Joseph Johnson joined the University of Tennessee in 1958 and continues to serve the university as President Emeritus. Prior to becoming president in 1990, his assignments included alumni relations, public relations, fundraising, governmental relations, campus planning, capital construction, and liaison between President’s office and intercollegiate athletics. He also, served three years as Vice President for Business and Finance, along with being Executive Vice President and Vice President for Development.

Work History

University of Tennessee Research Associate and Instructor, Department of Political Science 1958-1959

State of Tennessee, Chief of Budget Division, Executive Assistant to the Governor and Deputy Commissioner of Finance and Administration 1960-1963

University of Tennessee
Executive Assistant to the President 1963-1969
Vice President for Development 1969-1973
Chancellor-Center for the Health Sciences 1970-1973
Vice President for Development and Executive Vice President 1973-1990
President 1990-1999
President Emeritus 1999-2003
Interim President 2003-2004
President Emeritus 2004-Present

University of Tennessee primary assignments until becoming President were alumni relations, public relations, fundraising, governmental relations, campus planning, capital construction, and liaison between President’s office and intercollegiate athletics. Also, served three years as Vice President for Business and Finance, along with being Executive Vice President and Vice President for Development.

Military

U.S. Army – Honorably discharged as a Sergeant 1956-1958