Major General Paul Johnson to deliver FHU Spring Commencement address

HENDERSON, Tenn. — Freed-Hardeman University will welcome retired U.S. Air Force Major General Paul Johnson as the keynote speaker for its spring commencement May 16 at 10 a.m. in Dryden Auditorium. A reception will follow in the Brewer Sports Center.

Retired U.S. Air Force Major General Paul Johnson (Courtesy of Freed-Hardeman University

Johnson attended Freed-Hardeman from 1976-78 before transferring to Murray State University for his bachelor’s degree in agriculture in 1980. While at Freed-Hardeman, he met his future wife, Patricia Gibbons, while both were members of Kelly Doyle’s chorus.

He entered the United States Air Force in 1985 and served on active duty for over 30 years. During his military career, Johnson held numerous operational assignments as an A-10 pilot and instructor pilot, along with key staff roles in Stuttgart, Germany; NATO Headquarters in Brussels, Belgium; and at the Pentagon.

Johnson commanded a squadron in North Carolina, a group in Alaska and two wings — first in Arizona and later in Kandahar, Afghanistan. He is a graduate of the Air Force Fighter Weapons School, where he was recognized as the outstanding graduate, and he earned a Master of Strategic Studies from Air University, where he also served on faculty.

A veteran of multiple combat deployments in Iraq and Afghanistan, Johnson received several of the nation’s highest military honors, including the Air Force Cross, Distinguished Flying Cross and two Bronze Stars.

Paul and Tricia have been married for more than 47 years and have three children — Christopher, Eric and Jessica — all Freed-Hardeman alumni who each met their spouses at the university. The Johnsons have eight grandchildren.

Over the years, the Johnson family has lived in 10 states and three countries and has been active in more than 14 congregations. Johnson has served as an elder in three congregations and currently serves as an elder at the Henderson church of Christ.

“We’re honored to welcome General Johnson back to campus,” said Freed-Hardeman University President David R. Shannon. “His life reflects both distinguished military leadership and a deep commitment to spiritual service — an example of the kind of impact we hope our graduates will go on to make.”

The mission of Freed-Hardeman University is to help students develop their God-given talents for His glory by empowering them with an education that integrates Christian faith, scholarship and service. Located in Henderson, Tennessee, FHU offers associate, bachelor’s, master’s, specialist and doctoral degrees. More information is available at fhu.edu.

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