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Avery Johnson has been named Lee University’s Honorary Alumnus of the Year. He was recognized for this honor during the school’s Homecoming festivities this past weekend.

“Vice Mayor Johnson is an iconic leader in our Cleveland Community,” said Dr. Brad Moffett, vice president for university relations. “It is Lee’s honor that he would accept this award and become more than just a good community partner with Lee, but to become part of our family.”

Johnson, a Cleveland native and graduate of College Hill High School, has spent nearly three decades working to make Cleveland a better place to live. He has been a member of the Cleveland City Council and has served as Cleveland’s vice mayor for 20 of those years.  

At the age of 19, Johnson went to work for Magic Chef, today’s Whirlpool Corporation, and worked his way up to various management positions during his 43 years there. During that time, he also attended Cleveland State Community College and the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, where he earned certificates in local government and leadership.  

Having no shortage of leadership experience, Johnson has served as president for Cleveland Toast Masters, Cleveland Lion’s Club, and Gideon’s South Camp, along with being founding president of 100 Black Men of Bradley County and current president of the College Hill Alumni Association. He was also the Third District Director of the Tennessee Municipal League.  

He has served on multiple committees and boards, including the United Way Budget and Allocation Committee, Cleveland City School Board, the Economic Development Committee for Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Labor Committee (NAACP), the American Red Cross Board, Metropolitan Planning Organization, and the Human Relations Council, a position to which he was appointed by Mayor Harry Dethero in 1967. He has also taught Sunday School at Pleasant Grove Missionary Baptist Church for 43 years.  

Johnson and his wife, Lelia, have four children, Avery Jr., Shaun, Lamonica, and Twyla. They are also grandparents to Avery, Solomon, Adam David, Jaylan, and Theordor.