Catherine Kerton-Johnson: A Multifaceted Leader in History, Community, and Innovation

Catherine Kerton-Johnson, also known locally as Cathy Kerton-Johnson of Upland, Indiana, is a dynamic force whose career spans academia, community leadership, corporate governance, and digital innovation. As a PhD candidate in History at Purdue University, she is breaking new ground in Digital Humanities. At the same time, her earlier roles in nonprofit development, logistics, and corporate compliance underscore a rare blend of academic excellence and practical business acumen. Her story is a testament to a life committed to service, scholarship, and innovation.

Academic Excellence and Research

Pursuing a PhD at Purdue University

Catherine is pursuing her PhD in History at Purdue University, specializing in Digital Humanities. Her research focuses on computational methods for analyzing Early Modern English texts. She seeks to deepen our understanding of historical narratives through digital analysis tools, significantly contributing to this emerging field. Her academic advisor is Dr. Melinda Zook, a renowned early modern political thought expert.

Master’s Degree in History

Before embarking on her PhD journey, Catherine earned her Master’s degree in History from Ball State University, graduating Summa Cum Laude. During her time there, she served as a Graduate Assistant, honing her teaching and research skills and setting the stage for her future scholarly pursuits.

Undergraduate and Early Academic Path

Her academic roots trace back to the University of Cape Town, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in History of Art, Fine Art, Economic History, and Jewish Tradition. Additionally, she studied Economics at the University of South Africa, further reinforcing her interdisciplinary competence.

Experience Across Industries

The Bridge Cafe – Owner and Community Leader

Since 2015, Catherine has owned and operated The Bridge Cafe in Upland, Indiana. This European-style cafe serves as a community hub, symbolizing her commitment to building meaningful, inclusive spaces in small-town America. The cafe reflects her deep connection to community life and entrepreneurship.

Kingdom Life Church – Director of Logistics

In her role at Kingdom Life Church in Gas City, Indiana, Catherine oversees ministry logistics, communications, conference planning, and recruitment. She co-pastors alongside her husband, demonstrating her leadership in both spiritual and organizational capacities.

SEGway News – Editor-in-Chief

Catherine co-founded The SEGway News and served as its Editor-in-Chief from 2016 to 2023. The local paper provided a platform for community voices and fostered civic engagement in Upland and beyond. Her journalistic leadership highlighted her storytelling skills and her passion for community development.

Corporate and Nonprofit Leadership

Before her academic career, Catherine held various high-level roles in South Africa and the UK, including:

• Manager, Corporate Statutory Compliance at Deloitte & Touche
• Corporate Statutory Compliance Officer at Personal Trust International
• Director of Operations at The Ephesus Initiative (UK)

In these roles, she managed staff, oversaw regulatory compliance, developed nonprofit infrastructure, and streamlined business operations.

Teaching and Educational Leadership

The Park School – Head of Philosophy and Ethics

Catherine led the Philosophy and Ethics Department at The Park School in Yeovil, United Kingdom, teaching students from grades 7 to 12. Her role emphasized ethical reasoning, critical thinking, and values-based education.

Prison Ministry and Pastoral Work

Earlier in her career, Catherine coordinated prison ministries for Holy Trinity Brompton in London, overseeing the Alpha Course in prisons. She also served as a pastoral assistant at St. Thomas Church in Cape Town, developing youth programs and managing volunteer teams.

Honors and Awards

Catherine’s academic and professional journey has been decorated with multiple honors:

• Dean’s Merit List at the University of South Africa and the University of Cape Town
• Valedictorian at Epworth School
• Sporting Honors (Basketball) at Epworth School
• Academic Honors recognizing her scholastic achievements

These accolades underscore her long-standing commitment to excellence in all spheres of life.

Personal Life and Community Impact

Living on a homestead farm in Upland, Indiana, with her husband and two children, Catherine embraces a lifestyle of sustainability and community-focused living. Her personal and professional lives intersect at the grassroots level, where she nurtures a close-knit family and creates impact through faith, education, and entrepreneurship.

Contributions to Digital Humanities

As part of her PhD work, Catherine engages in cutting-edge digital humanities research. She explores how computational tools can analyze historical texts, contributing to a broader understanding of religious and cultural transitions during the English Reformation. Her work is highly interdisciplinary, merging computer science, history, and literary studies.

Conference Presentations and Publications

Catherine has presented her findings at numerous academic conferences and has published in peer-reviewed journals. Her scholarly contributions reflect a rigorous approach to historical inquiry, backed by technical fluency in digital analysis methods.

Leadership Philosophy

Catherine’s leadership style is characterized by empathy, vision, and strategic execution. Whether managing volunteers at a nonprofit, running a business, or coordinating church operations, she consistently promotes collaboration, ethical practice, and systemic improvement.

Impact in Upland, Indiana

Her long-term residence in Upland has made her a familiar face in the community and a transformative one. Through ventures like The Bridge Cafe and The SEGway News, Catherine has built institutions that reflect the values of dialogue, inclusion, and local empowerment.

Multicultural Background

Originally from South Africa, Catherine has also lived in the United Kingdom and now the United States. Her global perspective enriches her academic and civic contributions, allowing her to draw connections across cultures and periods.

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Conclusion: Cathy Kerton-Johnson Upland Indiana

Catherine Kerton-Johnson is a remarkable example of how scholarly excellence and community leadership coexist and thrive together. From managing corporate compliance in South Africa to revolutionizing local journalism in Indiana, and from teaching philosophy to developing digital history tools, her journey is one of continuous growth and meaningful impact. She is a role model for aspiring scholars, leaders, and changemakers, especially women navigating complex interdisciplinary paths.

As she continues her PhD at Purdue University and engages in transformative community work, her legacy in academia and local life is underway, proving that one person can change the world, one meaningful connection at a time.