Spears School of Business

Oklahoma State University alumnus Carlos Johnson of Oklahoma City was presented the William H. Van Rensselaer Public Service Award for his leadership and efforts to advance the accounting profession during the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy’s (NASBA) 113^th Annual Meeting Nov. 3.

 

Established in 1988, the Van Rensselaer Award recognizes outstanding achievements as a leader and contributions to the effectiveness of state boards in serving the public.

 

Johnson is a graduate of the OSU School of Accounting, earning his master’s degree in 1966 and a doctor of education in accounting and business education in 1977. A true advocate for his community, the accounting profession, his state and his alma mater, Johnson studied under Wilton T. Anderson, who is often referred to as the founding father of OSU’s School of Accounting.

 

“Carlos’ dedication to the accounting profession, his honor and compassion, and his exemplary professional and personal skills have resulted in him positively impacting so many lives,” said Audrey Gramling, head of the School of Accounting. “He is a true example of a servant leader and he is most deserving of this prestigious award.”

 

Johnson taught at East Central University in Ada, Okla., before enjoying a successful career in public accounting, retiring after 25 years as a partner with KPMG. With more than 60 years of experience in the financial services industry, he currently works as a management consultant for BKD CPAs & Advisors where he serves as a resource to the partners, management team, and staff in Oklahoma. Johnson has remained active at OSU, serving as chairman of the School of Accounting Advisory Board and as a member of the Board of Governors for the OSU Foundation.

 

He’s been recognized with numerous honors by OSU. In 2003, Johnson was selected for induction into the Wilton T. Anderson Hall of Fame by the School of Accounting and in 2015 was inducted into the Spears School of Business Hall of Fame. In addition, Johnson was honored during the school’s 100^th anniversary of business education as a “Spears Tribute: 100 For 100” in 2014.

 

Johnson is a former chair, vice chair, director-at-large and Southwest regional director of NASBA. He is also a former chair of NASBA’s UAA, Nominating, State Board Relevance and Effectiveness, Legislative Support, Audit and Awards committees, Past Chair Advisory Council, Leadership Development Group and Substantial Equivalency Strike Force (Mobility Task Force). Johnson successfully championed the passage of substantial equivalency provisions in the Uniform Accountancy Act and fostered the relationship between NASBA and the American Accounting Association.