John Brown

DATE AND PLACE OF BIRTH: July 1, 1949, in Siloam Springs (in the JBU infirmary on campus)

FAMILY: Stephania Brown (wife); Children (all married plus grandkids): Ethan Brown, Jenny Benson, Kathryn Cottrell, Jessica Mills and Laura Garvey

ONE OF MY FAVORITE PHRASES IS: “Trust God and go to work.” — John E. Brown Sr.

THE BEST TIME OF DAY IS: Someone once told me that all great leaders get up early. I start the coffee around 4 a.m.

THE BOOK I’VE BEEN RECOMMENDING LATELY: Christ Over All — A History of John Brown University, written and edited by JBU alumnus Paul Semones, and in part by me, to celebrate the 100th anniversary of JBU’s founding in 1919.

MY FAVORITE PLACE ON EARTH: Either at home or with kids and grandkids for a week in Sandestin, Fla.

FAVORITE HISTORICAL FIGURE: Abraham Lincoln, who called America “the last, best hope of earth.”

I’M AT MY BEST WHEN: I have a challenge and a deadline.

I KNOW I’VE HELPED SOMEONE WHEN: They send me a written note. I try to do the same for others who have helped me.

IF I’VE LEARNED ONE THING IN LIFE, IT’S: Not to let fear of failure deter me from setting higher goals.

MY MOST HUMBLING EXPERIENCE WAS: ROTC summer camp, Fort Riley, Kan., platoon leader for a day when we did a mock assault on an enemy on a wooded hilltop. Our drill instructor was not kind in his assessment.

WHEN NO ONE IS LOOKING, I: help myself to a second serving of dessert … life is meant for such moments.