Jeff ’88 and Katherine Arnold ’89 Johnson have
given a $1 million gift to Hendrix College to create an endowed scholarship
fund in support of future generations of students.
Recognizing the important role Hendrix played
in their lives, the Johnsons intend to join others in supporting the future of
the College on the eve of its sesquicentennial. This gift is made in honor of
Jeff’s father, Bill Johnson ’60, and Jeff’s grandfather, Boyd Johnson ’33.
The Johnsons’ gift will fund the W. Jeff ’88
and Katherine Arnold ’89 Johnson Endowed Scholarship. The scholarship will be
awarded to students with demonstrated financial need for whom attendance at
Hendrix is not otherwise possible. Preference will be given to students with an
interest in entrepreneurship as demonstrated by summer and after school
work/new business endeavors and whose high school records reflect academic
achievement and leadership in areas such as team sports, student government,
and community service.
Hendrix College President Karen Petersen
said, “The Johnsons’ generosity in supporting future students honors the legacy
of their family and reflects the importance of ensuring the life-changing
benefits of a Hendrix education remain accessible to talented students. We are profoundly
grateful that Jeff and Katherine believe in and support the value of a liberal
arts education at Hendrix and chose to make the opportunity available to
generations of students in perpetuity. What a beautiful way to honor Jeff’s father
and grandfather and reward the entrepreneurship and determination of future students.”
“Hendrix has been a vital part of our family
for generations, and our gift helps to ensure that our legacy and the legacy of
the institution continue on for many future generations as well,” stated Jeff
and Katherine Johnson.
A graduate of the class of 1988, Jeff Johnson
majored in economics and business and also played basketball at Hendrix. He started
working for Gus Vratsinas, his mentor, while in college and eventually worked
his way up to president of Vratsinas Construction Company – where he worked for
22 years. With his entrepreneurial drive, he partnered with Witt Stephens, Jr.
and the Stephens Group to form Summit Industrial Construction and led Summit to
a highly successful exit last year. He remains CEO of Summit, a wholly owned
operating company of Comfort Systems USA (NYSE: FIX).
Jeff Johnson commented, “An education based
in the liberal arts at Hendrix College prepared me to lead well, learn
continuously, and pivot as the business environment changed over the years. Furthermore,
as Coach Cliff Garrison instilled in us, ‘Once a Warrior, always a Warrior.’”
Katherine Johnson graduated from Hendrix in
1989 with a degree in accounting. As a student, she was also a cheerleader. Upon
graduating, she worked in accounting for a management company in Little Rock
until starting their family.
Hendrix will celebrate its sesquicentennial anniversary
in 2026. The celebration will include a significant focus on endowed
scholarships as the College continues its longstanding commitment to making a
Hendrix education affordable and accessible to all academically qualified
students. The Johnsons' very generous gift provides important early leadership
and represents the largest gift the College has received from alumni in their
generation.
The W. Jeff ’88 and Katherine Arnold ’89
Johnson Endowed Scholarship will be awarded for the first time to students who
enroll in the fall of 2026.
About
Hendrix College
Founded in 1876, Hendrix College is featured in Colleges
That Change Lives: 40 Schools That Will Change the Way You Think About Colleges
and celebrated among the country’s leading liberal arts colleges for academic
quality, engaged learning opportunities and career preparation, vibrant campus
life, and value. The Hendrix College Warriors compete in 21 NCAA Division III
sports. Hendrix has been affiliated with the United Methodist Church since
1884. Learn more at www.hendrix.edu.
“… Through engagement that links the
classroom with the world, and a commitment to diversity, inclusion, justice,
and sustainable living, the Hendrix community inspires students to lead lives
of accomplishment, integrity, service, and joy.” –Hendrix
College Statement of Purpose