NOTE: Saturday June 14 is the 250th anniversary of the United States Army.. This is the first of two stories in honor of their anniversary, the second story will be posted on Sunday.
While most in Hutchinson know Dr. Dawn Johnson as the dedicated superintendent of USD 308, fewer may realize she also holds one of the highest military ranks in the U.S. Army Reserve: Brigadier General.
With the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Army being celebrated this weekend in Washington, D.C., Johnson took time to reflect on her unique journey—a path that took her from a bowling alley in small-town Kansas to commanding a unit responsible for over 8,000 soldiers across ten southeastern states.
“It’s not the story you might expect,” Johnson said. “I wasn’t a model student. I was a troublemaker. One day, my dad picked me up from in-school suspension and we had lunch at the bowling alley he ran, and he slid a recruiting pamphlet over to me and asked if I’d ever considered the military. That’s where it started.”
One of the recruiters bowled on a Monday night. And every Monday, the recruiter kept talking to her.
The decision to enlist was partly practical. With four siblings and limited finances, the military offered a path to education and opportunity. Johnson graduated high school on a Sunday and left for basic training the following Tuesday.
What followed was a career that blended military service and education. After several years of active duty—including time stationed in Germany and at Fort Carson—Johnson returned to the U.S. and pursued a college degree on a bowling scholarship, first in Vincennes Indiana, then later at Wichita State. She eventually earned her degree from Wichita State and began teaching, all while continuing to serve in the Army Reserve.
Over 28 years, she has worked her way up through the ranks.
“I commissioned in 1997 and then in In two, 2001 of course, 911 happened, and then had three deployments since 911 right after that.” said Johnson. “Yeah, so I just moved up from lieutenant to captain to major, lieutenant colonel. And I think every time, you know, I just, I don't know that I ever had the desire to be a brigadier general or saw that in my future, I just walked into every job and gave it my heart and soul, and, you know, people recognize that, and they put you in positions to continue taking on more responsibility, and you continue to rise to the occasion.”
Now in her first year commanding a major Reserve unit based in Orlando, Florida, Johnson is one of only 18 new generals selected nationwide. Her unit spans ten states and includes 8,000 soldiers, with 200 full-time staff under her direction.
Her dual roles in education and the military, she said, complement each other in unexpected ways.
“Leadership is leadership. Whether it’s managing a school district or leading troops, it comes down to staying calm under pressure, making tough decisions, and mentoring others,” Johnson explained. “In both jobs, I try to live by the idea of coach, teach, mentor, and train. When people know what’s expected and feel supported, they rise to the occasion.”
With military recruitment numbers down nationally, Johnson sees herself as an example of the opportunities the armed forces can offer. She often meets with students considering service and has helped guide several young people into military careers.
“My, my young I raised a young man. He's not biologically mine, but I call him my son, and so he has finished his 20-year career as a Ranger Scout and was an outstanding soldier and Purple Heart metal. And same thing he was, you know, it, it really just changed his life and turned him around’” said Johnson.
She said her unit had their 250 Army celebration and she wasn’t able to be there, so she sent her Chief of Staff.
“Leadership matters, and presence really makes a difference. And where is my presence make a difference? And how do I balance that? By being present USD, 308, and then, you know, fulfilling and leading in that, in that Army Reserve position. And so, I have a lot of great people that I surround myself with and really try to let that talent go to work for me as well.
Looking ahead, Johnson says she hopes to continue her current command role and is waiting to hear whether she’ll be extended or assigned to a new position. While only a fraction of those who make brigadier general advance to the next rank, she’s focused on the job at hand.
Right now, she is just honored to lead, she has a great team, both in the Army and at USD 308. She tries to be present, support those around her, and lead with integrity.”