Donna Johnson

1. Where did you grow up/go to school?

I grew up for the first 10 years of my life in the Bronx, located in New York City, with various extended family members. I then moved one hour north of NYC to a small town called Garrison, N.Y. I lived at a place called the Walter Hoving Home which was a home for women who were drug and alcohol addicted. It was affiliated with Teen Challenge. My mother was a counselor there, and we lived on the property until I was 22 years of age. I then attended the Kings College for 4 years and graduated with a degree in Sociology and minor in Social Work. I received my M.S. in Counseling at Long Island University. I am currently a student at Luther Seminary.

2. What is your current position at Bethel and for how long?

I have been the Pastor of Outreach Ministries since August 2004. It is a part-time position. I work between 20-25 hours per week. I work with student leaders who do volunteer work in the community. These students then work with their peers at various sites around the Twin Cities. The sites range from helping senior citizens, mentoring and tutoring children, serving at a homeless shelter, or teaching kids with disabilities to swim.

3. What is your family like? (Spouses, kids, pets)

I am married to Herb Johnson who just started a position at Bethel as a music faculty. He and I have been married for 8+ years and have two children, Treveon is 5 and Kearra is 2. No pets...children are enough for us to handle.

4. What is your favorite college memory?

Hanging out in the formal lounge with friends to all hours of the night, basketball games, making fun of our cheerleaders, and talks with Dr. Winston Johnson my sociology professor. I am forever grateful to him for investing in me as a student.

5. When not at Bethel, what can you be found doing? (Interests, hobbies, etc.)

When not at Bethel, I am with my family, playing with my children, or visiting with friends, usually over a meal. I am also a part-time student at Luther Seminary which keeps me busy.