Robert E. Johnson, Ph.D.

President, Becker College, Worcester, MA

Since Robert E. Johnson, Ph.D., took office as the tenth president of Becker College in July 2010, this charismatic leader has charged the institution with a new entrepreneurial mission; led the creation of groundbreaking academic programs; realized significant capital projects; strengthened the institution’s financial foundation; and challenged students and faculty to compete in an increasingly global society.

One of the oldest educational institutions in New England, with a history dating to 1784, Becker College enrolls more than 2,000 students annually, at two campuses in Central Massachusetts. Under Dr. Johnson’s leadership, the College made its debut on The Best 377 Colleges annual survey from The Princeton Review, which also ranked Becker as one of the top 10 colleges in the U.S. and Canada for video game design. In Dr. Johnson’s second year as president, Becker was designated by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts as home to the Massachusetts Digital Games Institute (MassDiGI), a state-sponsored, public-private partnership that connects the state’s fast-growing digital games industry, government, and academic resources to promote job growth and entrepreneurship. In fall 2012, the College joined the tenth cohort of the American Council on Education’s Internationalization Laboratory, which will advance efforts to develop a global engagement strategy and establish global citizenship as a key attribute of a Becker College education.

Becker College remains one of only two private institutions in New England to offer undergraduate programs in animal sciences, and its programs are among the top 20 producers of nurses in Massachusetts.

Dr. Johnson is a strong believer in higher education as a public good, and has dedicated his more-than-25-year career to transforming the lives of young people while preparing them to realize their dreams. A collaborative leader and inspiring speaker, he challenges students to build upon the three pillars of global citizenship—academic excellence, social responsibility, and creative expression—and prepare to compete in a rapidly changing future.

Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick has appointed Dr. Johnson to the board of the Massachusetts Technology Collaborative, a state agency that promotes technology sector growth through partnerships between industry, academia, and state government. Dr. Johnson is also a member of the Council on Competitiveness, a nonpartisan policy organization of chief executives, university presidents, and labor leaders, and serves on the boards of a number of significant local organizations. He has addressed corporations, organizations, and institutions on the topics of leadership, innovation, strategic planning, personal brand, diversity, higher education, and volunteerism.

A native of Detroit, Michigan, Dr. Johnson holds a Ph.D. in Higher Education Administration from Trident University International (formerly Touro University International), a master’s degree in education administration from University of Cincinnati, and a bachelor’s degree in economics from Morehouse College. Prior to becoming Becker College’s president, Dr. Johnson served as senior vice president of Sinclair Community College, in Dayton, Ohio; vice president of enrollment management at the University of Dayton; vice provost at Oakland University, Rochester, Michigan; and executive director of enrollment management at Central State University in Wilberforce, Ohio.

He is married to Michelle Jones-Johnson. They have two children, Jasmine and Alex.

Follow Dr. Johnson online at the Huffington Post, and on Twitter at @BeckerPrez.

 View PDF of Robert E. Johnson’s Bio

Speaking and Appearance Requests

For media inquiries and to schedule an interview with President Johnson, please contact:
Michael Warshaw
Director of Communications and Public Affairs
michael.warshaw@becker.edu
508.373.9720