HIS Story

Dr. Timothy E. Johnson is the Founder and Principal Consultant of the Emile Group, LLC, and the Executive Producer and host of the podcast “Let’s Talk Higher Ed and More.” He also serves as the Director of the Center for Graduate and Pre-Professional Education at Dillard University in New Orleans, Louisiana. Hailing from the deep South, Timothy’s journey showcases his resilience and determination. Raised in Gulfport, MS, he overcame challenges in his K-12 education due to dyslexia, a speech impediment, and ADHD. With the steadfast support of his parents and dedicated teachers, he graduated high school and successfully entered college.

 

Timothy created “a collection of work-around strategies” to navigate his learning disabilities and thrive in college. As a marketing major at Jackson State University (JSU), he interned with major retailers Saks, Inc. and JC Penney Company, earning the title of “Regional Intern the Year.” He held various leadership roles in student organizations and was named the Jackson State University College of Business “Student of the Year” during his senior year. Deeply committed to equity and access, Dr. Johnson has spent 20 years in mission-driven roles within corporate and higher education settings. He has held leadership positions at Saks Fifth Avenue, Boys & Girls Club of the Gulf Coast, CitiFinancial Mortgage Company, and GEICO Insurance. His administrative experience spans Texas College, Strayer University, Baton Rouge Community College (BRCC), Louisiana State University, and Wiley University, while also teaching and guest lecturing at institutions like Hinds Community College, University of Central Florida, Emory University, Southern University and A&M College, and Upper Iowa University. He has authored and managed over $40 million in corporate and government grant programs and has led teams focused on enhancing retention and success among underrepresented student populations. Currently serving on the Board of Directors for Louisiana Key Academy, the only school in Louisiana solely dedicated to preparing dyslexic students, he strongly advocates for marginalized student communities. His passion drives his commitment to promoting inclusion and proactive support for diverse student groups.

 

Dr. Johnson's academic achievements reflect his dedication to education. A 2025 Presidential Leadership Scholar, He holds a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) with a concentration in Marketing from Jackson State University, a Master of Business Administration (MBA) focused on management and entrepreneurship from William Carey University, and a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Urban Higher Education from Jackson State University. His teaching and research interests include entrepreneurship, strategic management, enrollment management, student success, retention, and the social dynamics of students and faculty in higher education.