{"id":19101,"date":"2021-12-13T18:01:18","date_gmt":"2021-12-13T23:01:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www3.tusculum.edu\/news\/?p=19101"},"modified":"2021-12-13T18:01:18","modified_gmt":"2021-12-13T23:01:18","slug":"successful-businessman-and-community-servant-walter-johnson-earns-honorary-doctorate-from-tusculum","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www3.tusculum.edu\/news\/news\/2021\/successful-businessman-and-community-servant-walter-johnson-earns-honorary-doctorate-from-tusculum\/","title":{"rendered":"Successful businessman and community servant Walter Johnson earns honorary doctorate from Tusculum"},"content":{"rendered":"

GREENEVILLE<\/strong> \u2013 A Tusculum University<\/a> alumnus who has achieved a highly successful business career, demonstrated a commitment to civic engagement and remained intimately connected to his alma mater has earned an honorary doctorate from the institution.<\/h3>\n
\"\"

Left to right, Dr. Tricia Hunsader, Tusculum\u2019s provost and vice president of academic affairs; Dr. Walter Johnson; Dr. Lisa Johnson-Neas, associate vice president of student affairs and retention and dean of students; and Dr. Scott Hummel, president, take a moment for a photo after the awarding of the honorary degree. Dr. Johnson-Neas is Dr. Johnson\u2019s daughter.<\/p><\/div>\n

Walter Johnson, a 1971 graduate with a bachelor\u2019s degree in chemistry, received an Honorary Doctor of Science during Tusculum\u2019s fall commencement ceremony Saturday, Dec. 11. With the awarding of this honorary degree by Tusculum\u2019s Board of Trustees Johnson will now have the title \u201cDr.\u201d placed before his name in all references to him by the university.<\/p>\n

Placing the doctoral hood on him was his daughter, Dr. Lisa Johnson-Neas, who serves as Tusculum\u2019s associate vice president of student affairs and retention and dean of students.<\/p>\n

\u201cDr. Walter Johnson is an exceptional business leader and community servant whose personal story provides an outstanding example of perseverance for our students,\u201d said Dr. Scott Hummel, Tusculum\u2019s president. \u201cI am grateful for the wise counsel he provides me and our administrative team as a member of our Board of Trustees. His wisdom and influence have enhanced the quality of Tusculum and ensured we equip our students to be career-ready professionals in a caring Christian environment.\u201d<\/p>\n

Kim Kidwell, associate vice president of institutional advancement<\/a>, nominated Dr. Johnson for the honorary doctorate. To finalize the nomination, the university consulted Dr. Johnson-Neas for additional background information about her father.<\/p>\n

Kidwell noted how Dr. Johnson, a Greene County native, had studied at another university but returned home to help care for his mother and start a family. As a nontraditional adult student at Tusculum, he completed his degree in seven years.<\/p>\n

Dr. Johnson worked through high school and college and hired a number of other Tusculum students, which enabled them to remain in school.<\/p>\n

Kidwell highlighted his business talent, including holding several patents on processes involving fused magnesia. His business interests span the globe, and, during his life, he has transformed several struggling companies into financially successful organizations. He remains chairman of the board for Heritage Community Bank, which he helped organize in Greene County, and operates a farm in the community.<\/p>\n

Dr. Johnson\u2019s community involvement is extensive. He coached Little League baseball and recreation league basketball for youth and served with the Lions Club of Greeneville. As a private pilot, he provided transportation through Angel Flight, a nonprofit organization, for individuals needing medical care. He is serving as a Tusculum trustee for the second time and has collaborated with Dr. Peter Noll, associate professor of public history and museum studies, on beautification projects.<\/p>\n

His faith is a key component of his life. He is a lay speaker in the United Methodist Church and remains an active member and leader in The Gideons International. He has also ministered through mission opportunities.<\/p>\n

Kidwell said Dr. Johnson has attained impressive knowledge of the Bible, history, chemistry, economics, business, mechanics, construction, aviation and horticulture.<\/p>\n

\u201cDr. Walter Johnson has helped those around him his entire life,\u201d Kidwell said. \u201cMuch of his philanthropy has been behind the scenes. He firmly believes in education, is brilliant and is a servant leader. People\u2019s lives, businesses and Tusculum University are better because of Dr. Walter Johnson.\u201d<\/p>\n

Reflecting on the honor Tusculum bestowed on him, Dr. Johnson was appreciative.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe greatest earthly blessing people can receive is to know that their life\u2019s work has been examined, confirmed and publicly honored by their peers,\u201d he said. \u201cI am forever grateful.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"\"

Dr. Walter Johnson addresses graduates.<\/p><\/div>\n

Dr. Johnson addressed the graduates and shared with them the many people who have influenced the path his life would take. They include:<\/p>\n