Gene Johnson ’73 has received a regional higher-education award for his decades of service to UNC Charlotte.
Johnson received the Bill Franklin Volunteer of the Year award from CASE District III.
Johnson, who completed his bachelor’s degree in accounting from the Belk College of Business, is a retired chief executive officer of FairPoint Communications, a company he co-founded. He currently serves as chairman of United Communications Holdings.
Johnson is the first UNC Charlotte alumnus to serve as chair of University’s Board of Trustees. He currently chairs the University’s $200 million fundraising drive, EXPONENTIAL: The Campaign for UNC Charlotte, the largest campaign in the University’s history.
The retired Army veteran also is a former member of the UNC Charlotte Investment Fund Board and the Belk College Board of Advisors.
Johnson and his wife Vickie ’71 ’82 gave a $2 million gift in 2014 to establish the Pride of Niner Nation Marching Band. Previously, they supported the creation of the drum line, and the Johnson Marching Band Center honors their financial commitment. The Johnsons also donated gifts toward the construction of the Barnhardt Student Activity Center and the Harris Alumni Center.
“I love what I do for the University because of what Charlotte has meant to both Vickie and me,” Gene Johnson said. “And so giving back in this way just seems right. With that said, I feel so honored to receive the award.”
CASE, which stands for the Council for the Advancement and Support of Education, presents the award to a volunteer who provides exceptional leadership and support that advances a college or university. CASE District III represents colleges and universities in nine states. The award was presented at a conference in Orlando, Florida, on Feb. 9.