Robert A. Johnson Leadership and Academic Scholarship

SCHOLARSHIP BACKGROUND

Dr. Robert A. Johnson's connections to Franklin College are multi-generational. A 1940 graduate of the college, he served as a trustee from 1969 to 1997 including two years as chairman of the board. He now serves as an honorary trustee and his daughter, Susan Johnson DeVoss, Class of 1965, is a current trustee. Dr. Johnson's wife, Elizabeth Flinn Johnson, was a 1941 alumna. His father, Ralph Johnson, graduated from the college in 1911, and his grandfather, Andrew Johnson, was a trustee from 1881-1903. In addition, an uncle and several aunts and cousins attended Franklin. Dr. Johnson has been an important supporter of the College. Johnson Residence Hall is named in honor of his son, David, who died in the service in Germany. Dr. Johnson established the Johnson Chair in the Humanities and the Johnson Chair in Leadership. The Johnson Center for Fine Arts, which opened in the fall of 2001, is named in honor of his family. He received an honorary doctorate in 1984. Dr. Johnson was an executive with Eli Lilly and its worldwide subsidiaries. He was with the company from 1947 to 1972 and served as treasurer and executive vice president of the Lilly Endowment from 1972 to 1984.

SCHOLARSHIP REQUIREMENTS

Candidates for the Robert A. Johnson Leadership and Academic Scholarship must be nominated by Franklin College academic departments or high school principals and counselors. Candidates must be enrolled as full-time students and have graduated in the top 10 percent of their high school class. Candidates must demonstrate leadership in two extracurricular activities. The vice president for academic affairs, acting with the financial aid office, will select the recipients.