Trinity Lutheran College has announced that Dr. Thomas F. Johnson will serve as its interim academic dean for the 2012-2013 academic year.

Johnson replaces former academic dean Dr. Jeffrey Mallinson, who left Trinity to take a faculty position at Concordia University Irvine.

Johnson received his M.Div. in Biblical Studies from Fuller Theological Seminary and attended Princeton Seminary, where he studied religion in America. His Ph.D. in Religion is from Duke University.

He served as president at University of Sioux Falls from 1988-1997 and interim president at George Fox University in 1998. He has worked as dean and professor at George Fox Seminary and professor at Seattle School of Theology and Psychology, where he also served on their board of directors.

Johnson brings to Trinity tremendous wisdom and experience, and he will provide leadership for faculty and academics in a limited part-time basis.

“Tom brings tremendous credibility and a heart to serve Trinity in this next year. I could not be more pleased about this appointment,” said John Reed, Trinity Lutheran College President.

Johnson is pleased to join in the work Trinity is doing as an institution of higher education as well as a faith-based college focused on service and community engagement.

“I am very supportive of Trinity’s mission and look forward to assisting the college in its work. This relationship is well aligned with my own sense of call to serve Christian higher education,” said Johnson

Johnson begins work at the college on August 1.