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Page 21
Campus Review
October 8, 2014
Johnson’s firm is a powerful communica-
tions company, “that combines the latest
emerging technologies in television, film,
music and the internet, with an abiding
faith in God.”
The scope and number of Johnson’s proj-
ects are as varied as his background,
including a book he authored on the time
he spent with Joseph Jackson, father of
the legendary Jackson 5 family, and
Johnson’s successful efforts to become
the first African American television pro-
ducer to create a golf series that was fea-
tured worldwide on the Golf Channel. A
successful writer, entrepreneur, radio per-
sonality and evangelist; Johnson has pro-
duced numerous documentaries and has
served as the Director of Communications
and Training at the Atlanta Broadcast
Institute in Norcross, Ga.
Today, Johnson’s energy is derived from,
“working with students, giving back to
young people, reaching back and putting
others first… just like my mother did with
me.
“Teaching is my joy, my pleasure. Young
people need so much help. My past might
be the hook that draws an initial reaction,
but focusing our attention on the genera-
tion ahead, and the fact that dreams are
possible, goals are attainable, if you have
the education you need to be successful…
that is what holds their attention.”
Johnson is the director of Digital Music,
Video Production and Entertainment
Business Certificate Program and
Continuing Education instructor at
Clayton State University. For a man that
has performed in Central Park, New York
City’s Copacabana, Lincoln Center and
the Apollo Theater, Johnson reports it is
important to him that his legacy be, “moti-
vating, encouraging, and educating peo-
ple. That is my purpose. That is why I
have been placed here.”
Clayton State University officials are rev-
eling in the fact that Johnson, and his
impressive industry past, has brought his
talents to the University’s Morrow cam-
pus.
“We are very fortunate to have Stanley
Johnson as part of Clayton State’s talent-
ed continuing education instructors,”
explains Barton Bond, director of the Film
and Digital Media Center at Clayton
State. “Obviously he brings a unique per-
spective and unmatched experiences to
the classroom. However, his passion and
energy are what students identify with the
most. Stanley offers great value to our
program.”
Working with students, “some who never
thought of stepping a foot on a college
campus before they became involved in
our program,” are Johnson’s favorite
audience today.
“Once you capture a student’s attention,
they will listen, and you can direct them,”
he says. “I have been fortunate to have
parents and young people alike tell me
that my course at Clayton State was the
most positive influence they have ever
experienced. However that inspiring word
about my teaching… my guidance… that
is what I will remember the most.”
Johnson says he is constantly teaching his
students about the hazards of being cau-
tious.
“You cannot wait until you have it all
together before you start,” Johnson states.
“I started very young in the industry, long
before I really knew much except that
music is a universal language. However,
you cannot go it alone. You have to seek
guidance and partnerships. Hold your
head up, walk tall, all things are possi-
ble… to me, these aspects are as impor-
tant as the many entrepreneur lessons that
are involved in my instruction.”
Television, radio, music, film, and multi-
media arts are all parts of Johnson impres-
sive resume. Yet, his instruction is not
based in the clouds with unrealistic agen-
das.
“Yes, we discuss publishing, royalties,
agents, and media relations, but we also
look at what you can utilize to make a pro-
fessional appearance on a very small
budget,” Johnson says. “Your final digital
product does not have to be created on the
newest software, the most expensive
instruments. All the final product has to be
is something you are proud of, something
you want to share with others.”
Johnson also has two widely known
cousins that have made their mark in the
National Basketball Association. Seven-
time NBA All-Star Tracey McGrady and
Vince Carter of University of North
Carolina and Toronto Raptor fame are part
of Stanley’s extended family. Johnson is
quick to point out that lessons he teaches
at Clayton State reach beyond the scope of
the entertainment and athletic worlds.
“Whether it is the entertainment business,
the world of professional athletics, or any
other professional field, to be successful
you have to have a mentor, someone who
can guide you, someone who can give you
an honest assessment of your strengths
and talents,” Johnson comments. “That
does not mean the mentor always says
that it is green grass and roses. However,
my students respect me and they appreci-
ate the roads that I have travelled. Those
experiences have allowed me the opportu-
nity to secure numerous internships, many
professional positions for my students…
but more importantly, my past has
allowed me to serve as a mentor.”
The ultimate outcome is what keeps
Johnson coming back to Clayton State
while navigating his numerous other proj-
ects including a nonprofit foundation
established in 2007 that serves as youth
and adult training program. In December
2013, Johnson was recognized as an
Outstanding Community Partner to the
Atlanta Regional Workforce Board for
giving youth opportunities to learn career
skills and expand their academic, social,
and civic achievements.
“When my students walk across the
Spivey Hall stage upon completion of the
program, it is all hugs and smiles. There
are no handshakes there,” Johnson says.
“That is what it is all about for me!”
Based on its numerous intricacies and
wide-spread tentacles of success, his life
might be difficult to capture in music and
song… however, a recap of Stanley
Johnson’s life makes for a very successful
story involving making a difference in
students’ lives… and that is the kind of
entertainment and spotlight that Johnson
stars in today.
Johnson, cont’d. from p. 19