Tennessee Tech impact on Van Buren County reflected through scholarship and new mural
For decades, Randy Johns has demonstrated a deep commitment to the people of Van Buren County through his enduring support of Tennessee Tech University. From establishing a life-changing scholarship for Van Buren County students to commissioning a mural that celebrates local heritage, Randy’s contributions reflect a lifelong dedication to education and community spirit.
The Johns Family Scholarship, originally created in 2007 as the Johna A. Johns Scholarship, was established by Randy, his late wife Frances and their son Dale in memory of their daughter Johna. Johna, known for her intellectual curiosity and love of learning, planned to return to Tech to pursue a career in healthcare before her life was tragically cut short in 1992. To honor her legacy, the Johns family chose to invest in the education of students from Van Buren County — a mission that continues today.
When Frances passed away, the scholarship was renamed the Johns Family Scholarship to honor her as well. What began as a memorial gift funded by Johna’s life insurance has grown into a six-figure endowment that now supports multiple students each year. Randy has continued to add to the fund over time, and friends of the Johns family contribute as well.
Randy’s philanthropy extends beyond financial contributions. Among his most meaningful gifts is a handcrafted table made from an oak tree that once stood in the Historic Main Quad near Derryberry Hall – a landmark that predated the university itself. Today, the table is housed in the Bryan Fine Arts Building, where it serves as both a functional piece and a source of inspiration for art students.
“Tennessee Tech has been incredibly fortunate to have Randy Johns as a friend for so many years,” said Tiff Rector, executive director of planned giving for Tech. “Randy’s generosity comes from a deeply personal place, but what makes it so special is how he’s turned that love for his family and his community into opportunities for generations of students. He doesn’t give for recognition – he gives because he believes in people, in Van Buren County and in the power of a Tech education. I’ve had the privilege of working with him for decades, and his heart for giving back is inspiring.”
Although a graduate of the University of Tennessee, Randy has long believed in Tech’s impact on the Upper Cumberland region, particularly in Van Buren County.
“We wanted to give back where it would make the most difference,” Randy said. “More students from our county attend Tech. It’s my way of passing it on. I know that’s what my wife would have wanted.”
That same love of community recently inspired Randy to transform a newly constructed barn on his property into a large-scale mural that reflects both his personal values and the history of his home county. The mural faces a main roadway and was designed to spark curiosity, pride and conversation among those who pass by.
The artwork features iconic imagery including tributes to two notable local figures: artist Gilbert Gaul and businessman James “Peckerwood” Taft who was instrumental in the development of Fall Creek Falls State Park. It also incorporates flags of the United States, Tennessee and Van Buren County, along with nods to both the University of Tennessee and Tennessee Tech — representing Randy’s educational background and philanthropic focus.
To bring his vision to life, Randy partnered with Tech alumna Abby Ramaker (`23 fine arts), an accomplished muralist whose work can be seen across the Upper Cumberland, including on campus. Known for her ability to blend artistic storytelling with community identity, Ramaker was a natural choice for the project.
Randy praised Ramaker’s work, particularly her attention to detail in the portraits and her ability to expand his ideas into a cohesive and stunning composition.
“I told her what I wanted, and she came up with something phenomenal,” Randy said. “I think it’s the best mural she’s ever done.”
Ramaker, who has painted dozens of murals in the region, credits her time at Tech as foundational to her growth as an artist. Her work often reflects the university and the surrounding community, emphasizing the connection between place, people and shared experience.
“This project was very unique,” Ramaker said. “I’ve never completed a project in such a rural area, and I can tell it really made the community there excited. Even the school bus would honk each day as they drove by while I was painting, and I thought that was really sweet.”
Ramaker spent two weeks designing the mural, making paint lists and cutting large-scale stencils. The mural itself took approximately one week to paint. Ramaker’s mural partner, Millie Hall (`24 fine arts), assisted in finishing the project, and Ramaker’s family helped as well by holding the large stencils in place.
“As a muralist, I often view myself as a translator for someone’s vision,” Ramaker said. “I hope what the community takes away from the mural is what Randy hoped for: pride in Tennessee and Van Buren County’s history.”
Likewise, Randy hopes Ramaker’s mural will inspire viewers to learn more about local history and feel a deeper connection to Van Buren County.
“I’ve had several people drive by and call me up and tell me how much they appreciate it,” Randy said. “I’d like for people to ask questions, because a lot of people don’t know who the portraits are. I want to bring more attention to the people who have helped this county. It’s just another way of giving back.”