ELCA's Finlandia University Names Philip Johnson President

     CHICAGO (ELCA) -- On March 23 the board of trustees of
Finlandia University, Hancock, Mich., named the Rev. Philip R.
Johnson to become the university's 16th president effective July
1.  Finlandia is one of 28 colleges and universities of the
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA).
     "By virtue of his training and experience, Philip
understands the importance of both a private liberal arts
education and the university's Lutheran affiliation," said the
Rev. Dale R. Skogman, chair of Finlandia's board of trustees.
"He articulates a vision that will appeal to prospective students
and benefactors of Finlandia University.
     "In the process of interviewing for the presidency at
Finlandia University, Philip evidenced great self awareness.  He
was candid in sharing the strengths and weaknesses he'll bring to
the position," said Skogman.  "Good leaders build on their
strengths and surround themselves with skilled associates.
Philip will bring a collaborative style of leadership to his
presidency at Finlandia University," he said.
     Johnson succeeds Dr. Robert Ubbelohde, who served as
president of Finlandia since 1991.
     Born in Cameroon, West Africa, Johnson earned an associate
of arts degree in social sciences at Waldorf College, Forest
City, Iowa, in 1980 and a bachelor of arts degree in psychology
from Concordia College, Moorhead, Minn., in 1982.  Waldorf and
Concordia are ELCA higher education institutions. He earned a
master of divinity degree and doctorate at Luther Seminary,
St. Paul, Minn.  Luther is one of eight seminaries of the ELCA.
     Johnson has served as campus pastor and associate dean of
Finlandia's Suomi College of Arts and Sciences since 2006.  He
also served as assistant to the president when he came to
Finlandia in January 2006.  From 1995 to 2005, Johnson taught at
the Mekane Yesus Theological Seminary and the Ethiopian Graduate
School of Theology in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.  He was dean of the
seminary's theology department from 2001 to 2003.  From 1992 to
1996, Johnson supervised the Nairobi Lutheran Parish of the Kenya
Evangelical Lutheran Church.  He was associate pastor at Our
Savior Lutheran Church, Circle Pines, Minn., from 1988 to 1991.
     Johnson and his wife Rene, director of servant leadership at
Finlandia, are the parents of two high-school-age children.  They
are members of Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, Hancock.
     Finlandia University was founded in 1896 as Suomi College.
It is the only private university in Michigan's Upper Peninsula
and remains the only university in North America founded by
Finnish Immigrants.
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     Information about Finlandia University is available at
http://www.finlandia.edu/home.html  on the Internet.

For information contact:
John Brooks, Director (773) 380-2958 or news@elca.org
http://www.elca.org/news
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