Anderson University: A Legacy of Notable Alumni

Anderson University, tracing its roots back to 1848 with Johnson Female Seminary, has a rich history of fostering talent and shaping leaders. From its early days as a college to its current status as a comprehensive university, Anderson has produced alumni who have made significant contributions across various fields. This article explores some of the university's most notable graduates, highlighting their achievements and the impact they have had on the world. Anderson University does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, sex, disability, age, religion, genetic information, veteran or military status, or any other basis on which the University is prohibited from discrimination under local, state, or federal law, in its employment or in the provision of its services, including but not limited to its programs and activities, admissions, educational policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic and other University-administered programs. Some regulations issued under Title IX relating to discrimination on the basis of sex are not consistent with the University’s religious tenets and do not apply to the University (34 CFR § 106.12(a)).

University Presidents: Guiding Anderson Through the Years

The leadership of Anderson University has been instrumental in its growth and development. Several presidents stand out for their long-term vision and dedication to the institution.

John A. Morrison (1925-1958)

John Arch Morrison's tenure as president spanned from 1925 to 1958. Born in the Ozark region of Missouri, Morrison initially taught public school for seven years. In 1919, he accepted a position as professor of homiletics and assistant principal at Anderson Bible Training School. By 1923, he took on full responsibility as principal, and when the name changed in 1925, he was elected president. Morrison's leadership was crucial in guiding the college through the first accreditation process and the challenges of the Great Depression. His effective, distinguished, and sacrificial leadership was instrumental to the survival of the college through difficult times. After thirty-three years, John Morrison retired from Anderson College.

Robert H. Reardon (1958-1983)

Robert H. Reardon, who served as president from 1958 to 1983, had deep ties to Anderson College. After attending Anderson public schools, he earned his undergraduate degree from Anderson College, followed by a master's degree from Oberlin College and a doctorate from Vanderbilt University. He returned to Anderson College in 1947 as an assistant to the president. Upon Morrison’s retirement in 1958, Reardon was elected president. Over the next twenty-five years, he navigated the university through the turbulent 1960s and oversaw a period of rapid expansion, marked by doubled enrollment. In 1983, Reardon retired after twenty-five years of service. Connie R., daughter of President Robert Reardon, graduated from Anderson College in 1967 and later returned in 2001 to become the fitness director at the Kardatzke Wellness Center, a role she cherished due to her deep connection with the university's traditions and ethos.

Robert A. Nicholson (1983-1990)

Robert A. Nicholson, known as "Nick" to many, served as president from 1983 to 1990. Born in Minnesota, Nicholson initially considered a career as a railroad engineer before finding his path to Anderson College. Before assuming the presidency, he made a significant impact as a professor, dean, and vice president. During his eight-year tenure as president, he facilitated the transition from Anderson College to Anderson University, a change that occurred in 1987.

Read also: UCLA Anderson Guide

James L. Edwards (1990-2015)

James Edwards, who served as president from 1990 to 2015, brought a wealth of experience to the role. Before his presidency, he was a pastor at Meadow Park Church of God in Ohio and previously served as the director of Church and Alumni Relations for Anderson College from 1972 to 1975. Returning to his alma mater in 1990, Edwards led the university through restructuring and capital improvements. By the time of his retirement, he was the longest-serving president of Anderson University and, at the time, the longest-serving college president in the state of Indiana.

John S. Pistole (2015-Present)

John S. Pistole, the son of an Anderson College professor, graduated as an undergraduate from Anderson University. He earned a degree from the Robert Mckinney School of Law at IUPUI and practiced law before joining the FBI in 1983. Rising through the ranks, he became the Deputy Director and Head of the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). In 2015, he returned to Anderson University as its fifth president. During his tenure, he navigated the university through the Covid-19 pandemic and expanded National/Cyber Security programs.

Notable Alumni in Arts and Entertainment

Anderson University has a strong presence in the arts and entertainment industry, with alumni making significant contributions in music, film, and media.

Steven Curtis Chapman

Steven Curtis Chapman is an American contemporary Christian music singer, songwriter, record producer, actor, author, and social activist.

Sandi Patty

Sandra Faye "Sandi" Patty is an American Christian music singer, known for her wide soprano vocal range and expressive flexibility.

Gloria Gaither

Gloria Gaither is a Christian singer-songwriter, author, speaker, editor, and academic. She is married to Bill Gaither, and together they have written more than 700 songs. In 2000, ASCAP named them Christian Songwriters of the Century. She performed, traveled, and recorded with the Bill Gaither Trio from 1965 through 1991. Since 1991, she has served as a performer, recording artist, songwriter, scriptwriter, and narrator for the Gaither Homecoming series of television broadcasts, video and DVD releases, and audio recordings.

Bill Gaither

William James Gaither is an American singer and songwriter of Southern gospel and contemporary Christian music. He has written numerous popular Christian songs with his wife, Gloria. He is also known for performing as part of the Bill Gaither Trio and the Gaither Vocal Band. In the 1990s, his career gained a resurgence (as well as the careers of other southern gospel artists), as popularity grew for the Gaither Homecoming series. In 2023, he released a secular music album with the Gaither Vocal Band entitled “Love Songs”.

Marshall Hall

Marshall Hall is an American singer, songwriter, and producer. He is best known for his time as a member of the Gaither Vocal Band, his appearances on the Bill Gaither Homecoming tours, and Gaither Homecoming video series.

Lawrence Brownlee

Lawrence Brownlee is an American operatic tenor particularly associated with the bel canto repertoire. Describing his voice, Speight Jenkins, general director of the Seattle Opera, said: "There are other singers that sing this repertory very well, but I don't think anyone else has quite as beautiful a sound and as rounded a tone," and praise his "incredible top notes," adding about his high F (F5) in "Credeasi, misera": "With him it's not a scream, it's a beautiful sound." Mezzo-soprano Joyce DiDonato adds: "He is always in service of the music. His natural instrument is just incredibly beautiful. The word 'honey' comes to mind. He also has technical prowess and agility."

Cory Edwards

Cory Edwards is an American film director, screenwriter, and stand-up comedian. He is best known for directing, co-writing, and voice acting in Hoodwinked (2005), and for co-writing and voice acting in the 2011 sequel Hoodwinked Too! Hood vs. Evil. He is the older brother of screenwriter/director Todd Edwards and film producer Katie Hooten.

Jon McLaughlin

Jonathan McLaughlin is an American pop rock singer-songwriter, record producer, and pianist from Anderson, Indiana. His debut album Indiana was released on May 1, 2007, preceded by his first EP Industry, also known as Jon McL, in February 2007. His most successful song is the 2008 single "Beating My Heart," from his second album OK Now.

Lynelle Jonsson

Lynelle Jonsson is an American stage actress, dancer, and soprano singer. In 2004 and 2005, she was Miss USO and joined the Metropolitan New York USO Troupe of performers. She performed with the New York Gilbert and Sullivan Players and in other theatre and opera companies before concentrating, from 2010, in concert singing.

Gary Gerould

Gary Gerould, nicknamed “The G-Man”, is an American sportscaster, best known as the radio voice of the NBA's Sacramento Kings since 1985. The Sacramento Kings renewed his radio broadcaster contract for four years on September 15, 2017.

Alumni in Public Service and Law

Anderson University alumni have also made their mark in public service, law, and law enforcement.

John S. Pistole

John S. Pistole is the former administrator of the United States Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and a former deputy director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. He is currently the president of Anderson University.

Franklin Cleckley

Franklin Dorrah Cleckley was an American law professor and judge. He was Arthur B. Hodges Professor of Law at West Virginia University College of Law, where he taught from 1969 to 2013.

Travis Frank

Travis Frank graduated from Anderson University in 2017. Travis is a proud Raven after spending four years on the AU football team and serving as a co-president of the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC), assisting in many Special Olympic events, being a part of the Big Brother program, being nominated for homecoming court, and winning Mr. Travis made countless connections while at Anderson University and still has many friends he stays in contact with today. While at Anderson, Travis was unsure of where his life would take him, staying strong in his walk with Christ and many prayers, Travis found a calling of service. Travis has been serving with the Franklin Police Department since September of 2018 and has had a good career thus far. Travis has served as a Public Information Officer, Bike Patrol Officer, Patrol Officer, Field Training Officer, Community Engagement and Recruiting Officer, along with being a Detective for his agency. As Detective Travis Served as a State and a Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) Task Force Officer, assisting in investigating child endangerment, assaults, and human trafficking. Within his service Travis has been awarded a Community Action Award, Officer of the Year, Chiefs Commendation, and Service Purple Heart. Travis is currently assigned to the Criminal Investigations Division in a new role, as a Caine Handler.

Other Notable Alumni

Anderson University has a diverse alumni base with representatives in various fields.

Dave Shore

Dave Shore graduated from Anderson University in 1988, and from the very beginning, Anderson played a huge role in setting the foundation for his career. Right after graduation, Dave began working on-air in television news at WFIE-TV in Evansville. That opportunity opened the door for him to explore his passion for storytelling, communication, and connecting with audiences. His career highlights include being on-air and senior leadership for ESPN in two of the five largest media markets in the country, Los Angeles and Dallas. In addition to his work in media and management, Dave has also been deeply involved in the nonprofit sector. Today, Dave continues to use his skills in coaching, consulting, and advising, drawing on decades of experience in broadcasting, media, and executive leadership. He works with young talent, organizations, and executives through consulting, workshops and seminars to sharpen their skills, build their confidence, and maximize their impact. Through every chapter of his career, Dave has never forgotten his roots at Anderson University.

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