8The Johnson University mission statement guides the University's approach to academics, finances, enrollment, student life, spiritual formation, community engagement, and more. But mission statements must be explained well and repeated often. In fact, Dr. Tommy Smith believes the first priority of his presidency is to communicate, guard, and guide the mission of Johnson University. To that end, Dr. Smith has written a series of articles that articulate the University's mission, explain its current application, and provide context for its central role in the life of the institution. This six-part essay series is collected here as a resource for Johnson University's students, faculty, staff, alumni, donors, community partners, and friends. "It is one thing to construct a worthy, historically consistent, focused mission statement and another to implement it within every aspect of the institution," Smith writes. "Whereas Johnson University formally committed to this specific mission in 2011, we continue to learn its implications, especially as our educational contexts and challenges continue to change. It is imperative that the Johnson community systematically reviews and reaffirms its mission and continues to clearly communicate that mission to its external constituencies." Sidebar: What does it mean to educate students? What does it mean to educate students for Christian ministries and other strategic vocations? What does it mean to be framed by the Great Commission? What does it mean to extend the kingdom of God? What does it mean to be among all nations? L. Thomas (Tommy) Smith Jr. is the seventh president of Johnson University. He is a graduate of Johnson Bible College, Emmanuel School of Religion, and the University of Tennessee. He also served as professor of history and theology, dean of the School of Arts and Sciences, and vice president for academic affairs/provost at Johnson. He is the author of Above Every Other Desire: A History of Johnson University, 1893-2018, and has contributed articles and book reviews to various publications. Tommy keeps an active speaking schedule and has conducted short-term mission trips around the world. He and his wife Deborah have two sons and six grandchildren.