Johnny Bush ‘86 named Concordia Nebraska Alumnus of the Year

During Homecoming weekend, the Concordia Alumni Association honors alumni and friends for their outstanding service and accomplishments. The Concordia Nebraska Alumnus of the Year award is given to an alumnus who has demonstrated outstanding Christian service and leadership in the community, church and world, and outstanding performance in his or her vocation.   

An experienced educator with more than 30 years of experience, Johnny Bush ’86 currently serves as assistant principal at Title I school Madison Middle School in Tampa, Florida. Bush has a bachelor’s degree in social work from then-named Concordia Teachers College, a master’s degree in deaf education from the University of North Florida in Jacksonville and an education specialist degree in educational leadership from the University of South Florida in Tampa. 

“I retired in 2022 as a high school principal after 33 years of education. My wife is not quite ready to retire, so I’m doing something I’ve always wanted to do: work at a school with kids that look like me and who are growing up the way I grew up as one of seven kids to a single mom,” he explained. “The joy of this job is getting kids to see that their future is bright and that they can succeed if they put their minds to it. We as adults must be there every step of the way, in case they stumble. I do my best to ensure students are safe first and foremost. I want students to have a good experience while learning. In all of my years of being in education, I found that students who feel safe in their learning environment get a better education.” 

A member of the Hillsborough Association of School Administrators and Florida Association of School Administrators, he has been part of several select groups including the 2014 Florida Commissioner’s Leadership Academy and the 2022 Cahn Fellowship. He also volunteers with Amazing Love Ministries and is a founding board member of the Tampa chapter of the Friends of the Children of Tampa Bay. 

He and his wife Lauren (Jeffery) Bush have two children: Mia Anneliese and Celia Lane. Lauren serves as a military family life counselor in Tampa. Prior to her current job, Lauren worked for 20 years at the Moffitt Cancer Center here in Tampa. Mia has a bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of South Florida and a master’s degree in global disaster psychology from the University of Denver. Celia recently graduated from Florida State University with a degree in political science and will soon start grad school at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, where she will earn her master’s degree in strategic communications. 

“It was truly a blessing that the Lord brought me to Concordia. My faith became more defined. As a young child growing up in poverty, I always had a strong belief in God and the power of prayer. My time at Concordia showed me that God is good all day every day. I welcomed the opportunities to learn more about my blind faith and my Lord and Savior.”

“Now that we are empty nesters my wife has instilled in me a love for hiking and travel. We have been to Europe the last four summers and have visited countless cities in over 10 countries. Four years ago, we started a tradition where we kidnap our girls the day after Christmas and take them on a four-day Caribbean getaway,” he said. “It seems to be the only time they want to hang out with us! When things are quiet, we like to go to a little town called Flagler Beach where we have a quaint little beach house. Believe it or not, one of my hobbies is surfing. At age 63, I don’t surf as well as I used to, but I still enjoy the water.” 

Bush’s career spans many schools, roles and experiences in and around Tampa, Florida. He has served as a teacher at the Florida School for the Deaf, as a teacher of the deaf and hard of hearing at Brandon High School, as assistant principal at Riverview High School, as assistant principal at Brandon High School, as assistant principal and principal at Robinson High School, as general manager for professional standards at Hillsborough County Public Schools and as principal at H.B. Plant High School. 

Bush said his time at Concordia Nebraska had a profound impact on his life. 

“I had an amazing life-changing experience at Concordia. I met so many people that I am in touch with today. We were there for each other then, and it’s such a beautiful feeling to know that we’re here for each other now,” he said. “I would be remiss if I did not mention my brother Al Dutcher, best roommate ever! His family took me in like a third son. God’s work brought them into my life. Speaking of our Lord and Savior, how could that not be the best experience of my time at Concordia? I did my confirmation classes and was confirmed Lutheran while at Concordia. An all around incredible experience!” 

Bush said the fellowship and community at the university was a highlight of his time at Concordia. Worship, Bible study and time with friends was formative, uplifting and edifying, he added. 

“I remember many of my professors very vividly because they were very impactful: Jenny Mueller-Roebke, Dr. Wolfram in Art, Mr. Woodburn and so many others. They were patient, they were kind and they wanted to see us succeed. Dian Vieselmeyer and Sharon Kraft were not professors but also had major roles in helping me succeed,” he said. “I learned to be patient. I was proud to speak confidently about my faith.” 

Bush said he often recalls his confirmation verse – Psalm 37:5 - when working with students: “Commit thy way unto the Lord, trust also in him and he shall bring it to pass.”  

“It was truly a blessing that the Lord brought me to Concordia,” he said. “My faith became more defined. As a young child growing up in poverty, I always had a strong belief in God and the power of prayer. My time at Concordia showed me that God is good all day every day. I welcomed the opportunities to learn more about my blind faith and my Lord and Savior.” 

During Homecoming and Alumni Reunion Weekend, Concordia University, Nebraska joyfully celebrates alumni and friends whose faith-filled service, leadership and achievements inspire the Concordia community and beyond.