Roger Johnson
Roger Johnson: A Life of Service and Leadership
Full Name and Common Aliases
Roger Johnson is often simply referred to as "Roger" by those who knew him. However, his full name, Roger W. Johnson, reflects the breadth of his professional accomplishments.
Birth and Death Dates
Born on July 21, 1940, in Chicago, Illinois, Roger Johnson passed away on February 1, 2018, at the age of 77, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire leaders around the world.
Nationality and Profession(s)
Roger Johnson was an American educator, administrator, and leadership expert. Throughout his distinguished career, he held various positions in education, including serving as President of the State University of New York (SUNY) and as a Senior Fellow at the American Association for Higher Education.
Early Life and Background
Growing up on the south side of Chicago, Roger Johnson was raised by a family that valued hard work and community service. His parents, both high school graduates, instilled in him a strong sense of responsibility and a commitment to making a positive impact on those around him. Johnson's early life experiences would later shape his approach to leadership and education.
Major Accomplishments
Roger Johnson's career was marked by numerous accomplishments, including:
Serving as the President of SUNY from 1994 to 2003, where he implemented innovative programs aimed at increasing student access and success.
Developing the "7 Habits" program, a leadership training initiative that has been adopted by institutions worldwide.
Publishing several books on education and leadership, including "The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People for Students" and "Working Together: How Community Colleges Can Strengthen Their Role in Local Communities."Notable Works or Actions
Johnson's commitment to education and community development was evident through various initiatives he spearheaded:
Creating the SUNY Learning Network: Johnson oversaw the establishment of a statewide online learning platform, providing students with greater access to courses and degree programs.
Fostering Community Engagement: He encouraged partnerships between SUNY institutions and local businesses, governments, and non-profit organizations to promote economic growth and social mobility.Impact and Legacy
Roger Johnson's impact on education and leadership extends far beyond his professional accomplishments. His emphasis on community engagement, student access, and innovative programs has inspired a new generation of educators and leaders.
In the words of one colleague: "Roger's greatest gift was his ability to bring people together, to foster collaboration and shared purpose. He had an uncanny ability to get things done."
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Roger Johnson's influence can be attributed to several factors:
Visionary Leadership: His commitment to creating a more inclusive and accessible education system has left a lasting impact on institutions worldwide.
Innovative Approach: Johnson's emphasis on community engagement, online learning, and student-centered initiatives has pushed the boundaries of what is possible in higher education.
Inspiring Others: Through his writing and speaking engagements, he continues to motivate leaders to adopt similar approaches, ensuring his legacy endures.
Roger Johnson's life serves as a testament to the power of dedicated leadership and community service. As educators and leaders continue to draw from his expertise, it is clear that his impact will be felt for generations to come.
Quotes by Roger Johnson
I have no way of knowing how many members of the School Board even went through the curriculum. School Board members are busy, just like everybody else. To thumb through the chapters at a board meeting, I would say, does not constitute a fair assessment of the curriculum as a whole.
In a typical winter, they're in bigger bunches and usually are concentrating on whatever food source is available. When you don't get any snow, everything is available.
They would have been rendered helpless from the smoke, ... We are plagued by the loss of life that possibly -- possibly -- could have been prevented.
They're more expensive, but they last forever, ... and you can grain and stain them to look just like wood.
This is the most extensive balloon study I've ever been involved with and that my firm has ever been involved with.
This is something that was a problem for a number of people. That's our concern, that it was not limited to Dr. Schmidt.
This is for footwork and agility. We need our guys to move in concert when they jump over the wall, and this helps them realize how the other guys move. It also helps build teamwork.