Ridgewater President Receives Lifetime Achievement Award

Dr. Craig Johnson, President of Ridgewater College, has been selected to receive the Michael Bennett Lifetime Achievement Award, presented by the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society and its Board of Directors. The award recognizes retiring college presidents whose leadership demonstrates an enduring commitment to student success and the development of student leaders.

“The strength of each student’s experience is shaped in many ways by the value college presidents place on Phi Theta Kappa,” said Lynn Tincher-Ladner, Ph.D., President and CEO of Phi Theta Kappa. “Dr. Johnson’s nomination and election reflect a career grounded in student success from the very beginning.”

The Michael Bennett Lifetime Achievement Award is an honor presented to retiring college presidents whose leadership has demonstrated an enduring commitment to student success and to the mentorship of student leaders.

Dr. Craig Johnson, President of Ridgewater College, will retire May 19, 2026, culminating eight years of dedicated service to the institution. Since assuming the presidency in 2018, he has led the institution through a period of significant growth and renewal. His leadership has been marked by expanding academic offerings, strengthening partnerships in the Hutchinson and Willmar communities, supporting strong enrollment growth, and championing a culture of belonging for students and employees.

“The impact of Phi Theta Kappa is shaped by the commitment of college leaders like Dr. Johnson,” added Dr. Tincher-Ladner. “His nomination is a testament to the gratitude PTK students feel – not only for themselves, but for the generations of students who have benefited from his leadership.”

Dr. Johnson will be honored during the Phi Theta Kappa Annual Convention on March 27, 2026.

To learn more about Ridgewater College, visit www.ridgewater.edu.

Photo cutline
Ridgewater College Phi Theta Kappa members salute retiring Ridgewater President Dr. Craig Johnson this month as they celebrate his receiving the Michael Bennett Lifetime Achievement Award from Phi Theta Kappa and its Board of Directors. The award recognizes his leadership and commitment to student success and the development of student leaders. Front row, from left are officers Leslie Wiltscheck and Nissa VanDenBroeke, and members Ava Mochinski, and Holly Risk. Back row from left: officer Jayden Kruse, Dr. Craig Johnson, member Phillip Ahlgren, Advisor Lori Anderson, and member Rebekah Youngdale.