TO THE CHAPTER INVISIBLE
TO THE CHAPTER INVISIBLE
• Honorary Doctorate Degrees from Western Michigan University, Gandhigram University of India and Grambling State University Dr. Johnson was inducted into the History Makers-Chicago, Illinois, the Southwestern Athletic Conference Hall of Fame, the Grambling Sports Legend Hall of Fame. A Life Member of Kappa Alpha Psi ® , Dr. Johnson held memberships in United Negro College Fund, Commission on Leadership Development of the Ameri- can Council of Education, Phi Delta Kappa, Council of Presidents of Ameri- can Missionary Association of Colleges, National Collegiate Athletic Associa- tion President’s Commission, Council of Retired Presidents, and University of Colorado Board of Directors of the National Alumni Association. He was a former trustee of the Board of St. Mark A.M.E. Church, Atlanta, past chairman of the Academic Advisory Committee of Black Entertainment Tele- vision, Board of Directors of Gourmet Foods, and Talladega Chamber Com-
Grambling’s championship team what Bob Cousy was to Boston. If Bob Hop- kins was the nation’s leading scorer, then I must have led the nation in assists because somebody had to pass him the ball.” After receiving a B.S. degree from GSU in 1957, he subsequently earned a master’s degree from the University of Colorado at Boulder in 1967 and a Ph.D. in education in 1973 respectively. Johnson also did post-doctoral work at Harvard University. He pursued post- doctoral studies at Harvard University as an I.E.M. Scholar. He also served in the U.S. Army stationed in Germany. He began his career in education in 1962 as a high school teacher in Shreve- port. As a high school basketball coach, he coached Greenville Park High School in Hammond, Louisiana to the state championship in 1968. In 1977, after serving as the assistant to the presi- dent of the University of Colorado, he returned to his alma mater as president succeeding the legendary President Ralph Waldo Emerson Jones. During his tenure, he reversed the trend in decreased enrollment and helped erase the school’s debt. Upon his instal- lation as his alma mater’s third presi- dent, GSU posed serious challenges for Dr. Johnson and his administration. The school’s financial stability was in distress, declining student enrollment, and decaying physical facilities. His improvement plan for GSU included increasing enrollment, strengthening the faculty, and increasing salaries; upgrad- ing facilities and grounds; institut- ing fiscal plan for GSU to strengthen school, and improving communication with alumni and other external entities. A critical turning point for GSU was Dr. Johnson championing an historic Consent Decree between the state of Louisiana and the United States Gov- ernment. The Consent Degree was an eight-year agreement where the state of Louisiana pledged to enhance programs and facilities at GSU and Southern University in Baton Rogue in order to redress the inequality in funding and
support by the state toward its two-state historic black universities. As a result, GSU had the capacity to eliminate its existing debt and grow the university. Grambling’s academic offerings were en- hanced through the funding of new de- gree programs which were initiated and subsequently accredited by state and national rating agencies. New campus building construction ensured as well as additional significant improvements that established the university as a major institution. One article noted academic and education leaders across the nation said Dr. Johnson was responsible for be- coming a comprehensive university with strongly enhanced academic program offerings. In 1991, Dr. Johnson left his alma mater and became the 17 th president of Tal- ladega College, located in Talladega, AL. As with his arrival at GSU, he met the challenge to improve an institution of higher learning. During his tenure, Talladega increased enrollment, im- proved support to the college from local entities, corporations, foundations, and federal agencies; strengthen the faculty and staff; and upgraded physical facilities. Among Dr. Johnson’s other signifi- cant achievements: • Creation of a master’s in criminal justice program at GSU • Establishment of GSU’s nationally recognized nursing program • Jewish National Fund’s “Tree of Life” award • The “Distinguished Alumni Achievement Award” from the University of Colorado • The National Alliance of Business Leadership Award • The Presidential Medal from New York University • The Thurgood Marshall Edu- cation Achievement Award
By Aaron Williams Dr. Joseph B. Johnson 1934–2018 Past President of Grambling State University and Talladega College
J onesboro, LA Mayor and Gram- bling State University (GSU) alumnus James Bradford stated, “It is my belief that Dr. Joseph Johnson was anointed by God and sent to Grambling State University to save dear ole Grambling. Dr. Johnson will always be remembered as ‘the de- veloper’ of Grambling State University.” Dr. Johnson was GSU’s third president serving from 1977 to 1991 and subse- quently served as the 17 th president of Talladega College for seven years end- ing with his retirement in 1998. The Johnson presidency was noted for his fight to save GSU from financial failure and his vision of the institution which led to expansion of student enrollment, revitalization of GSU’s facilities and curriculum during his tenure. Beloved leader at his alma mater, Brother Joseph B. Johnson entered the Chapter Invis- ible, after a short illness, on January 2, 2018 at the age of 83. He was a 1955
initiate of the Grambling State Univer- sity Chapter, the Gamma Psi of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. Accolades and remembrances flowed from the Grambling family and from the state of Louisiana. “Dr. Johnson was a student-centered president, and it showed in Grambling’s growth during his presidency. He was the epitome of excellence and a true gentleman. Gram- bling has lost a great one. He will forever be MY president.” Joyce Evans, general manager of GSU’s KGRM radio station. “He came in with a Grambling heart and a sturdy, father hand. It was just what Grambling needed,” said Judge Yvette Mansfield Alexander. “He only wanted the best for his, and my, dear ole Gram- bling.” Current GSU president, Brother Rick Gallot (Gamma Psi 1985), who was an undergraduate student during Dr. Johnson’s tenure, released the following statement after the passing of Dr. John- son: “We have lost an iconic leader who
elevated the standing of Grambling State University across the globe. I remember Dr. Johnson’s fierce resolve to protect and enhance our school. He was my president when I was a student, and he served as a mentor and advisor very early in my tenure as president.” The youngest of three children, Joseph Benjamin Johnson was born September 16, 1934, in New Orleans, Louisiana to the late Lillie (nee Mickens) Johnson and Sidney T. Johnson Sr. After attending public school in New Orleans, Johnson at- tended Grambling College (now Grambling State University) located in Grambling, LA. While at GSU, Johnson basketball under the legendary Eddie Robinson, who coached basketball and football at the time. He was a teammate of College Basketball Hall of Famer Brother Robert “Bob” Hopkins (New Orleans Alumni 1971). “I played with Bob Hopkins, and Bob was the nation’s leading scorer. I was the quarterback of the 1955 team. I was to
104 | WINTER ISSUE THE JOURNAL
Publishing achievement for more than 100 years
Publishing achievement for more than 100 years
THE JOURNAL WINTER ISSUE | 105
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