Name: Dr. Larry Johnson, Jr.
Year Graduated: 2000
City you grew up in (Belle Glade or South Bay, other): Belle Glade
Was there a specific part of town that you lived (The Sub, 5th St, Okeechobee Center): (Palm Glades--it was here that I spent most of my adolescent-hood--not sure what this part of town is called.)

What type of student were you in high school?
I was pretty focused on academic excellence. Band and the National Honor Society were my primary extracurricular activities. I would like to believe that I was also very committed to supporting student development as I served as the President of the Raider band.
Campus Provost (St Louis Community College District)-responsible for the day to day operations of a campus that serves 8,000 credit and non-credit students in the St. Louis metropolitan region. I am responsible for the academic functions of the campus that include reviewing academic programs, championing student success, ensuring program accreditation is maintained, fostering cross-functional collaboration between academic and student affairs departments, and working with K-12 partners to establish dual enrollment opportunities for high school students.
President & CEO (Maricopa County Community College District)-responsible for the day of operations of a multi-ethic College that serves more than 20,000 credit and non-credit students in the Phoenix metropolitan region. I am responsible for leading faculty and staff in establishing the vision and strategic direction for the college, cultivating a student-centered culture, establishing K-12 and workforce partnerships, ensuring that the institution is meeting district and state completion goals, and fostering a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Education/Accomplishments/Occupation: Education--BA in English (FAMU); MA in Medieval Studies (FSU); Doctorate of Arts in English (Clark Atlanta University)/Accomplishments--Published Author (Memoirs of a Young Black Scholar); Member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.; Member of Kappa Kappa Psi National Honorary Band Fraternity; Board Member (YMCA, The Black Rep Theatre Company, Mathews-Dickey Boys & Girls Club)/Occupation--President of Phoenix College (A Maricopa County Community College)--effective July 1, 2018. Currently, I serve as the Provost and Chief Academic Officer at St. Louis Community College.
What I learned growing up in the Glades: Growing up in the glades taught me to appreciate the opportunities that I was provided. While there, I learned how to overcome obstacles such as losing a parent. Mentors such as Mr. Kenneth Jackson and Mr. Willie Pyfrom were key figures that, through music, I was able to embrace learning and where I discovered balance and healing. Lastly, growing up in the Glades taught me responsibility and the empathy--these skills would become critical to paving the way for my siblings (Josiah Johnson and Dr. Omega Johnson-Ball) and later students that I mentored.
What I learned at Glades Central: Attending Glades Central awakened in me self-confidence. I embraced being a scholar and a musician. I also gained an appreciation for English literature, which led me to major in English at FAMU--this was the result of enrolling in classes taught by Mrs. Cartheda Mann or Mr. Kenneth Lutz.
A one sentence message/motto to students: "Be your authentic self and never compromise that for anyone or anything because you are adequate!"