The Medical Mission

Daniel M. Johnson, PhD

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.