impact on the short term, and his vision for the college will reap great benefits for the long term.”

Search committee chairman Steve Washburn of Pflugerville explained that the dynamics of Criswell College’s governance had changed dramatically since Johnson resigned his presidency in 2008. “The college labored under external authority then, but is now independent. Since he provided excellent leadership for the college before, we are confident the improved circumstances will more than enable him to do so again.”

A native of Malakoff, Johnson pastored Ireland Baptist Church in Ireland, as well as two Colorado churches. He received his B.A. from Criswell College, M.A. from Denver Seminary, and Ph.D. from Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, majoring in Christian ethics. He was employed at Southern for five years, later serving as dean of Boyce College, prior to his tenure as president of Criswell College from 2004-2008.