Outstanding Alumni - 2010
Ronald Johnson
Bemidji State University Graduate 1975
Ron Johnson earned a bachelors degree from BSU in 1975 with a major in visual arts. He had previously earned an associate degree in commercial art, graphic design and advertising from Alexandria Technical College in 1972. Following graduation from BSU, Ron continued his formal education earning another associate degree from Brown College in Minneapolis, majoring in television and radio production and broadcasting. Focusing his entire career on graphic design, promotion and advertising, Ron spent the early part of his career at advertising agencies in St. Cloud, Minneapolis and St. Paul. In 1979, Ron was offered an opportunity that shaped his future, joining five others to start a new public television station in Bemidji. 31 years later, Ron is the Design and Promotion Manager for that same station, Lakeland Public Television, and now serves on a staff of 26. In addition to his job at Lakeland, in 1984 Ron started a promotion company he called North Country Concerts. For sixteen years, he produced and marketed more than sixty concerts and community events in Bemidji that featured nationally known entertainers including Tammy Wynette, Johnny Cash, Loretta Lynn, The Statler Brothers, Lee Greenwood, Charley Pride and more. Ron has earned several awards for his work from the professional associations he belongs to. His community involvement is extensive, including serving on the Bemidji City Council, the Coalition of Greater Minnesota Cities Board, The Headwaters Regional Development Commission, the National League of Cities Telecommunications Steering Committee, and the Bemidji Regional Airport Authority, among others. Ron served ten years in the Minnesota Army National Guard and is currently a candidate for Mayor of Bemidji. Ron and his wife, Carol, have one daughter and live in Bemidji.