Nine alumni from the university’s academic colleges, as well as the Honors College, Williams School of Graduate Studies and University Libraries, were honored alongside the four App State alumni honored for exemplary leadership, service and achievements at the 2026 Alumni Awards Gala, held July 11.
For the Walker College of Business, Doug Johnson '77 was selected as the academic college alumnus of the year.
Doug Johnson, Walker College Alumnus of the Year
Johnson graduated from App State in with a bachelor’s degree in banking and finance. Over the course of a 47-year career with Blue Ridge Energy, he has held multiple roles with the cooperative, including chief executive officer from 1989 until 2025. During his tenure, he led initiatives to strengthen system reliability, enhance member care, manage wholesale power and help shape state and national energy policy. He also led the creation of two subsidiary companies and the establishment of a Members Foundation focused on reinvesting in local communities. He continues to support the organization as an executive consultant.
Johnson has volunteered with numerous boards and committees focused on economic development, access to quality healthcare and education, and long-term community well-being. His contributions have earned him the 2015 J.C. Brown CEO Communication Leadership Award from the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association and the state’s highest honor, the Order of the Long Leaf Pine.
Johnson is a member of the Walker College of Business Dean’s Club and has served on the Business Advisory Council since 2008. He is a recipient of the university’s Outstanding Service Award and has made significant contributions to the Building Leaders Initiative. He currently resides in Granite Falls.
Alumni of the Year by College
- Doug Johnson ’77, Walker College of Business
- Jack Hoke ’76 ’82 ’84, Reich College of Education
- Dr. Zachary Hollis ’02, Beaver College of Health Sciences
- Maxine Cooper McCall ’60 ’65, College of Arts and Sciences
- Karen Duckett Bailey ’89, College of Fine and Applied Arts
- Fairley Bell Cook ’81, Hayes School of Music
- Talana Bell ’86 ’17, Williams School of Graduate Studies
- Marcus Osborne ’01, Honors College
- Faye A. Chadwell ’84 ’87, University Libraries
The college alumni awards began in 2022, but the university’s alumni association has recognized distinguished alumni since 1971.
Read the full story online: four App State alumni honored for exemplary leadership, service and achievements
About the Office of Alumni Engagement
Appalachian State University’s Office of Alumni Engagement creates and fosters communities of App State alumni. Its programs provide all App State alumni populations with meaningful engagement opportunities to network — connecting Mountaineers with each other and their alma mater. The university’s Alumni Association consists of more than 150,000 living alumni. Membership is free and automatic for all App State graduates. Learn more at www.alumni.appstate.edu.
Doug Johnson, center,with two fellow awardees at the 2026 Alumni Gala. Photo by Kyla Willoughby
Doug Johnson, WCOB 2026 Alumnus of the Year