Dr. Scott Johnson honored during memorial service

 

About 50 people, including Bethel students and faculty members,  remembered Assistant Professor Scott Johnson, Ph.D., during a memorial service in the Octorium Thursday night, Jan. 13. Dean of Academics Dr. Dennis Crocker talked about Johnson's value as a faculty member while Johnson's colleagues talked about his impact on their lives. Several students read scripture and expressed their appreciation for Johnson as a teacher and mentor. Students also wrote about their memories of Johnson which were put into a book  and presented to Johnson’s wife, Carolynn Hine-Johnson. Johnson passed on Monday, Jan. 3, due to complications from cancer in an Indianapolis hospital. Johnson’s funeral service was held Saturday, Jan. 8 at 2 p.m. at Little Flower Church. Senior Olivia Johanan maintains fond memories of Johnson and his ability to lovingly challenge his students.  “I feel that I have become more of a critical thinker when it comes to communication and other life issues,” said Johanan. “I will never forget his passion for teaching and, of course, his warm smile.” (For Olivia’s article “Friend and Teacher,” visit http://www.bethelcollege.edu/magazine/?p=1029.) Student Christine Brink also reflected on the impact Johnson made on her life and education. “(Dr. Johnson) showed me every day that even in the midst of pain and suffering that he was living a life open to God,” said Brink. “And even more importantly, he showed me that it is possible for me to do the same.” (For Brink’s article on “Scott Johnson: A Life Open to God,” visit http://www.bethelcollege.edu/magazine/?p=1022.) Johnson received a B.S. in Music Therapy from the University of Minnesota in 1979, then his M.A. in Theatre/Communication from Regent University in 1986. He then received his second M.A. in Philosophy/Aesthetics from Temple University (1992) and his Ph.D. from Regent University (2000).  In 2001 Johnson started teaching communication courses at Bethel College.