As an alumnus of the University of Arkansas, coming to Arkansas as the new Rice Research and Extension Center director is like coming home for Dr. Johnson.

He counts his career beginning with a doctorate in agronomy from the University of Arkansas, where he spent much time working with the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture scientists.

"I was introduced to Arkansas research at the Rice Research and Extension Center and did a lot of my doctoral research at the cotton station (now the Lon Mann Cotton Research Station) at Marianna," Dr. Johnson said in an article by Miller, 2021.

"It's like a calling for me, and I'm very excited," Johnson said. "We are pleased to have Dr. Alton Johnson on board to lead our efforts at the Rice Research and Extension Center. He comes to us with broad experience in administration, research, and extension through two 1890 land grant universities and his international academic background," said Mark Cochran, vice president-agriculture for the University of Arkansas System.

"He understands the challenges and complexities of agriculture and the critical mission we serve for our stakeholders," Cochran said. "All of those qualities are essential to lead a station whose work is important to our state, which is the nation's top rice producer."

In his new role, Dr. Johnson works closely with Dr. Tim Burcham, the Northeast Rice Research and Extension Center Director. They focus on conducting research and extension programs critical for the rice and soybean industries.

Jean-François Meullenet, senior associate vice president and director of the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station, the research arm of the Division of Agriculture, said, "Dr. Johnson's commitment to research that benefits the people of our state is a perfect fit for the mission of the Rice Research and Extension Center.

Dr. Johnson said he wants to support the division's rice breeders and researchers and work with the scientists at the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Dale Bumpers National Rice Research Station, located on the RREC campus, to make sure Arkansas keeps its place as the nation's leading rice producer and exporter.

His vision is to do all they can to enhance economic opportunities and improve the health and well-being of Arkansas. "I want to sustain the center's tradition of developing new varieties, value-added products, and services for Arkansas rice growers."

Dr. Johnson said he wants to join efforts with the division's new Northeast Rice Research and Extension Center and other Division of Agriculture departments to build a comprehensive group that investigates, develops, and extends technology and information and creates new markets. "I call it the Arkansas rice team," he said.

Dr. Johnson comes to the Division of Agriculture from Central State University in Ohio, where he was a professor of water resources management and dean of the College of Engineering, Science, Technology, and Agriculture. While there, he was also director of University Land Grant Programs, including roles as director of Agricultural Research and Development and the Cooperative Extension Service administrator. He also worked with a select Ohio Congressional Delegation (Congressman Mike Turner and Senator Sherrod Brown) to amend the 2018 Farm Bill that added $3.7 million annually to CSU's formula fund allocation ($2.3 million) for its research and extension programs.

Before attending Central State University, Johnson served as dean of the College of Agriculture and Human Sciences, research director, and extension administrator at Prairie View A&M University in Texas. Before that, he was interim assistant dean of research in the School of Agriculture, Research, Extension, and Applied Sciences and chief research officer at Alcorn State University in Lorman, Mississippi.

During his sixteen-year career at Alcorn State University, he served as interim research director, Faculty Assembly president, University Athletics Committee chair, and faculty athletics representative. Dr. Johnson worked in the president's office as co-chair of the transition team for the 17th president of Alcorn State University and as his advisor on land-grant issues. He developed an Environmental Science Option in the Agricultural Sciences program at Alcorn State University. He also served as director of the Mississippi River Research Center, which conducted research and public service activities to aid in improving water resources in Mississippi.

After completing his Ph.D. in 1992, Dr. Johnson served a post-doctoral post in Fayetteville, funded by the Arkansas Soybean Promotion Board, and a brief stint as a research associate at the University of Arkansas, Pine Bluff, before taking his first post at Alcorn State University in 1994.

Throughout his career, Dr. Johnson conducted research and taught courses related to soils, sustainable agriculture, community agriculture, soil physics, soil conservation and land use, environmental science, microclimatology, and many other disciplines.

Dr. Johnson said he has known many of the U of A System Division of Agriculture administrators through professional organizations and activities for many years. "I've known and respected them for years," he said.

Dr. Johnson and his wife, the former Stephanie Williams of Crossett, have five daughters and one son, most of whom are grown.