Johnson University 
The information on this page was last updated 2/17/2026. If you see errors or omissions, please email: [email protected]
Summary
Johnson University is a Christ-centered community where students grow in faith, deepen their purpose, and prepare for meaningful service in their careers and in the world.
Contact information
Mailing address:
Johnson University
7900 Johnson Drive
Knoxville, TN 37998
Website: johnsonu.edu
Phone: 865-573-4517
Email: [email protected]
Organization details
EIN: 626001104
CEO/President: Daniel Overdorf
Chairman: Richard Woods
Board size: 17
Founder:
Ruling year: 2016
Tax deductible: Yes
Fiscal year end: 06/30
Member of ECFA: No
Member of ECFA since:
Purpose
To bring glory to God and hope to the world by preparing promising students for excellence in Christian ministry through an affordable, community-oriented, Christ-centered education.
Mission statement
Johnson University educates and develops students who advance the worldwide mission of Christ through their lives, ministries, and careers.
Statement of faith
The University is aware of the potentially controversial nature of creeds and has no intention of adding to an already divided church. The essence of our belief is in the old saying, "no creed but Christ." Therefore, the University welcomes all students who hold to the Lordship of Jesus and meet the other admission requirements of the University. Yet, in order to maintain consistency in the theology, teaching, and leadership of the University, every trustee, administrator, teacher, and staff member holds the following items to be true, and neither they nor students may promote teachings materially out of line with these:
1. There is one true, triune, supreme God of the Old and New Testaments, and he is the sole creator and ruler of all that exists (Genesis 1:1; Exodus 20:1-7; Deuteronomy 6:4-5; John 1:1-18; 16:12-15; Colossians 1:15-20).
2. All the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments are inspired by God and sufficient for understanding of and obedience to Jesus Christ, who brings the remission of sins and eternal redemption to those who receive his grace through faith (Psalm 119; Malachi 1:1; John 17:17; 2 Timothy 3:16; John 16:13; 2 Peter 3:15-16; Revelation 1:1-3; Ephesians 2:1-10).
3. Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, born of the Virgin Mary, and is completely sufficient as our Savior, Prophet, Priest, and King (Matthew 1:18-25; Luke 2:1-7; Galatians 4:4-7; Matthew 16:13-17:8; Hebrews 1:1-4; Revelation 5:1-14; Acts 4:12; Hebrews 4:14-5:10; Matthew 21:5; 27:37).
4. Jesus died on the cross for the whole human race and for all ages, and his sacrificial death and resurrected life cleanse from all sins, on the conditions expressed in the New Testament (Mark 10:45; Luke 22:14-23; Romans 3:25; Ephesians 1:7; Hebrews 9:11-28; 1 John 1:5-2:2; 4:10).
5. Jesus was buried in the grave and was bodily resurrected, triumphant over death for all eternity (Matthew 26-28; Mark 14-16; Luke 22-24; John 18-21; Acts 1:1-11; 2:22-41; Romans 1:1-7; 1 Corinthians 15).
6. Jesus gave the Great Commission through the Apostles to the Church to proclaim his Gospel to all nations and through all ages to the end of time (Matthew 28:18-20; Luke 24:44-49; John 17:18; 20:21-23; Acts 1:6-8).
7. The Holy Spirit was sent from Heaven to the Church to establish the preaching of the Gospel through the Apostles and to empower, equip, encourage, and comfort followers of Jesus in their service to Christ (Isaiah 44:1-5; Ezekiel 36:22-38; Joel 2:28-29; John 20:21-23; Acts 1:4-8; 2:1-21, 38-39; 1 Corinthians 12:12-13; Galatians 5:16-26; John 14:15-25; 16:5-15).
8. God offers redemption and restoration to all who confess and forsake their sin, seeking his mercy and forgiveness through Jesus Christ (Romans 3:9-20; Ephesians 2:1-10; Romans 3:21-26; Acts 2:38; 3:19; Romans 10:9-10; 2 Peter 3:9; 1 John 1:8-9).
9. The New Testament expresses the conditions of response to the gracious work of Christ as faith, repentance, confession of faith in Jesus, and baptism (immersion), together, which provide the spiritual foundation for continued obedience to Christ (Acts 16:30-31; Acts 2:38; Romans 10:9-10; Romans 6:1-6; Galatians 3:27; Titus 3:5; 1 Peter 3:21).
10. The teachings of the New Testament provide the basis for unity among Jesus' followers-the unity for which Jesus prayed and because of which the world may believe in him (John 17:20-26; Ephesians 2:11-22; John 13:34-35).
11. Jesus Christ will come at the end of the world and will judge all people according to that which is written in the Christian Scriptures, resulting in eternal life with God for those in Christ and eternal condemnation separate from God for those not in Christ (Colossians 3:1-4; 2 Peter 3:1-10; Matthew 24:29-44; Acts 1:11; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-5:11; Revelation 22:20).
An adherence to biblical teaching results in a distinctly Christian way of life that we expect of ourselves and of one another in the Johnson community. This lifestyle involves practicing those attitudes and actions the Bible teaches are virtuous and avoiding those the Bible teaches are sinful. While sin corrupts God's original intent and design for all things, we seek to bring all aspects of life into conformity with God's will. Beyond the biblical issues described below, the University seeks to foster the practice of responsible Christian freedom so that we might do all things to the glory of God (Galatians 5:13-14; 1 Peter 2:16-17; Colossians 3:17).
In accordance with Scripture, members of the University community recognize the virtue of the following behaviors, pursue them, and encourage others to do the same:
"Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind," and, "Love your neighbor as yourself" (Matthew 22:37-40).
Wholeheartedly obey Jesus and carefully steward all dimensions of life: time, possessions, God-given capacities, and opportunities (Deuteronomy 6:5-6;1 Corinthians 10:31; Colossians 1:18; 3:17).
Be clothed with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, forgiveness, and love (Colossians 3:12-14).
Bear the fruit of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23).
Pursue righteousness, mercy, justice, unity, and reconciliation (Proverbs 21:3; Micah 6:8; Matthew 23:34; John 17:20-23; Ephesians 2:11-18; 2 Corinthians 5:16-21).
Give faithful witness to the Gospel, practice good works toward all, and live lives of prayer and thanksgiving (Acts 1:8; 1 Peter 3:15; Galatians 6:10, Ephesians 2:10;1 Thessalonians 5:17-18; James 5:16; Titus 2:7-8).
Uphold the worth of all human lives as unique image-bearers of God, including pre-born babies, infants, the poor, the oppressed, the aged, and the physically or mentally challenged (Genesis 1:27; Psalm 8:3-8; 139:13-16; Luke 4:18-19).
Celebrate the "very good" creation of humankind and embodiment as male and female, who together reflect the image and nature of God, and cultivate a life of undivided devotion to the Lord either through faithful chastity in singleness or faithful sexual expression within the covenant of marriage between a man and a woman (Genesis 1:27; 2:24; Romans1:21-27; 1 Corinthians 6:9-10; Ephesians 5:31; 1 Corinthians 6:18; 7:35; Hebrews 13:4; Ephesians 5:25-33).
Treat our own bodies, and those of others, with the honor due the very temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:17-7:1).
Participate in the preaching, worship, Lord's Supper, service, and other activities of a local church, which form the basic biblically-mandated context for Christian living (Acts 2:42-47; Hebrews 10:25; 1 Timothy 3:14-15).
In accordance with Scripture, members of the University community recognize the sinfulness of the following behaviors, resist them, and hope to lovingly lead those who fall to these sins to restoration in Christ:
Sinful attitudes and behaviors such as "sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like" (Galatians 5:19-21).
Pride, dishonesty, injustice, prejudice, immodesty in dress or behavior, slander, gossip, vulgar or obscene language, blasphemy, greed and materialism, covetousness, and all illegal activities (Proverbs 16:18; 1 Corinthians 6:10; Exodus 20:7; Romans 13:9; Colossians 3:8-9; James 2:1-13; Galatians 3:26-29; Romans 13:1-2; 1 Timothy 2:8-10; Hebrews 13:5-6).
Lustfulness, objectification of self and others, and self-absorbed gratification that lead to all forms of sexual immorality, including but not limited to the use of pornography, premarital sex, adultery, and all other sexual relations outside the covenant of marriage between a man and a woman (Matthew 5:28; 1 Corinthians 6:9-13; Ephesians 5:31; 1 John 2:16; James 1:14-15).
Hateful and harassing behavior, hypocrisy, self-righteousness, and legalism, understood as the imposition of extra-biblical standards of godliness by one person or group upon another (Acts 15:5-11; Matthew 16:6; 23:13-36).
Articles
| 2/20/2026 | Administer Justice Earns Top Ratings, Altrua HealthShare Drops Into 'Withhold Giving' Designation |
Donor confidence score
Show donor confidence score details
To understand our donor confidence score, click here.
Transparency grade
D
To understand our transparency grade, click here.
Financial efficiency ratings
Sector: Colleges/Universities
| Category | Rating | Overall rank | Sector rank |
| Overall efficiency rating | | 1384 of 1420 | 153 of 155 |
| Fund acquisition rating | | 1268 of 1420 | 142 of 155 |
| Resource allocation rating | | 1033 of 1420 | 106 of 155 |
| Asset utilization rating | | 1398 of 1421 | 153 of 155 |
According to the organization's Form 990, it received $284,710 in government grants in 2025.
To understand our financial efficiency ratings, click here.
Financial ratios
| Funding ratios | Sector median | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 |
Return on fundraising efforts Return on fundraising efforts = Fundraising expense / Total contributions | 13% | 30% | 22% | 22% | 17% | 13% |
Fundraising cost ratio Fundraising cost ratio = Fundraising expense / Total revenue | 2% | 5% | 3% | 5% | 5% | 4% |
Contributions reliance Contributions reliance = Total contributions / Total revenue | 15% | 16% | 13% | 23% | 27% | 27% |
Fundraising expense ratio Fundraising expense ratio = Fundraising expense / Total expenses | 2% | 4% | 4% | 5% | 4% | 4% |
Other revenue reliance Other revenue reliance = Total other revenue / Total revenue | 85% | 84% | 87% | 77% | 73% | 73% |
| Operating ratios | Sector median | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 |
Program expense ratio Program expense ratio = Program services / Total expenses | 84% | 80% | 79% | 80% | 81% | 81% |
Spending ratio Spending ratio = Total expenses / Total revenue | 96% | 118% | 73% | 108% | 104% | 89% |
Program output ratio Program output ratio = Program services / Total revenue | 81% | 95% | 58% | 86% | 84% | 72% |
Savings ratio Savings ratio = Surplus (deficit) / Total revenue | 4% | -18% | 27% | -8% | -4% | 11% |
Reserve accumulation rate Reserve accumulation rate = Surplus (deficit) / Net assets | 2% | -2% | 5% | -1% | -1% | 2% |
General and admin ratio General and admin ratio = Management and general expense / Total expenses | 14% | 16% | 17% | 16% | 15% | 15% |
| Investing ratios | Sector median | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 |
Total asset turnover Total asset turnover = Total expenses / Total assets | 0.53 | 0.13 | 0.12 | 0.13 | 0.12 | 0.10 |
Degree of long-term investment Degree of long-term investment = Total assets / Total current assets | 2.73 | 15.37 | 13.54 | 37.35 | 36.93 | 37.77 |
Current asset turnover Current asset turnover = Total expenses / Total current assets | 1.45 | 1.96 | 1.59 | 4.70 | 4.49 | 3.94 |
| Liquidity ratios | Sector median | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 |
Current ratio Current ratio = Total current assets / Total current liabilities | 8.18 | 15.34 | 21.89 | 8.93 | 9.93 | 10.61 |
Current liabilities ratio Current liabilities ratio = Total current liabilities / Total current assets | 0.12 | 0.07 | 0.05 | 0.11 | 0.10 | 0.09 |
Liquid reserve level Liquid reserve level = (Total current assets - Total current liabilities) / (Total expenses / 12) | 6.96 | 5.73 | 7.19 | 2.27 | 2.40 | 2.76 |
| Solvency ratios | Sector median | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 |
Liabilities ratio Liabilities ratio = Total liabilities / Total assets | 20% | 14% | 15% | 17% | 18% | 17% |
Debt ratio Debt ratio = Debt / Total assets | 10% | 11% | 12% | 14% | 14% | 14% |
Reserve coverage ratio Reserve coverage ratio = Net assets / Total expenses | 148% | 678% | 726% | 661% | 678% | 793% |
Financials
| Balance sheet | |||||
| Assets | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 |
| Cash | $15,682,916 | $17,207,669 | $3,824,681 | $4,177,698 | $4,414,021 |
| Receivables, inventories, prepaids | $2,617,905 | $2,735,266 | $2,532,399 | $2,237,924 | $2,164,470 |
| Short-term investments | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Other current assets | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Total current assets | $18,300,821 | $19,942,935 | $6,357,080 | $6,415,622 | $6,578,491 |
| Long-term investments | $199,517,393 | $187,860,150 | $162,588,914 | $160,877,862 | $172,844,118 |
| Fixed assets | $59,016,614 | $57,191,521 | $67,806,012 | $68,183,391 | $68,644,409 |
| Other long-term assets | $4,457,994 | $5,023,844 | $692,901 | $1,474,608 | $421,302 |
| Total long-term assets | $262,992,001 | $250,075,515 | $231,087,827 | $230,535,861 | $241,909,829 |
| Total assets | $281,292,822 | $270,018,450 | $237,444,907 | $236,951,483 | $248,488,320 |
| Liabilities | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 |
| Payables and accrued expenses | $1,192,924 | $910,997 | $712,016 | $646,319 | $620,100 |
| Other current liabilities | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Total current liabilities | $1,192,924 | $910,997 | $712,016 | $646,319 | $620,100 |
| Debt | $30,430,567 | $31,783,995 | $32,991,524 | $34,191,992 | $35,488,480 |
| Due to (from) affiliates | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Other long-term liabilities | $6,483,519 | $6,623,270 | $6,525,607 | $6,668,704 | $7,026,749 |
| Total long-term liabilities | $36,914,086 | $38,407,265 | $39,517,131 | $40,860,696 | $42,515,229 |
| Total liabilities | $38,107,010 | $39,318,262 | $40,229,147 | $41,507,015 | $43,135,329 |
| Net assets | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 |
| Without donor restrictions | $109,946,325 | $109,261,931 | $94,691,972 | $98,567,860 | $102,388,923 |
| With donor restrictions | $133,239,487 | $121,438,257 | $102,523,788 | $96,876,608 | $102,964,068 |
| Net assets | $243,185,812 | $230,700,188 | $197,215,760 | $195,444,468 | $205,352,991 |
| Revenues and expenses | |||||
| Revenue | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 |
| Total contributions | $4,710,405 | $5,830,178 | $6,272,331 | $7,393,030 | $7,830,900 |
| Program service revenue | $22,626,073 | $19,711,304 | $18,573,433 | $17,859,199 | $17,911,340 |
| Membership dues | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Investment income | $3,001,885 | $18,136,252 | $2,870,898 | $2,317,459 | $3,216,305 |
| Other revenue | $0 | $0 | $34,178 | $26,976 | $53,987 |
| Total other revenue | $25,627,958 | $37,847,556 | $21,478,509 | $20,203,634 | $21,181,632 |
| Total revenue | $30,338,363 | $43,677,734 | $27,750,840 | $27,596,664 | $29,012,532 |
| Expenses | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 |
| Program services | $28,859,468 | $25,221,012 | $23,803,689 | $23,247,576 | $20,904,624 |
| Management and general | $5,578,849 | $5,272,185 | $4,665,067 | $4,318,134 | $3,950,786 |
| Fundraising | $1,418,658 | $1,290,047 | $1,385,433 | $1,247,511 | $1,053,751 |
| Total expenses | $35,856,975 | $31,783,244 | $29,854,189 | $28,813,221 | $25,909,161 |
| Change in net assets | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 |
| Surplus (deficit) | ($5,518,612) | $11,894,490 | ($2,103,349) | ($1,216,557) | $3,103,371 |
| Other changes in net assets | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Total change in net assets | ($5,518,612) | $11,894,490 | ($2,103,349) | ($1,216,557) | $3,103,371 |
Compensation
| Name | Title | Compensation |
| Greg Linton | VP For Academic Affairs/Pr | $120,237 |
| Cynthia T Barnard | VP For Business and Financ | $116,665 |
| Daniel Overdorf | President | $115,856 |
| Richard Clark | VP For Advancement | $114,736 |
| Marvin Elliot | Special Assistant To the President | $112,881 |
| Wilbur Reid | VP For Campus Services | $109,630 |
| Andrew Frazier | VP For Student Life/Dean O | $90,326 |
Compensation data as of: 6/30/2025
Response from ministry
No response has been provided by this ministry.
The information below was provided to MinistryWatch by the ministry itself. It was last updated 2/17/2026. To update the information below, please email: [email protected]
History
https://johnsonu.edu/about/history/