John P. Johnson

John P. Johnson became the fifth president of Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (ERAU) in 2006. He formerly served as interim president since 2005 and served as provost and Chief Academic Officer since 2003.^[1]

Dr. Johnson's academic career spans 35 years. He has served as a university president, provost and chief academic officer, college dean, and academic department chair. His appointments have included professorships with tenure at four universities. Prior to being appointed to his current position at Embry-Riddle in November 2005, Dr. Johnson served as the university's Provost and Chief Academic Officer. He held the same position at Texas A&M University-Texarkana. Dr. Johnson is an effective and caring teacher with a strong commitment to excellence in the classroom. He has taught at all levels and has an extensive publication record. His primary areas of research inquiry include speech and hearing science, the neurosciences, aerospace education, and academic leadership. He completed post-doctoral programs of study in academic administration at Texas A&M University in College Station (1984) and at the Budget and Control Board's Executive Institute in Columbia, South Carolina (1997–98). Dr. Johnson served as the Honorary National Chairman of the Silver Wings Society (2008–09). For his leadership in aerospace education and research he received the Jimmy Doolittle Fellowship Award from the U.S. Air Force Association (2007).^[2]

Under his leadership, Embry-Riddle became the only university to join the U.S.-China Aviation Cooperation Program. He has been effective in expanding Embry-Riddle's global presence. In addition to its two residential campuses, Embry-Riddle now has more than 150 locations in the United States, Europe, Asia and the Middle East. Under his stewardship, Embry-Riddle was a recipient of the prestigious Collier Trophy from the National Aeronautic Association for the development and implementation of ADS-B technology (2008). Working with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and industry leaders like Lockheed Martin and Boeing, Dr. Johnson has positioned the university as one of the nation's leaders in the development of next-generation air traffic management technology. Dr. Johnson has given position papers on the future of aerospace education and our national defense. In 2008, he began laying the groundwork for the development of a multi-university Space Transportation Research and Development Institute, to enhance the commercialization of space exploration. Dr. Johnson has been effective in raising extramural funds from local, state, and federal agencies, businesses, and foundations. He has been very successful in developing new degree programs of study, increasing enrollment, enhancing research and scholarly productivity, and in improving the internal climate and level of collegiality between the faculty and administration at several institutions.^[3]

On a personal level, John married Maurie Rodgers, a native Texan, in 2000. The third marriage for both, they have seven grown children and eight grandchildren, residing in California, Texas, South Carolina, and Florida. John grew up as the son of a career Army Officer and lived abroad extensively. He enjoys playing golf, boating, traveling, and flying.^[4]

Dr. Johnson received his B.A. and M.S. from Florida State University before earning his PhD from Kent State University. Dr. Johnson has taught undergraduate and graduate level courses in the areas of speech and hearing science, and biology. He served as Dean of Health Professions at the Medical University of South Carolina, Dean of Professional Studies at Northern Kentucky University, Chairman of the Communication Disorders Department at Lamar University, and Director of the Speech and Hearing Clinic at Bowling Green State University. He became the Provost of Texas A&M University–Texarkana in 1999.^[5]

Industry and Community Service

• Dr. Johnson is the chairman of the Halifax Healthy Board of Commissioners.^[6]
• Dr. Johnson is a member of the Governing Board of the Flight Safety Foundation.^[7]
• In 2014, Dr. Johnson received the Daytona Regional Chamber of Commerce’s Enterprise Award on behalf of the University for Generous Community Service, and a substantial impact on the overall economic vitality of the Daytona Beach area.^[8]
• Dr. Johnson received the 2013 Herbert M. Davidson Memorial Award for Outstanding Community Service from the Community Foundation of Volusia & Flagler, a division of the United Way of Volusia-Flagler Counties.^[9]
• In 2008-2009 he was the Honorary National Chairman of the Silver Wings Society.^[10]

Honors and Recognition

• Dr. Johnson received the 2010 John K. Lauber Award for Aviation Safety from the University Aviation Association, honoring the University's record of safe flying and operations as part of the safety-culture initiative he established.^[11]
• For his leadership in aerospace education and research, he received the 2007 Jimmy Doolittle Fellowship Award from the U.S. Air Force Association.^[12]

References

External links

• Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University President's Office
• Halifax Healthy Board of Commissioners
• Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University President's Office
• Independent Colleges and Universities of Florida
• University Aviation Association