While working in corporate America, Fred Johnson gained valuable experience with the Packard-Electric division of General Motors, Contel-Page Communications Systems, and Aircraft Braking Systems (formerly Goodyear Aerospace).
Inspiring the Future of America
Fred Johnson earned a masters degree in 1993 and a doctorate in 1999 from Kent State University, establishing himself as a noted African-American historian through his scholarship and writing. He currently serves as an Associate Professor of American History at Hope College in Holland, Michigan.
In 2003, only three years after joining Hope College’s faculty, Fred Johnson had left a lasting impression on the graduating class, which asked him to deliver their commencement address. Two years later, the graduating class of 2005 awarded him the Hope Outstanding Professor Educator (H.O.P.E.) Award.
In addition to his achievements as a scholar and educator, Fred Johnson has also built a solid reputation as a novelist, with three successful novels published and a fourth nearing completion.
Faith, Family, & Community
Fred Johnson serves on the Hope College Board of Trustees, as a board member of the Lakeshore Ethnic Diversity Alliance, and as a Facilitator for the Institutes of Healing Racism (sponsored by the Holland Area Chamber of Commerce). He also serves as a member of the City of Holland’s Human Relations Commission, and as a member of Because He Cares, Inc., a Christian drama and community development organization.
Fred Johnson was married for eleven years, and has two sons currently attending college. He is an active member of Messiah Baptist Missionary Church in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
