DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. -- After nearly 12 years at the helm of Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, John P. Johnson, has announced his retirement, having assumed the presidency of Embry-Riddle in 2006, after serving as the interim and earlier as provost.
Under Johnson's leadership, the university has made historic progress in developing campus facilities, strengthening the financial base, climbing in national rankings and expanding academic degree programs as well as increasing female enrollment, research activity and global outreach. And the university was elected to full membership in the Association of Independent Technological Universities and the Oak Ridge Associated Universities consortium of the top 100 research universities in the US.
During Johnson's tenure, the university’s academic reputation has grown significantly, adding dozens of degree programs, including the nation’s first doctorate in Aviation and the world’s first Commercial Space Operations degree. U.S. News & World Report has rated Embry-Riddle’s undergraduate Aerospace Engineering program No. 1 in the nation for 15 consecutive years, and The Chronicle of Higher Education consistently recognizes Embry-Riddle as a great place to work.
“The Embry-Riddle Board of Trustees is forever grateful and indebted to Dr. Johnson for his contributions to the institution that resulted in unprecedented growth and established a solid foundation to continue our forward momentum,” Embry-Riddle Board of Trustees Chairman Mori Hosseini. said. An official retirement date has not yet been set, though it is expected by early summer, if not sooner, as Johnson ties up loose ends, with a pledge to work closely with Hosseini and the board during the transition in leadership.
“The Embry-Riddle Board of Trustees is forever grateful and indebted to Dr. (John) Johnson for his contributions to the institution that resulted in unprecedented growth and established a solid foundation to continue our forward momentum,” Embry-Riddle Board of Trustees Chairman Mori Hosseini said.
An official retirement date has not yet been set, though it is expected by early summer, if not sooner, as Johnson ties up loose ends, with a pledge to work closely with Hosseini and the board during the transition in leadership.
Johnson has been recognized for his contributions to economic development and community outreach, including serving as the chairman of the board of Halifax Health Medical Center, a post where he stepped down from recently.
In 2013, Johnson was honored for his efforts to position Embry-Riddle as an economic engine for the state, receiving the Gold Medallion Award for Economic Development from Gov. Rick Scott.
Johnson, recipient of the United Way’s Herbert M. Davidson Award for Outstanding Community Service, said he and his wife, Maurie, plan to stay in the area and remain active in the community.
“I consider Embry-Riddle the pinnacle of my 46-year career,” Johnson told Headline Surfer. “The love of institution from the faculty, staff and students is unparalleled, and I am confident the solid team of administrators and academic leaders will continue to propel this great university forward.”
Embry-Riddle's John Johnson, recipient of the United Way’s Herbert M. Davidson Award for Outstanding Community Service, who announced his retirement, said he and his wife, Maurie, plan to stay in the area and remain active in the community.
“I consider Embry-Riddle the pinnacle of my 46-year career,” Johnson told Headline Surfer. “The love of institution from the faculty, staff and students is unparalleled, and I am confident the solid team of administrators and academic leaders will continue to propel this great university forward.”