In 2010 the Mining Engineering Foundation established the Distinguished Alumni Award to honor outstanding individuals whose personal lives, professional achievements and community service exemplify the values and goals of the mining engineering profession, the Mining Engineering Foundation, and the Department of Mining Engineering. The department is proud to announce the first Distinguished Alumni Award was presented to Samuel S. (Sam) Johnson, a 1973 graduate of the University of Kentucky and a Mining Engineering Foundation charter member. We congratulate Mr. Johnson on winning this distinguished award, and look forward to his service and counsel for many years to come.
Mr. Johnson's history with the mining department dates back many years. He was known as one of “Ted’s Boys,” a close-knit group who studied under the much loved mining professor Ted D. Haley. After earning his bachelor’s degree and later a master’s degree in business administration, his experiences in the coal industry led him from entry level worker and intern engineer to manager, international consultant, financial advisor and COO. He currently serves as president of Guohua Technology Corporation, the exclusive importer of Tangshan Guohua Technology Co., Ltd. coal preparation technology for North America.
David Roselle, President of the University of Kentucky from 1987-1989 recently commented, “I remember Sam from my long ago days at UK as a bright, eager and competent professional.” Upon learning that Sam had been nominated for the Distinguished Alumni Award, Dr. Roselle said, “if his career has progressed in accord with the promise of those early years, he certainly is now a deserving candidate.”
Throughout his career, Mr. Johnson has remained involved and active in the department. As a Mining Foundation charter member, he served in every capacity during the past 27 years from committee member to board chairman. He currently serves on the executive committee and is chair of the nominating committee. He was a founding member of the UK Engineering Alumni Association; served as president, and later represented mining engineering.
Charlie Reeves, a fellow ’73 graduate said, “I have known Sam since 1971 when I went to school at UK with him. We have kept in touch over those years and we have worked on some projects together and for about eight years were employed by the same company. Ethics and reliability have always been my benchmarks as to the worth of a person. Sam gets high marks in both of these areas.” Mr. Reeves added, “Sam is an honorable business man, a good family man, and one who gives back to his community. His support to the university and the mining community has helped both grow.”
Sam Johnson (left) receiving the Distinguished Alumni Award from Mining Foundation Chair Steve Gardner. a 1973 graduate of the University of Kentucky and a Mining Engineering Foundation charter member. We congratulate Mr. Johnson on winning this distinguished award, and look forward to his service and counsel for many years to come.
