NCCU Trustee Gifts $500,000 to Rename School of Business Administration Program

DURHAM, NC – The North Carolina Central University (NCCU) School of Business has received a significant contribution from Michael Johnson ’69, vice chairman of the NCCU Board of Trustees, to rename the business administration program as the Michael P. Johnson Business Administration Program.

The $500,000 gift from Johnson will support the continued curriculum development, marketing, and student recruitment efforts for the business administration program. 

“The School of Business is honored to receive such a generous donation from Trustee Michael Johnson,” said Anthony C. Nelson, Ph.D., NCCU School of Business dean. “His contribution will inspire and have a lasting impact on our students, faculty, and the community. The renaming of the program in his honor is a testament to his commitment to education and his dedication to the success of our students.”

As a prominent business leader, Johnson’s philanthropy reflects his belief in the importance of investing in the education of future business leaders.

“In 1965, I started attending NCCU, and I can hardly find words to describe how much this institution has meant to me, both personally and professionally. NCCU provided me with an excellent education, which helped me exceed my career objectives as a distinguished business professional,” said Johnson. “Furthermore, I am honored to have the opportunity to make life better for others and give them hope. As a way to give back, I was thrilled to gift $500,000 towards the naming of the business administration program. It is my hope and prayer that this gift will open doors for current and future NCCU students, providing them with the resources to realize their dreams and make a positive impact both locally and globally.” 

Johnson is the president and CEO of the J&A Group, an executive coaching and business consulting firm. He is currently a director on the board of QuikTrip Corporation where he serves on the executive committee. In 2008, he retired as the senior vice president and chief administrative officer of Williams, a publicly-held natural gas production, processing, and pipeline company. Johnson led all aspects of the company’s shared services units, which included information technology, human resources, corporate real estate and facilities, enterprise sourcing, security, aviation, and Community Relations. He also served as chairman of the board of the Williams Foundation. 

A recipient of numerous accolades, Johnson received the NCCU Distinguished Alumni Recognition Award in 2016; was named by Savoy Magazine as one the Most Influential Black Corporate Directors in 2017; and was honored by the National Black College Alumni Foundation with its Lifetime Achievement Award in 2019. He holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from NCCU and is a graduate of Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Business Advanced Executive Program.  

“Trustee Johnson’s generous donation will help us continue to fulfill ‘The Eagle Promise’ to our students by attracting and retaining top business students, enhancing our curriculum, and making a positive impact on our community,” said David H. Jackson Jr., Ph.D., NCCU provost and vice chancellor for academic affairs. “We are grateful for his continued support of NCCU and our mission to provide a high-quality education to all of our scholars.” 

The Michael P. Johnson Business Administration Program will provide a strong foundation in business fundamentals, including accounting, economics, finance, marketing, and management. The program’s curriculum will focus on developing the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in a rapidly-changing business landscape and make a positive impact in the world.