The David K. Johnson Recruiting and Retention Scholarships have been established to recruit and retain students in the Division of Business at Northwestern Oklahoma State University. The Tulsa businessman and long-time advocate of Northwestern is also funding physical and technology updates to student and faculty spaces located in the Jesse Dunn building located on the Alva campus. Johnson’s total investment with scholarships and updates is $1 million.
The David K. Johnson Entrepreneur Scholarships stand as the largest business scholarships in school history.
Johnson, an Alva, Okla., native now living in Tulsa, Okla., attended Northwestern for three semesters before completing his degree at the University of Oklahoma. Even after moving academically, he continued to view Alva and Northwestern as his true home. His deep connection to the community is what inspired him to give back and help elevate the Division of Business.
In 1977, Johnson completed his CPA exam and spent six years working in the accounting field. In 1982, he moved into private business and has experienced extraordinary success in multiple businesses, including oil and gas, commercial real estate, and trucking and equipment.
As a result of Johnson’s generosity, Northwestern’s Division of Business will be positioned to help students thrive, gain valuable experience and graduate fully prepared to succeed in their chosen fields, while also boosting the long-range economic success of the Alva community.
Dr. Garret Lahr, Division of Business Chair, shares how the investment will impact Northwestern for years to come.
"Mr. Johnson’s investment in the Division of Business will be invaluable to our program,” said Dr. Lahr. “His donation has provided us with much-needed resources for classroom facilities and scholarship money. The Division of Business is very thankful for the gift and the impact it will have on our students."
The physical improvements include new Zoom equipment to enhance communication with students on the Enid, Woodward, and Ponca City campuses, as well as updated furniture, carpet and paint for classrooms and faculty offices. Together, these enhancements will create a modern and collaborative learning environment.
“This is a wonderful gift that will help our students achieve their goals here at Northwestern Oklahoma State University,” said Dr. Bo Hannaford, university president. “Mr. Johnson is all in with Northwestern and I can’t thank him enough for this investment in our students. Students in business administration and accounting are in high demand across the state. This investment will put our students in a great position moving forward.”