Olenda E. Johnson, Ph.D.

Professor College of Leadership and Ethics
Olenda E Johnson Profile Image

Biography

Dr. Johnson utilizes disruptive learning methods to further complex cognitive capacities (e.g., strategic empathy). She is the architect of the Navy’s 2-star leadership course for flag and general officers, as well as senior executives – now an established requirement. Olenda has been instrumental in inculcating leader development throughout Navy culture. Her current efforts leverage her expertise in the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning to enhance the design, collaboration, and outcomes of general and flag officer education. She is an in-demand speaker and facilitator, supporting diverse efforts across the Naval enterprise, the Department of Defense, and external organizations.

Areas of Expertise

  • Leadership

Professional Highlights

2018

Adjunct Professor, Victoria Business School, NZ

Appointment as Adjunct Professor, Victoria Business School, University of Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand
2013

Professor, U.S. Naval War College

Promoted to Full Professor in the College of Operational & Strategic Leadership (COSL).
2010

Associate Professor, U.S. Naval War College

Appointment as Associate Professor of Strategic Leadership and Leader Development in the College of Operational and Strategic Leadership.
2008

Associate Professor, North Carolina A&T State University

Associate Professor of Management in the School of Business & Economics. Courses included Organizational Behavior, Organizational Theory & Design, and Strategy.
2007

Distinguished Visiting Professor, U.S. Air Force Academy

Served one-year appointment as Distinguished Visiting Professor in the Department of Management.
2003

Associate Professor, North Carolina A&T State University

Associate Professor of Management in the School of Business & Economics. Courses included Organizational Behavior, Organizational Theory & Design, and Strategy.
2002

Visiting Professor, U.S. Army War College

Served one-year appointment as Visiting Professor in the Department of Command Leadership & Management (DCLM).
2002

Associate Professor, North Carolina A&T State University

Promoted to Associate Professor with Tenure.

Education

Ph.D., University of Pittsburgh Katz Graduate School of Business, Organizational Behavior

MBA, Florida A&M University School of Business & Industry, Finance

B.S., Florida A&M University School of Business & Industry, Business Administration/Marketing

C.V. or Resume

Research Contributions and Publications

Presently, Olenda's research centers on Cognitive Development and Higher Order Thinking as an integral component of leader development. Her published research covers a range of topics to include organizational identity, leadership effectiveness and work group diversity. Her research (with Dr. Marcus Stewart) on leadership, diversity, and work teams was selected for Group and Organization Management Editor’s Choice article collections as one of the journal’s most noteworthy manuscripts. Dr. Johnson has presented her scholarship at conferences such as the Academy of Management, Eastern Academy of Management (Global), International Leadership Association, Southern Management Association, and Management & Organizational Behavior Teaching Society. Her work has been included in Journal of Military Learning, Journal of Character & Leadership Development, Group and Organization Management, and Flag Officer Development Research (internal).

Awards and Decorations

Muhammad Ali Center Daughter of Greatness

Board of Governors’ Teacher of Excellence Award
University of North Carolina (UNC)

Teacher of the Year
North Carolina A&T State University

Army Commander’s Medal for Public Service

Beta Gamma Sigma

Phi Kappa Phi

Other Honors

Group and Organizational Management Journal
Editor’s Choice Article Collections

Academy of Management
Best Paper Nominee

External Memberships and Associations

International Leadership Association

Management & Organizational Behavior Teaching Society

Material and external links contained herein are made available for the purpose of peer review and discussion and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Naval War College, Department of the Navy or the Department of Defense.