What They’re Saying

“When we look back through the history of the University of Tennessee, we see a few leaders of distinction who have built this institution into what it is today. Joe Johnson is one of those men. His work has stood the test of time and turned UT into the national powerhouse it is today. He has tirelessly advocated for UT and higher education and his steady presence and exceptional leadership will be missed.”

Randy Boyd
President, University of Tennessee System

Read the President’s Column: Condensing a Legacy –>

“Dr. Johnson committed his life to the University of Tennessee and made this great University a better place for all of us. I consulted with him frequently, and he remained very involved out front and behind the scenes. I valued his counsel and have always felt he left big shoes to fill in the president’s office. The entire University and statewide community will miss his leadership and dedication, and I know we will miss his quick wit, straight talk, affable nature and marvelous laugh.”

Dr. Joe DiPietro
Former President, University of Tennessee System

“Joe’s dedication and love for UT is evident in the fact that he was president twice in the university’s history. His knowledge of UT and his ability to analyze, categorize and perform were among the best the university has ever seen. Pat Johnson once said “I might be married to him, but the university is his mistress.”

Lofton Stuart
Former Executive Assistant to Dr. Joe Johnson

“Joe Johnson was not only a great mentor and friend to so many people, but also an inspiration to those who aspired to humbly serve the University of Tennessee, the institution that he loved so much. We met during my days as a student and first worked together when I joined the alumni staff in 1969. Our first trip together was to an alumni meeting in Copperhill, TN in early 1970 when he drove, and our last trip was some 50 years later when I drove us to a leadership event for the Institute for Public Service. When I think about Joe Johnson as a leader, I think about the way he provided “indirect guidance.” Joe did not directly say, “Here’s what you should do,” but he clearly offered important insights and suggestions that should be considered. Smart people learned to read him. One aspect of Joe that made him so unique was his uncanny ability to work crossword puzzles or write memos while sitting in legislative committee meetings, but always keeping-up with the discussions and, if called upon, never missing a beat in responding to any question posed. He was a loyal soldier to Andy Holt, Ed Boling, and Lamar Alexander before getting his shot at being UT President. Later, after a series of failed Presidents, he once again answered the call to serve the university at a time of great stress and angst, righting the ship when it most needed the patient, steady leadership that was the hallmark of the man from Vernon, AL. I know that I rarely saw Joe Johnson in orange, but I also know there was not a person who epitomized the true “Vol for Life” more so than he did.”

Tom Ballard
Former UT Vice President for Public and Governmental Relations

“Dr. Johnson is the personification of a servant leader. While he loved the University of Tennessee, he also realized that the people comprising UT are what made it special. His tenure will be marked by the organization of the UT system, the first fundraising campaigns and many partnerships with government and private industry…but his legacy will be how he made people feel. He loved us and we loved him right back.”

Keith Carver
Senior Vice Chancellor/Senior Vice President, UT Institute of Agriculture

Joe Johnson was chancellor at UTHSC when he invited my dad, Lee Holder, to come to Memphis to found the College of Community and Allied Health Professions (now the College of Health Professions) fifty-one years ago in 1972.  It was a very forward-thinking innovation for the health sciences in Tennessee.  The college had a special night to commemorate the founding, and I was honored to attend and speak on behalf of my dad and Dr. Johnson.  I last saw Joe at the naming of UTM’s EPS building in his honor, with my dad and mom also in attendance.  Growing up in Memphis, I recall Joe having dinner at our house several times, and my mom was always impressed by his thank-you notes.  In my high school years, I was also babysitter to Joe’s two kids.  My dad went to the Lord in 2016, and now with Joe going to join him, for me it is the end of an era.  I have done my best to honor their legacies through my service at UTM over the past three decades.  My prayers are with Pat and Kelly in this time of personal loss.  Joe was incredible servant-leader.  I will never forget his wise saying:  “UT is family.  Those who understand that, will last.  Those who do not, won’t.”
 
Blessings,
Larry Holder