Carol Johnson presented with Order of the Long Leaf Pine Award
Special to IFN
Mitchell Community College celebrated the extraordinary legacy of Carol Johnson, retired vice president of workforce development and continuing education, by presenting her with the Order of the Long Leaf Pine Award—one of North Carolina’s highest civilian honors—during a ceremony held on Tuesday, August 26.
The award recognizes individuals who have demonstrated a lifetime of exceptional service to the state. With over 50 years of dedication to education and workforce development, Johnson exemplifies the spirit of this prestigious honor. Since its inception, fewer than 21,000 North Carolinians have received the award.
Johnson’s educational journey began at Mitchell, where she graduated in 1972. After earning a Bachelor of Arts from UNC-Charlotte, she returned to Mitchell to work as a Learning Lab coordinator. While working full time, she pursued and completed both a master’s degree and an education specialist degree from Appalachian State University. Driven by a passion for empowering others through learning, Johnson advanced through a series of leadership roles—including director of basic skills, dean of continuing education and, ultimately, vice president for workforce development and continuing education.
Over five decades, Johnson transformed Mitchell’s continuing education and workforce development programs, championing initiatives that opened doors for adult learners across Iredell County. Her work in continuing education – through programs like Basic Skills, ESL, High School Equivalency, and Compensatory Education – combined with her commitment to workforce development in fields like public safety, healthcare, real estate, truck driver training, manufacturing, and engineering – helped thousands of individuals gain the tools they needed to succeed. She also played a pivotal role in business and industry training, small business development, and regional workforce partnerships.
Johnson’s influence extended well beyond Mitchell. She served on the North Carolina Community College System’s (NCCCS) Economic and Workforce Development Committee, led the NCCCS Adult Education Association as president, and represented Iredell County and community college interests on the Centralina Workforce Development Board. Her leadership helped shape statewide policies and programs that continue to benefit communities across the state.
Locally, Johnson has given her time generously, serving as a founding board member of the Carolina BalloonFest and holding leadership roles with the Greater Statesville Chamber of Commerce, including board chair (2004, 2006) and vice president for education and training.
“Carol’s tireless work has changed lives, strengthened communities, and made our state a better place,” Tim Brewer, president of Mitchell Community College, said during the award presentation. “It is through selfless service such as that exemplified in Carol’s career that Mitchell’s new tagline is brought to life: Empowering Futures. Congratulations, Carol—and thank you.”
