Showalter Johnson II ’25
Hometown: Nassau, Bahamas
Major: New Media
Meet Showalter Johnson II, a senior at William Penn University who has left a lasting impact both on and off the track. Hailing from Nassau, Bahamas, Showalter is a New Media major and a standout athlete on the university’s Track and Field team. As the school record holder in the 60m, 100m, and 200m events, his athletic accomplishments are nothing short of extraordinary. Beyond sports, he is a multi-talented creative with eight years of experience in music production, filmmaking, photography, graphic design, and social media consulting. He’s also a skilled pianist and drummer with aspirations of becoming a professional athlete.
Showalter chose William Penn University because it was the institution that gave him a chance when others didn’t. “The key factor that influenced me was the coach’s interest in me,” he shared. That opportunity has paid off, as he continues to thrive both academically and athletically. Despite a challenging start to his freshman year—arriving late and working to catch up on assignments—Showalter maintained his eligibility and has since earned a spot on the Dean’s List every semester since his junior year. He credits much of his academic growth to courses like Christian Ethics with Professor Randall Nicholes, which expanded his perspective on life and helped him navigate ethical decision-making.
Showalter’s time at William Penn has also been defined by personal growth and professional development. He has utilized campus resources like the Media Technology Center to refine his skills and gained valuable hands-on experience filming sports and working on projects such as Professor Max Leonida’s film Winter Harvest. These opportunities, coupled with his drive to succeed, have prepared him for a future as a professional in his field.
On campus, Showalter appreciates the peaceful environment that allows for reflection and the diverse community that offers opportunities for meaningful connections. As a member of the Track and Field team and a leader in the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA), he has built relationships that have shaped his college experience. Looking back, one of his most memorable moments was becoming an All-American in the 100m with a time of 10.26 seconds. “This moment made me reflect on all the hardships and how God brought me to this school. It helped me realize my potential to become a pro athlete and gave me confidence in other areas of my life,” he said.
William Penn has not only helped Showalter grow personally but also equipped him for his future. After graduation, he plans to pursue a career in professional track and field, continue his freelance media work, and share his faith by preaching the word of God. Reflecting on his time at William Penn, he says, “There’s a reason God directed me here, and I’m happy I fulfilled that purpose.”