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Johnson relishes challenge of new job

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By Shirley Melikian Armbruster

Scott Johnson describes himself as a man who likes new challenges. And the reason he has remained at Fresno State for the last 21 years is he's had the opportunity to taken on new challenges.

The latest, of course, is the position of Athletic Director, to which Dr. Welty appointed him on January 7.

"This is another change and challenge on my path," said Johnson. "I really enjoy the administrative end of things ­ putting things together and seeing the results."

Johnson joined the Fresno State staff in 1981 as sports information director, advanced to assistant athletic director for communications, and in 1994 became associate athletic director under AD Al Bohl. When Bohl left last June to become the athletic director at the University of Kansas, Johnson was named interim AD.

While challenges are important to Johnson, there are other reasons he has remained a Bulldog. One is that he has seen through the years the university's commitment to building a top-notch athletics program. Another is the lasting friendships he has made on campus and in the community.

It hasn't always been easy. There have been nights and weekends away to accompany teams, the sometimes unpleasant glare of the media spotlight and a six-year marathon to earn his master's degree.

Though he has always loved his work, Johnson admits that in the past, his life sometimes got out of balance. Then along came Karen, who became his wife.

"Karen balanced my life at a time I really needed it," he said. "She has strong Midwest family and religious values. I was raised in the Lutheran Church but had left the church in high school when my parents divorced. Karen is a Catholic but made the transition to the Lutheran church to help my return and to get our kids involved."

The Johnsons attend Trinity Lutheran Church, and Scott plays on the church's softball team. He has served on several finance committees and was asked last year to be on the church governing body but declined because of his workload.

Karen Johnson, Fresno State Housing Director, is equally complimentary about her husband.

"He's my strength," she said. "He continues to show support for me in my career. He was willing to start a new life with me and our dreams to have children even though he has had that life before."

Scott also credits his mentors, Harold Haak, Gary Cunningham, Bohl and the late Lynn Eilefson, for helping him with job and spiritual growth.

Karen Johnson also has a challenging job as the university's housing director. Scott says because they both love to entertain at home, they sometimes mix business with pleasure ­ Karen's staff and student barbecues and Scott's athletic staff Christmas party are examples.

Perhaps the biggest stress relievers these days for Scott are his children, Austin, 4, and Alexis, 3.

"They come running to see me when I get home, and it just makes me drop whatever is on my mind and enjoy them," he said.

The Johnson's children are Scott's second family. He also has a 22-year-old son, Troy, who grew up in Oregon while Johnson was in Fresno.

Other priorities on Johnson's "to-do" list as he assumes his new role:

• Continue strong leadership role in our conference and greater TV exposure.
• A BCS bid for football: "That would be utopia for us."
• Foster a harmonious team atmosphere among the athletics staff.
• Promote academics. "I'm tired of the misconception that we don't care about academics. We do. We have a tremendous improvement record in the last decade. But more can be done. I will be challenging our coaches to have a game plan to raise our GPAs and graduation rates."
  

Back to University Journal, 1/21/02 Issue