Leland High School Alumni
Leland, Mississippi (MS)
Alumni Stories
Dr. R. LeWayne Johnson, Ph.D., LL.M., J.D.
Class of 1975
The Inner Circle has recognized Dr. R. LeWayne Johnson, PhD, LLM, JD, MBA, as a Pinnacle Professional Member. This prestigious acknowledgment celebrates his significant contributions in public service, advocacy, and equal justice, reflecting his unwavering commitment to the community and leadership.
Born in 1956 to sharecroppers in Mississippi during the Jim Crow era, Dr. Johnson's early life was marked by hardship and resilience. At just five years old, he began working in the cotton fields, earning a mere fifty cents a day while delivering water to laborers. Despite these tough beginnings, he was determined to chart a different course for his future. His journey led him to secure a musical scholarship at Lane College, a Historical Black College and University (HBCU) located in Jackson, TN, which became a pivotal stepping stone in his educational journey.
Dr. Johnson boasts a remarkable career that spans 35 years in the U.S. military and nearly four decades in federal government service. He has played an instrumental role in shaping national defense and public policy while also advocating for community development across Florida. Currently residing in Kissimmee, he contributes to the local community as a Commissioner on the Osceola County Citizen Advisory Planning Commission and is actively campaigning for a seat in the Florida House of Representatives (House District 46).
A champion for veterans, Dr. Johnson established the Florida Coalition to Prevent Veteran's Homelessness, aimed at addressing the pressing needs of at-risk veterans statewide. He also serves as the Executive Director of the Mercy Foundation, a program dedicated to helping homeless veterans reintegrate into society and overcome their challenges. Educated at esteemed institutions, Dr. Johnson holds a PhD in Public Policy and Administration from Walden University, an LL.M. in International Taxation from St. Thomas School of Law, a Juris Doctor degree from Barry University, and an MBA in Management of Information Systems from the University of Indianapolis. In addition to his academic achievements, he is recognized as a certified mediator by the Florida Supreme Court and is a retired Chief Warrant Officer 4 in the U.S. Army Reserve.
Born in 1956 to sharecroppers in Mississippi during the Jim Crow era, Dr. Johnson's early life was marked by hardship and resilience. At just five years old, he began working in the cotton fields, earning a mere fifty cents a day while delivering water to laborers. Despite these tough beginnings, he was determined to chart a different course for his future. His journey led him to secure a musical scholarship at Lane College, a Historical Black College and University (HBCU) located in Jackson, TN, which became a pivotal stepping stone in his educational journey.
Dr. Johnson boasts a remarkable career that spans 35 years in the U.S. military and nearly four decades in federal government service. He has played an instrumental role in shaping national defense and public policy while also advocating for community development across Florida. Currently residing in Kissimmee, he contributes to the local community as a Commissioner on the Osceola County Citizen Advisory Planning Commission and is actively campaigning for a seat in the Florida House of Representatives (House District 46).
A champion for veterans, Dr. Johnson established the Florida Coalition to Prevent Veteran's Homelessness, aimed at addressing the pressing needs of at-risk veterans statewide. He also serves as the Executive Director of the Mercy Foundation, a program dedicated to helping homeless veterans reintegrate into society and overcome their challenges. Educated at esteemed institutions, Dr. Johnson holds a PhD in Public Policy and Administration from Walden University, an LL.M. in International Taxation from St. Thomas School of Law, a Juris Doctor degree from Barry University, and an MBA in Management of Information Systems from the University of Indianapolis. In addition to his academic achievements, he is recognized as a certified mediator by the Florida Supreme Court and is a retired Chief Warrant Officer 4 in the U.S. Army Reserve.
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Happy Holidays!
Happy Holidays!