When Albert Johnson Jr. stepped into his role as Cameron University’s Vice President for University Advancement in November 2007, he was motivated in part by his commitment to giving back to the university that prepared him for a 28-year career in the U.S. Army. Almost 18 years later, Johnson is retiring from the university in early July. During his tenure, Johnson has served as a member of the university president’s cabinet with primary responsibilities focused on private fundraising, alumni relations and community engagement. In addition, he has been responsible for leadership, management and direction of the Cameron University Foundation.
“Albert has been an invaluable asset to Cameron University for almost two decades,” says President Jari Askins. “He continued the legacy of service that is part of his family’s history here in Lawton. He has served his country, his community and his university, and all of us are better for it.”
Johnson’s accomplishments at Cameron are numerous. Under his leadership, the value of the Cameron University Foundation portfolio doubled in the first 10 years of involvement. Overall, the portfolio has grown 150 percent since Johnson joined the university. He also shepherded the fiscal management of the Foundation to include board management and development.
Responsible for more than $20 million in fundraising from foundations, companies and individuals, Johnson’s efforts has assisted 50 percent of students graduating annually with no college debt.
His active involvement in the community has resulted in relationship development and growth that has led to several improvements including higher paying jobs and increased opportunities in youth sports. His service to the community includes membership in a multitude of entities, including Fires Innovation Science and Technology Accelerator (FISTA) Trust Authority, Southwestern Medical Center Board of Directors (former chair), Lawton Youth Sports Trust Authority, Comanche County Fairgrounds Trust Authority (former chair), Lawton Fort Sill Chamber of Commerce (former chair), Oklahoma Center for Non-Profits Board of Directors, Leadership Oklahoma Board of Directors (former youth program chair) and Oklahoma War Veterans Commission (former chair). He also has served as a mentor for Leadership Lawton Fort Sill and Junior Leadership Lawton Fort Sill.
His expertise in developing and sustaining relationships has been vital to Cameron University, as his encouragement and support of highly skilled individuals to serve in leadership roles focused on the advancement of the Cameron University Foundation.
“Although I didn’t come to Cameron University for a second career, I am truly grateful for the opportunity to have been here,” Johnson says. “The faculty and staff at Cameron are truly outstanding and provide the best learning opportunities for our amazing students. Their commitment to this institution is a model for others to emulate. Additionally, the involvement by the Cameron University Foundation and Alumni Association Board of Directors, as volunteers, is remarkable. I look forward to continuing to see Cameron strive for even greater levels of excellence.”
A member of the Comanche Battalion, Cameron’s Army ROTC unit, Johnson was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the Field Artillery in 1979, when he also earned a Bachelor of Business Administration degree. He earned a Master of Public Administration degree from the University of Missouri at Kansas City in 1992.
Johnson retired from the United States Army as a colonel with more than 28 years of service in 2007. He commanded at the battery, battalion and brigade levels before culminating his career as the Assistant Commandant, Field Artillery School, Fort Sill.
During his years of service, he received the Distinguished Service Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Legion of Merit, the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal, Army Achievement Medal and the U.S. Army Field Artillery Association Ancient Order of St. Barbara.
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PR#25-089
