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Newly Appointed Lindenwood University Interim President Doesn’t Have a College Degree

In a recent interview with Lindenwood University’s student newspaper, Lindenlink, newly appointed interim president Arthur Johnson said he decided not to enroll in college and instead work at his father’s advertising agency.

Arthur JohnsonArthur Johnson

Johnson began working at his father’s business, KSJ Advertising in 1973 and then worked for AAA Motor Club, one of KSJ’s clients. Johnson worked at the organization for 28 years, serving as its chief executive officer for the last seven years, according to St. Louis Public Radio.

Because Lindenwood, which has about 10,000 students is a private institution, “we don’t feel compelled to discuss either [Johnson’s] compensation or his academic history,” said university spokesman Chris Duggan.

A former Lindenwood University board member and vice chairman, Johnson was selected to serve as interim president after former president Michael Shonrock was recently fired.

Johnson has said he is not interested in permanently serving as president of the university.

Instructor positions advertised at Lindenwood are required to have earned at least a master’s degree, with a preference for doctoral degree recipients.

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