News

Ellsworth Community College is proud to announce Larry W. Johnson as the recipient of the 2025 Honorary Juris Doctorate Degree, recognizing a lifetime of dedication to education, public service, and community leadership. Johnson will be honored at Ellsworth’s commencement ceremony on Friday, May 16, in Dittmer Gym, for his profound and lasting impact on the lives of our students and the vitality of Ellsworth and the Iowa Falls community.

Johnson’s journey is one of service in every sense of the word. A farm boy from Taylor County, Iowa, Johnson’s early years shaped a deep commitment to hard work, learning, and giving back. His professional path has woven through education, military duty, law, and civic involvement, each chapter marked by purpose and passion.

He began as a high school Language Arts teacher and later shared his talents in Ellsworth’s Continuing Education programs, empowering adult learners to grow and succeed. Driven by a desire to serve in new ways, Johnson pursued his law degree at Drake University, graduating in 1983 and joining a general practice law firm in Iowa Falls that continues to serve the community. He is also a proud veteran, having served in the U.S. Army National Guard from 1971 to 1984, reaching the rank of E-6.

Johnson’s leadership extended beyond the classroom and courtroom. He served for many years on the Iowa Valley Community College District (IVCCD) Board of Directors, including multiple terms as President and several as Vice President. Through thoughtful governance and a steadfast belief in student success, Johnson helped steer Ellsworth into new chapters of growth and opportunity. “Every May, when students walk across that stage, it makes it all worthwhile,” Johnson reflected. “Their lives are improved 100% of the time. We get to make young people’s lives better—and that’s something truly special.”

In 2024, Johnson and his wife Sandy established the Larry and Sandy Johnson Family Scholarship, inspired by their shared belief in the power of education. “We created this scholarship to open doors,” Johnson said. “To give future students the opportunity to grow, learn, succeed, and make their lives better.”

What Johnson treasures most about Ellsworth is its people, especially the community behind it. “Ellsworth is a special place because this community believes in it. They’re committed to the college and to the students – they welcome them with open arms and help them thrive,” he said. “There’s no substitute for the energy and dedication this community pours into the institution.”

As he looks back on his service, Johnson remains grounded in his identity as an educator. “Being a teacher at Ellsworth and serving on the IVCCD board has been a privilege. It brings me peace knowing the work we do here is among the best educators can do,” he shared. “I’m still a teacher at heart, that will never change. That was always the dream. I love teaching young people… they bring an energy and enthusiasm that reminds us why this work matters.”

Ellsworth Community College is honored to recognize Larry W. Johnson – a teacher, veteran, attorney, leader, and lifelong champion of student success – with this year’s Honorary Juris Doctor Degree.