Cedarville Magazine, Fall 2017

PAM JOHNSON THE COACH Cedarville University made a profound impact on Pamela Johnson’s life long before she stepped foot on campus as a faculty member. As a college junior at the University of Dayton, Johnson came to know the Lord through interaction with Cedarville athletes. “They were so nice, and their faith was so real,” she recalled. “They had the answers I was searching for.” Several years later, after completing master’s and doctoral degrees at The Ohio State University, Johnson accepted an offer to teach at Cedarville in 1974. “I was a baby Christian,” she said. “The students had mostly been Christians for years and I thought, ‘You want me to teach them?’” But in His faithfulness, God prepared her to serve where and when she was needed. “I always say that God has used me here in spite of me,” she commented. Now entering her 44th year, Johnson currently serves as Dean of Undergraduate Studies. She has found much joy working with students one-on-one, whether helping an athlete perfect her serve as the tennis coach for 30 years or helping an undergrad work out a tough class schedule today. “When you know you’re doing exactly what God wants you to do, it’s not hard to come to work,” she explained. Johnson recalls faculty meetings in her early days at Cedarville on the second floor of Founders Hall. “I grew up in those meetings,” she recalled. “Listening to godly, wise men discuss and disagree was beautiful. I learned so much. Being part of the faculty here is such a blessing. And God continues to bring outstanding new faculty members.” As a new Christian, craving to know more about God’s Word, Cedarville was a special place for Johnson. “This firm foundation on God’s Word was what I was looking for, what I needed,” she explained. “God’s Word became who I was.” And, Johnson explained, that biblical foundation has guided Cedarville through the years, during good times and trials. “We do what we do on the basis of Scripture,” she said. “It has brought a confidence and a comfort. We can stand firm knowing we’re doing what we must do.” And that stand is more important today than ever. “We are facing cultural trials today that we couldn’t have imagined years ago,” Johnson said. “Our commitment to the Word of God has prepared us to stand firm. God doesn’t change. His Word doesn’t change. The day we stop doing what it says is the day we should close the doors.” Cedarville Magazine | 13