ELCA NEWS SERVICE March 29, 2007 ELCA's Finlandia University Names Philip Johnson President 07-047-MRC CHICAGO (ELCA) -- On March 23 the board of trustees of Finlandia University, Hancock, Mich., named the Rev. Philip R. Johnson to become the university's 16th president effective July 1. Finlandia is one of 28 colleges and universities of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA). "By virtue of his training and experience, Philip understands the importance of both a private liberal arts education and the university's Lutheran affiliation," said the Rev. Dale R. Skogman, chair of Finlandia's board of trustees. "He articulates a vision that will appeal to prospective students and benefactors of Finlandia University. "In the process of interviewing for the presidency at Finlandia University, Philip evidenced great self awareness. He was candid in sharing the strengths and weaknesses he'll bring to the position," said Skogman. "Good leaders build on their strengths and surround themselves with skilled associates. Philip will bring a collaborative style of leadership to his presidency at Finlandia University," he said. Johnson succeeds Dr. Robert Ubbelohde, who served as president of Finlandia since 1991. Born in Cameroon, West Africa, Johnson earned an associate of arts degree in social sciences at Waldorf College, Forest City, Iowa, in 1980 and a bachelor of arts degree in psychology from Concordia College, Moorhead, Minn., in 1982. Waldorf and Concordia are ELCA higher education institutions. He earned a master of divinity degree and doctorate at Luther Seminary, St. Paul, Minn. Luther is one of eight seminaries of the ELCA. Johnson has served as campus pastor and associate dean of Finlandia's Suomi College of Arts and Sciences since 2006. He also served as assistant to the president when he came to Finlandia in January 2006. From 1995 to 2005, Johnson taught at the Mekane Yesus Theological Seminary and the Ethiopian Graduate School of Theology in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. He was dean of the seminary's theology department from 2001 to 2003. From 1992 to 1996, Johnson supervised the Nairobi Lutheran Parish of the Kenya Evangelical Lutheran Church. He was associate pastor at Our Savior Lutheran Church, Circle Pines, Minn., from 1988 to 1991. Johnson and his wife Rene, director of servant leadership at Finlandia, are the parents of two high-school-age children. They are members of Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, Hancock. Finlandia University was founded in 1896 as Suomi College. It is the only private university in Michigan's Upper Peninsula and remains the only university in North America founded by Finnish Immigrants. - - - Information about Finlandia University is available at http://www.finlandia.edu/home.html on the Internet. For information contact: John Brooks, Director (773) 380-2958 or [log in to unmask] http://www.elca.org/news ELCA News Blog: http://www.elca.org/news/blog