Born in the small city of Arlington in Hancock County, Ohio, John King has played a key part in the development and evolution of Otterbein athletics. A 1968 graduate, King began his relationship with Otterbein as a student-athlete by playing one year of football and enjoying a four-year stretch in track and field, competing in the hurdles and serving as team captain his senior year. A true team player, John possessed an admirable personality that meshed well with other athletes and helped establish a great relationship with his coaches.

King, who graduated with a biology degree and was a proud member of Pi Kappa Phi fraternity, went into the United States Navy right after his time at Otterbein before eventually starting a 16-year career with Electronic Data Systems.

John was then asked in 1989, by Ross Perot, to become one of eight founders for Perot Systems, an information technology services provider in the industries of health care, government, manufacturing, banking and insurance. He contributed in many different roles until the time he retired, primarily as a Vice President and General Manager of Strategic Alliances. He helped Perot Systems, which was eventually acquired by Dell in 2009, earn multiple top-five finishes on Fortune Magazine’s “Most Admired Companies in America” list.

King, who now lives in McLean, Va. with his wife, Susie, has been a model of commitment and instrumental supporter of Otterbein University throughout his years of giving. In addition to co-chairing the campaign to build the Clements Recreation Center, he helped with the track and field room in Memorial Stadium, was the lead donor for Otterbein’s campus wireless project and also contributed to the expansion of the science building.