Randy Rudder has an MFA in Creative Nonfiction Writing from the University of Memphis and an MA in literature from Tennessee State University. He has worked as a TV and documentary producer, an English and journalism professor at TSU, Aquinas College, and Nashville State.

He has authored or edited 4 books and written over 150 articles in popular culture and academic publications He lives in Mt. Juliet with his wife Clare.

Dr. James Benjamin (Ben) Johnson serves as the Federal Programs Supervisor in Smith County, overseeing the federal budgets, guiding district and school improvement planning, and coordinating professional learning and development. Dr. Johnson earned his Ed.D at Middle Tennessee State University in Assessment, Learning, and School Improvement.

After being part of the first cohort in Cumberland University’s Instructional Leadership licensure program, where he earned his administrative license, he has played a vital role in school leadership at the high school and district levels, helping lead schools to multiple Reward School designations, SCORE prize acknowledgments, and a National Blue Ribbon for Gap Closure.

In addition to his district supervisor role, Dr. Johnson’s teaching experience includes middle and high school, special education, alternative school, and higher education. He has also served as an assistant principal, executive principal, and district coordinator.

Dr. Johnson comes from a family of educators, as his wife, Kimberly Woodard Johnson, is a graduate of Cumberland University, earning her B.A. and M.ED. in Instructional Leadership.