LBW Community College will hold the annual commencement ceremony at 2 p.m. on May 10, 2019, in the Andalusia Kiwanis Community Center with the Hon. Earl V. Johnson, mayor of Andalusia, as guest speaker.
“Mayor Johnson brings many accomplishments to the podium and our graduates are sure to hear an encouraging message to mark this important milestone in their lives,” said LBWCC President Dr. Herb Riedel.
Johnson is a 1965 graduate of Andalusia High School, attended Auburn University and received a Bachelor of Science degree in economics and business administration from Troy University. He continued his education at Cumberland School of Law in Birmingham where he earned a Doctor of Jurisprudence degree in 1974.
While in law school, Johnson was named to the Dean’s List and was twice awarded the Am Jur Book Award. He was admitted to the Alabama State Bar in November 1974, was admitted to practice before numerous federal trial and appellate courts, and continues in private practice in Andalusia. He also served two terms as commissioner on the Alabama State Bar board of commissioners. He is in a fourth term as mayor of the city of Andalusia and remains active in professional, civic, and business affiliations. He is a member of the Alabama State Bar Association, formerly serving as the bar commissioner for the 22nd judicial circuit and as a member of the disciplinary committee.
Johnson is also a member of the American Bar Association, formerly served as assistant district attorney in Covington County, is a member and past-president of the Covington County Bar Association, a past-president and Paul Harris Fellow with the Andalusia Rotary Club, and a member of the Andalusia Leadership Hall of Fame.
Previously, he served as a founding director of First National Bank of Andalusia, vice-chairman of the Andalusia Downtown Redevelopment Authority, chairman of the Andalusia Industrial Board, secretary of South Alabama Regional Airport Authority, president of the Andalusia Lion’s Club, drive chairman of the Andalusia Area United Fund, president of the Lurleen B. Wallace Community College Foundation, and was a member of the Covington Arts Council and Aviation Council of Alabama.
Johnson was awarded the Andalusia High School Outstanding Graduate Award in 2012, and currently serves on several boards of directors, including the Andalusia Area Chamber of Commerce, Covington County Economic Development Commission, and Alabama Sports Hall of Fame. He is actively involved with raising funds to support sports, scholarships, and revitalization efforts at Troy University. He served on the committee responsible for raising funds for Troy’s entry into NCAA Division I, and is a member and general counsel of the Troy University National Alumni Association of Directors.
He presented Troy University with a memorial Trojan monument located in the lobby of the Trojan Arena, originated and served as chairman of the Quad Revitalization Committee, is a member of the Troy University Foundation board of directors, is the founding president of Troy Shield Society, is co-chairman of Troy University Planned Giving Council, and founding chairman of Troy University Sports Hall of Fame board of advisors.
In 2008, Johnson was awarded an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters, and in 2015, he was appointed to the Troy University board of trustees.
He is married to the former Sylvia Crook of Decatur, Ga., has two daughters and four grandchildren.
LBWCC’s commencement in Andalusia is a combined ceremony of the College’s four locations in Andalusia, Opp, Greenville, and Luverne, and recognizes the completion of short certificates, certificates, Associate in Arts, Associate in Science, and Associate in Applied Science degrees.
A reception in honor of graduates and their families is planned for 1-1:30 p.m.