Dr. Johnson has served in higher education leadership , positions for more than 30 years, during which time he developed significant collaborations and partnerships among various public universities, government entities, industrial corporations and international organizations.
Prior to his years in high level leadership positions, Dr. Johnson enjoyed a remarkable career as a professor of Sociology and Demography at major universities in Kansas, Illinois, Virginia, Texas and Alaska. He helped lead these universities to become highly engaged in critical community issues and regional economic development programs.
His broad community affiliations in the Toledo metropolitan area have included the Toledo Regional Chamber of Commerce, the Regional Growth Partnership and the Urban League.
He is also on the board of the Alliance for Paired Donation, The Library Legacy Board of the Toledo Lucas County Public Library, Hospice of Northwest Ohio, Lourdes University, SkyLIFE Technology and the Toledo 22nd Century Committee. He has served as a consultant to several universities and been an advisor/mentor to numerous university presidents. He also served as a commissioner to the Western Higher Education Commission, one of six major U.S. academic accrediting bodies.
Dr. Johnson became president of The University of Toledo in 2001 where he fostered community engagement and led the highly successful effort in 2006 to merge UT with the Medical University of Ohio, creating the third largest public university in the state. In 2008, after a distinguished career in higher education leadership positions, Dr. Johnson was invited to become Provost and Chief Operating Officer of Zayed University in the United Arab Emirates with campuses in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. At Zayed University he worked closely with the Minister of Higher Education in building a new, billion-dollar campus in Abu Dhabi. Additionally, he developed collaborative relationships with universities in the Middle East, Europe, Asia, Africa and North and South America.
In 2011, Dr. Johnson returned to the University of Toledo as President Emeritus where he led the University's initiative for Global Engagement. Since retiring from UT former President Johnson has remained professionally active in Northwest Ohio. In particular, he has been actively involved in promoting the Global Medical Missions Hall of Fame Foundation. President Johnson is a prolific author. Most recently he authored "Leading Economic Development: A Toolkit for Public Officials and Civic Leaders." His autobiography, "With Gratitude: Memories I Want to Keep and Pass On" is a personal chronicle of significant events in Dr. Johnson's personal life and professional career.
We congratulate Dr. Johnson as the recipient of the 2016 Lifetime Distinguished Service Award.