Midland College has been a significant part of Lindley and Johnny Burnett's lives, as it was the place where they both began their higher education and fell in love. The couple met in 2006 while taking an American History class taught by Dr. Damon Kennedy, who is now the president of Midland College.
Johnny recalled, “I think we both noticed each other, but it took us a few weeks to introduce ourselves.” He added, “We started studying together. Lindley was the smart one in history. She helped me more than I helped her!”
Both Lindley and Johnny hail from West Texas. Lindley grew up in Midland and attended local schools, while Johnny was raised in Monahans and graduated from Monahans High School in 2005. At the time they met at Midland College, Lindley was still in high school at Midland Christian School and enrolled at MC as an early admission student.
After their time at Midland College, Lindley transferred to TCU to study Education, while Johnny went to Texas Tech for Petroleum Engineering. They continued dating throughout their college years.
“I majored in education,” Lindley said. “However, that was after changing my major five times! Finally, I took an education course, and it just ‘clicked.’”
Johnny completed his degree in Petroleum Engineering by December 2009 and proposed to Lindley during Thanksgiving that year. He explained, “I had already talked to her parents and had the ring for about two weeks. I was just waiting for the right moment.”
The proposal happened on campus at Midland College where they first met. Johnny recounted how they were planning to see a movie but ended up walking around campus instead: "We walked in front of the Fox Science Building where we first met, and that’s where I got down on one knee and proposed."
Lindley shared her feelings about the proposal: “Surely Johnny knew that I really loved him.” Despite having considered teaching abroad after graduation, she chose to marry Johnny instead.
The couple married in June 2010 and lived in Hobbs for five years before returning to Midland with their daughters Rian and Kate.
Lindley pursued further education with a master's degree from Walden University and now teaches World History at Midland Christian School using techniques learned from Dr. Kennedy's class.
While Johnny has advanced his career at Mewbourne Oil Company as a production superintendent, he prefers staying stateside compared to Lindley's passion for travel. However, they are planning a Rhine River cruise for their anniversary.
The Burnetts also enjoy skiing trips twice a year to Utah and play pickleball locally at Bush Tennis Center.
Midland College continues offering various programs for students seeking educational opportunities through its Welcome Center.