A Tribute to Dr. Tommy Smith

Published: Aug 26, 2024 Duration: 00:03:52 Category: People & Blogs

Tags : higher education Johnson University Tommy Smith retirement Dr. Tommy Smith university president tribute Johnson University leadership Christian college university history Johnson University alumni president retirement university community educational leadership college tribute Johnson University Tennessee

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My relationship with Dr. Smith actually started in the 90s. Dr. Smith is a great leader for several reasons. His leadership during Covid. He led the university during unprecedented, challenging times. I mean, he genuinely takes the time to care about us. There are aspects of his leadership and of his presidency that I hope that I can continue. I cannot remember a time that I did not know Tommy Smith. We grew up in the same beautiful little mountain community of Hampton, Tennessee. When I was just a small boy, my father preached at the Woodlawn Church here in Knoxville. And Tommy was a student at Johnson at the time. And he came to be the weekend youth minister at our church. When I came to be a student at Johnson, I served as his teacher assistant. And so I had the honor of being there and working with him and, doing all the grunt work that he didn't want to do and grade the papers that he didn't want to grade. I met Dr. Smith in the summer of 2013. I think we connected because we are both musicians. Actually, pianists, to be exact. He's a very intelligent man. Very hard working man. But the thing that I appreciate the most about Dr. Smith is his basic humility, his humanity. and, great sense of humor. He's very funny. And I don't know if students recognize that or not. There's not many leaders like that. And I really appreciate that about Tommy Smith. He's a historian. So he would he would look at a situation from “Why are we here?” “How did we get to this point?” “And then what do we do to move ahead?” That would be one of his strengths, I think, in leadership. He wrote about the history of the school. Tommy's book that he wrote about the history of Johnson has a lasting impact on the school and future students also. He’s become more of another friend that I have on campus. I mean, I see him in the hallways and I'll stop and talk and we'll say hi, and, you know, we'll ask each other how we're doing and genuinely be honest with each other. Tommy and Debbie, I wish you the best on your new adventure with the good Lord leading the way. Tommy, I would hope that your retirement is even more fun than your work. And I wish you well. We love you both. And we just pray that the God of all our days and years will bless and keep you as you begin this new journey. So God bless you, friends. Tommy and Debbie, thank you so much for how you've built into my life and into Carrie's life over the years. We've appreciated your encouragement and appreciated your wisdom. And we look forward to continuing to tap into your wisdom in the years to come. So thank you for all that you've meant to us and all that you've meant to Johnson University. Tommy, thank you for being everybody’s friend. Thank you for seeing me, as a freshman. Scared and nervous. Being 12 hours away from home. And recognizing that I still have good things to offer. You helped Johnson become home for me. Tommy, It’s been a good run. And I hope that your early retirement will bring you good things in the long run. And I just wanted to let you know that I do appreciate you. Thanks, dear friend, for being a good friend to me.

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