When Justin Johnson ‘09, ‘11 chose to forego culinary school and leave inner-city Cleveland for Ashland University on a football scholarship, he was ready for new experiences. But he had no idea just how much his education and the connections he made at Ashland would shape his future.
Today, as the Director of Diversity Attraction at Emerson, a global leader in technology, software and engineering, Johnson can look back and see how those who supported him played a significant role in his success. Along his journey, he’s seized and created opportunities not just for himself but also for Ashland students, helping them discover new possibilities for their futures.
Johnson chose Ashland because of his love for football and the warm welcome he got from the Eagle coaching staff as a high school senior. Ashland’s top-tier hospitality department was also a big draw. “In my first few months at Ashland,” Johnson says, “I felt an amazing sense of community. Everyone, from faculty to fellow students, went out of their way to make sure I felt welcome and supported. It was like nothing I’d experienced before—it felt like a second home almost right away.”
At Ashland, Johnson forged enduring relationships. He discovered a family among his colleagues, supervisors and professors, receiving mentorship from individuals such as President Fred Finks, Provost Frank Pettigrew and Dr. Sharon Valente, who even tutored him outside of class. “Sharon Valente went above and beyond to ensure my success,” Johnson reflects. “She wasn’t just a teacher; she was a mentor who deeply cared about her students. Her dedication profoundly shaped my academic experience at Ashland.”
Beyond academics and football, Johnson worked in dining services, where he embraced various learning opportunities. From early morning bakery shifts to managing special events, he gained valuable experience. One of his notable creative leadership initiatives was organizing a Guitar Hero competition.
A significant milestone in Johnson’s collegiate career was founding the National Society of Minorities in Hospitality (NSMH) at Ashland. Inspired by a Disney college program, he left football midway through his senior year to lead the organization. Under his leadership, NSMH gained national recognition, won awards and raised substantial funds. “We had the largest student organization in any of the colleges, and we also had one of the most successful fundraisers—a huge milestone for us,” Johnson remarks. “In our first year as part of NSMH, we earned the National Chapter of the Year award. Additionally, I was selected to serve on the national board. It was an amazing experience.”
After earning a BSBA in Business Management and a minor in Hospitality in 2009, followed by an MBA in Human Resources in 2011, Johnson continued to work in various campus offices. Encouraged by President Finks and others to pursue further growth and development, Johnson accepted a position that would challenge him and push him beyond his comfort zone.
“My life after Ashland has been a whirlwind, to say the least,” he says.
Leaving Ashland in April 2014, he started at Emerson the following month. “I was accepted into their MBA Leadership Development Program, which selects about 20 people each year from thousands of applicants. I began in St. Louis, working in employee relations, HR generalist tasks, succession planning and managing operators.”
Coming from small-town Ashland, this was a different world. But he had no idea how much his life was about to change.
“After about a year and a half,” Johnson says, “my boss offered me a temporary assignment in Dubai. At first, I didn’t even realize where Dubai was, but then it hit me. Moving overseas, especially to the United Arab Emirates, was a big leap. After some discussions and trusting the process, I decided to go for it.”
What started as a temporary assignment—”I was just supposed to cover a maternity leave!”—soon became long-term. By 2016, after several rapid promotions, Johnson was leading the largest HR team for Emerson’s systems and software branch. “I was in charge of HR for the entire Middle East, Africa, India, Romania and other regions. It’s still wild to think about.”
He loved the work and the adventure, but the people were the most fulfilling part of the experience.
“Settling into life in Dubai,” Johnson says, “I quickly realized how much I had to learn about the world beyond the United States. The cultural diversity was astounding—we had something like 56 nations represented in my office. It broadened my perspectives in ways I couldn’t have imagined. I learned to appreciate different business practices, traditions and ways of life, which was great personally and professionally. But the best part was meeting and working with people from all over the globe. It wasn’t just about expanding my career horizons; it was about building relationships and working to improve their lives.”
Johnson returned to the US in 2021 to oversee HR for Emerson’s commercial and residential platform business in Sidney, Ohio. A year later, he became Emerson’s first Director of Diversity Attraction.
“I got a chance to really change our approach to diversity and recruiting. My job now is to build partnerships and relationships with universities and national organizations.”
Throughout his career, Johnson has stayed connected to Ashland University, often calling in from around the world to share his story with current students. Now, with a role that involves a lot of travel, he can visit campus more often. “I always make sure to stop in Ashland for a day and try to speak to classes. I want to give students a sense of the opportunities they can have in their own careers.”
Johnson’s dedication to his alma mater highlights the significant impact alumni can have long after graduation. “Alumni have a special chance to give back,” he says, “not just financially, but by sharing valuable wisdom and experiences. Telling your story—talking about real-world challenges and successes—can be transformative for students. You can tell them what’s not in the textbooks. When more alumni join in, it builds a community of mentorship and growth.”
