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Johnson family to establish scholarship endowment at Hendrix College

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