"The Curb Sales Strategy in Sports and Entertainment (S3E) program has taught me valuable skills in the sales industry," said the junior from Southern California, who is majoring in marketing and management at the Hankamer School of Business. "Overall, the business school has allowed me to learn how to be a Christian leader in the workplace. That's really different from the other schools where my friends are going to college."

What first caught Johnny's attention about Baylor, however, was one aspect of its history.

"When I was in high school looking at possible universities to attend, my dad called me into his office one day and said, 'You have to see this. I just found a school that was established by the Republic of Texas! It wasn't even in the United States when it started.' I said, 'That's fantastic!"

A GRATEFUL HEART

Ever since first visiting Waco as a prospective student, Johnny knew Baylor was the place where he would find a second home and start down the path toward his future. "There was a very positive energy on campus the day I did my campus tour," he said. "Of course, it helped that it was right after we won the national championship game in basketball."

Among the financial assistance Johnny has received is the Christian Leadership Scholarship, established in 2007 by Russell (B.A. '80, M.S. '81) and Dana Jefferson of Madison, Alabama, to assist students who are actively involved in Baptist Student Ministries. The Jeffersons plan to increase the fund's resources in the future through an estate gift.

Johnny said that, as the first child in his family to attend college, such help has been a significant part of his ability to be a Baylor Bear.

"Alleviating that financial burden has always been top of mind for me in going to college," he said. "Receiving scholarships has been very impactful on my Baylor journey, and I know that this assistance will continue to benefit me for much longer than the generous people who have provided it can ever imagine."

REALIZING A DREAM

Saying he hopes to set a good example for his brother and sister regarding academic discipline and financial stewardship, Johnny hopes to continue pursuing the passion he has developed for the sales side of the sports industry, specifically in selling sponsorships.

"Through the S3E program, I fell in love with long-term negotiations and working with other businesses to create long-term partnerships," he said. "I've also really enjoyed the values-based structure of the business school's leadership program. Developing our commitment to integrity and ethics and carrying ourselves in the world with Christian compassion are things that set Baylor apart from other colleges."

Johnny clearly remembers the day when he learned that his dream of a Baylor education was going to become a reality. "I called my mother right after I opened the letter letting me know the amount of scholarship money that was being offered to me," he said. "She broke down in tears because of how exciting it was and how meaningful it was."