PARTNERS ALUMNI JOHNSON MAGAZINE NEWS & EVENTS DONATE ABOUT ADMISSION ACADEMICS ATHLETICS STUDENT LIFE APPLY OUR HISTORY JOHNSON UNIVERSITY THROUGH THE YEARS From its beginning as the School of Evangelists in 1893 to Johnson Bible College in 1909 to Johnson University in 2011, JU has been a place of deep faith, consistent prayer, and hard work. Explore our history in the interactive timeline below! 2021 1893 1893 1893 Ashley and Emma Johnson lay the cornerstone of the Main Building of The School of the Evangelists. Ashley and Emma Johnson cast the original vision for Johnson University. Rooted in their strong belief in ministry preparation, biblical education, and educational access for the poor, the Johnsons raised funds, recruited students, and developed a curriculum that ensured the early success of the institution. Ashley S. Johnson was born in 1857 in Knox County, Tennessee. Although he came from humble beginnings, he worked diligently to receive a formal education. After experiencing a conversion to Christ at age 20, Ashley focused his efforts fully on evangelism, preaching, teaching, and writing. In 1884, he met and married Emma Elizabeth Strawn, who was born in 1863 in Ontario, Canada. The Johnsons were co-laborers, full and equal partners in the work of the school, and the first and second presidents. Upon her appointment, Emma Johnson became the first female president of an all-male institution of higher education in the United States. 1894 The school opened with four professors and approximately 40 students. SCHOOLS & DEGREES TENNESSEE 7900 Johnson Dr Knoxville, TN 37998 865-573-4517 Fax: 865-251-2337 JohnsonU@JohnsonU.edu FLORIDA 1011 Bill Beck Blvd Kissimmee, FL 34744 407-847-8966 Fax: 321-206-2007 JohnsonUFL@JohnsonU.edu QUICK LINKS Library Employment Opportunities Public Disclosures Title IX Incident Report Student Grievance Policy Disability Services Diversity & Inclusion Registrar Institutional Effectiveness Accessibility Statement Privacy Policy CARES/CRRSAA/ARP Information Consumer Information © 2021 JOHNSON UNIVERSITY DESIGNED BY PLAINJOE