LARRY D. JOHNSTON
Pratt,USA
Summary
Innovative, student-centered, and values-driven higher education leader with a distinguished record of service in community college administration, athletics, enrollment management, curriculum development, and community partnerships across Kansas, Maryland, California, and Texas. Experienced in leading diverse teams, strengthening institutional culture, managing complex budgets, advancing student success, and securing new funding through strategic partnerships and fundraising. Deeply committed to building trust, transparency, and a culture of collaboration that unites all stakeholders in pursuit of shared goals.
Overview
26
26
years of professional experience
Work History
Director of Athletics
Pratt Community College
01.2024 - 06.2025
- Provide vision and leadership for planning, implementation, management, supervision, and evaluation of the athletics program and responsible for ensuring compliance with national and regional athletic requirements within the Department of Athletics. Work effectively with a diverse range of constituencies within a community.
- Lead the department of Athletics and provide supervision, management, and evaluation for 15 Division-1 and 2 Division-2 athletic programs.
- Increased enrollment by 55% within 18 months. 400 student-athletes who make up 85% of the on-site dorm room living and make up nearly 60% of the degree-seeking students at Pratt Community College (PCC). Retention rate, transfer rate, and team GPAs are equal to/or greater than that of the average student at PCC.
- Fundraised $420,000 from private donors within 10 months. Successfully sold out the Pratt Community College Athletic Department Golf Tournament in May 2025.
- Served as a member of the President’s Cabinet and attended regular Board of Trustees meetings.
- Provide a high level of input on a newly installed $1.2 million infield/outfield turf baseball field.
- Instrumental with the dedication of a newly installed $2.5 million football/soccer turf field and track stadium.
- Hosted the 2024 Region IV Track and Field Championships for the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) and Kansas Jayhawk Community College Conference (KJCCC) for 32 teams. Hosted the NJCAA South Central District Wrestling Tournament in March 2025. Hosted the NJCAA/KJCCC Region 6 Tennis Tournament in April 2025.
- Provide a high level of input on facility design, programming, layout, cost analysis, and implementation of a newly proposed $10.5 million indoor tennis, wrestling, and turf complex slated for 2026/2027.
- Successfully completed a recent audit of our sports programs to the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) national office.
- Provide leadership for the development and implementation of annual strategic initiatives that support student learning and are consistent with the College Strategic Plan.
- Ensure compliance with policies and procedures of governmental, regulatory, and membership organizations like Title IX, National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA, Region VI), and the Kansas Jayhawk Community College Conference (KJCCC).
- Provide direct oversight of the timely preparation and submission of eligibility documentation consistent with local, state, regional, and/or federal reports as appropriate.
- Work collaboratively with Institutional Advancement on initiatives including the Golf Tournament, Annual Scholarship fundraiser and Hall of Fame banquet.
Director of Athletics
Frederick Community College
09.2021 - 07.2023
- Lead the Department of Athletics and provide supervision to the department staff, Head Coaches, and Assistant Coaches, establish goals, objectives, workflows, and priorities for staff, and regularly review staff performance.
- Increased student-athlete enrollment by 100% within my first year of employment. Implemented a mandatory Learning Center tour and class that all student-athletes must attend to better understand the academic resources available to ensure their academic success.
- Hired the college’s first Athletic Academic Advisor and Compliance Officer.
- Provided high level of input on facility design, programming, layout, cost analysis on a proposed new 75,000 square foot Wellness Center to include an indoor banked track slated for 2025.
- Secured over $600k for the installation of new contemporary scoreboards for all sports, new 20’ digital scores table for basketball and volleyball, new LED 14’ x 8’ digital screen for the gymnasium/marketing purpose, hired cameras for both inside and outside venues, new NCAA compliant backstop baseball fencing, new softball bullpens and infield, upgraded Athletic Training Facilities, new Strength and Conditioning equipment, upgraded and updated Athletics Center technology and branded the entire Athletics Center.
- Convened and provide oversight for the Cougar Athletics Advisory Council and Hall of Fame Committee, and serve on college committees, and workgroups, as appropriate. Secured $25k for the Design and implementation of the college’s first Athletics Hall of Fame Wall display within the Athletics Center. Triple Hall of Fame donations.
- Implemented the technology and personnel needed to provide the college with its first ever live-stream and live-stat capabilities for both indoor and outdoor sports venues.
- Provide leadership for the development and implementation of annual strategic initiatives that support student learning and are consistent with the College Strategic Plan.
- Ensure compliance with policies and procedures of governmental, regulatory, and membership organizations (e.g., Title IX, National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA, Region 20), and Maryland Junior College Athletic Conference (MDJUCO).
- Work with Operations to ensure that athletics fields are well maintained and safe.
- Provide direct oversight of the timely preparation and submission of eligibility documentation consistent with local, state, regional, and/or federal reports as appropriate.
- Serve as a member of professional organizations such as MDJUCO, Maryland Junior College Director of Athletics Affinity Group, Region 20, National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics, and National Association of Two-Year Community College Athletic Administrators and represent the college at local, state, regional, and national meetings.
- Complete annual reports and other documentation for the Department of Athletics including the Equity in Athletics Disclosure Act (EADA) report, following established guidelines and meeting all deadlines.
- Develop and maintain Department of Athletics budgets and inventories, including statistical analysis and recommendations for fiscal management.
- Provide leadership related to marketing of Department of Athletics programs.
- Coordinate with appropriate personnel to ensure appropriate transportation for athletic events.
- Oversee or delegate administrator-on-duty responsibilities for athletic events, home games, regional and national travel, as required.
- Support the academic success of student-athletes by monitoring academic progress, retention, and eligibility, and facilitate the provision of academic support services to support academic retention and persistence for student-athletes.
- Work collaboratively with Institutional Advancement on initiatives including the Golf Tournament and Hall of Fame banquet.
Commissioner
Texas Trinity League (TXTL)
12.2018 - 04.2020
- Developed, administered, and enforced the TXTL Bylaws for all member schools.
- Fosters active, visionary thinking, membership input, trends analysis and identification of strategic issues, systematic planning, prioritization, and evaluation that leads to transforming athletic and academic offerings for all member students.
- Serve as a Liaison throughout the state of Texas in working with various Parks and Recreation Departments to secure athletic state championship venue sites.
- Prepare, implement, and evaluate an operating budget annually to the Board of Directors.
- Facilitate all sports and academic regional and state venues to include sponsorships, officials, facilities, award ceremonies, and personnel.
- Ensure all social media, marketing, technology, and live-streaming needs are met by the web design team known as “Peake.”
- Appoint Regional Representatives, District Chairs, and other state committees throughout Texas.
- Collaborate with city officials to establish and execute state venues.
- Initiates and grows partnerships with other organizations in athletic and academic arenas and provides critical business insight that will help TXTL enhance its sponsorships, membership growth, and services.
- Provides consultation and evaluation to Cornerstone Christian School athletic program for the 2019 academic school year.
TX Athletic Director
Texas Christian Athletic League (TCAL)
05.2018 - 12.2018
- Directly responsible for organization, function, and supervision of 45 High School sports programs throughout Texas
- Established Regional Representatives and District Chairs throughout Texas.
- Instrumental in supporting the many initiatives of TCAL.
- Exploring and nurturing partnerships with other organizations in the athletics arenas to include Parks and Recreation Departments throughout Texas.
- Providing key professional insights that will help TCAL enhance its sponsorship and services.
Interim Athletic Director, Interim Dean of Students & Faculty
Sterling Classical School
07.2017 - 05.2018
- Served as the educational leader, responsible for managing the policies, regulations, and procedures to ensure that all students are supervised and instructed in a safe learning environment.
- Understood and responded to the challenges presented by the diverse student population.
- Provided proactive leadership to engage stakeholders in delivering programs and services to support student’s academic achievement and personal and social development.
- Worked collaboratively with school administration, faculty, students, and parents towards a positive school climate.
- Coordinated, facilitated, and implemented disciplinary intervention steps and processes with staff, working closely with the administration.
- Lead the internal assessment and evaluation of school programs and standards in preparation for the SACS Accreditation and credentialing process. Sterling successfully passed accreditation in December 2017.
- Sports program SWOT analysis was completed to identify and define program priorities and design a strategic plan.
- Supervised and directed the coaching staff to ensure proper practice schedules were maintained and ACAA and TCAL rules were adhered to by all athletic teams.
- Recruited and recommended coaches for hiring by the Booster Club and submitted signed coaches’ contracts to the Booster Club before the sports season began.
- Provided direct oversight of all coaches, held season-end performance evaluations of coaches, and reported findings to the Booster Club board at the end of each sports season.
- Arranged for officials and assumed general responsibility for properly supervised home games.
- Developed and implemented appropriate rules and regulations governing the conduct of athletic activities, participants, and observers.
- Ensured that all students’ athletes are eligible, insured, completed sports physicals, and have paid fees.
- Attended all Executive Committee meetings with the Booster Club officers. Liaison with School Directors and the Booster Club President to efficiently transfer information between the school and the club.
- Served as liaison between the division and local and state athletic authorities.
Associate Dean of Exercise Science, Health & Athletics
Santa Ana College
12.2007 - 07.2010
- Directly responsible for organizing, functioning, and supervising 20 intercollegiate athletic programs for over 350 student-athletes and ensuring program compliance with the California Community College Athletic Association. Collaborate with the Dean of Exercise Science, Health & Athletics in preparing class offerings.
- Effectively interact with students and student-athletes from diverse academic, cultural, ethnic, socio-economic, and physically challenged backgrounds. Effectively interact with the surrounding community, administration, Rancho Santiago Community College District employees, and coaches.
- Coordinate the use of all athletic facilities and aspects of the athletic program to include budget preparation, management, scheduling of contests, travel arrangements, eligibility, and negotiating facility arrangements for off-campus competitions. Manage foundation accounts.
- Conference representative for Women’s Basketball; provide representation on the Commission on Athletics and Orange Empire Conference for 20 sports.
- Serve on numerous committees, including the Athletic Hall of Fame and Annual Golf Tournament Chair. Serve on district committees as assigned.
- Participate in the candidate selection process for open positions within the department. Provide evaluations of faculty and classified staff.
- Provide conflict resolution to resolve disputes, thus enhancing student and campus morale.
- Completed the Orange Empire Conference Program Review for Santa Ana.
- Secured funding and provided a high level of input on facility design, programming, layout, cost analysis, and implementation of a new gym floor and wrestling facility. Collaborate daily with project managers, architects, programmers, administration, and vendors, and attend college committees.
- Ensure Title IX compliance by bringing parity to the athletic budget. Document continual growth toward Title IX compliance. Generate required Title IX reports and surveys.
- Develop curriculum, assess student learning outcomes, and ensure that course and program offerings are kept current.
- Ensure that student-athletes meet all academic and eligibility requirements for competition and transfer.
Athletic Director/Physical Education Instructor
Los Angeles Harbor College
07.2001 - 12.2007
- Responsible for the planning, organizing, and supervising of all athletic programs and aspects of the department. Instruct various course offerings within the Physical Education division. Collaborate with and report to the Vice President of Student Services and the Chairman of Physical Education, Health, and Wellness.
- Effectively interact with students and student-athletes from diverse academic, cultural, ethnic, socio-economic, and physically challenged backgrounds. Effectively interact with the surrounding community, administration, Los Angeles Community College District employees, and coaches.
- Direct and evaluate all athletic programs, department secretary, coaches, athletic trainers, and department student workers; manage the annual budget to include equipment, supplies, transportation, meals, officials, post-conference play, and personnel.
- Coordinate the use of all athletic facilities. Manage foundation accounts.
- Serve on numerous committees, including Faculty Hiring Priorities Committee; Budget Committee; Title IX Review; College Foundation Board Member; Physical Education. Developed the first strength and conditioning program for the college.
- Serve as a student insurance and Health Discipline committee member for the Los Angeles Community College District. South Coast Conference President.
- Ensure that student-athletes meet all academic and eligibility requirements for competition and transfer. Conference representative for Men’s Soccer and Athletic Trainers; provide representation on the Commission on Athletics, South Coast, and the Western States Conference for eight sports.
- Ensure Title IX compliance by bringing parity to the athletic budget. Document continual growth toward Title IX compliance. Generate required Title IX reports and surveys.
- Provide a high level of input on facility design, programming, layout, cost analysis, and implementation of a new track, stadium, synthetic football/soccer field, baseball field, and wellness center with a $30 million-dollar budget. Collaborate daily with project managers, architects, programmers, administration, and vendors and attend college committees.
- Participant in the 5- and 10-year master plan layout for Los Angeles Harbor College.
- Assist the Chairman of PE, Health, and Wellness in re-establishing a recreation degree.
- Developed and implemented strategic athletic programs promoting student engagement and success.
- Coordinated scheduling of intercollegiate competitions to enhance team visibility and participation.
- Managed budgeting processes to optimize resource allocation across athletic departments.
- Oversaw compliance with Title IX regulations, ensuring equitable treatment of all student-athletes.
Enhancement Coordinator
Spencer Hospital
11.1999 - 06.2001
- Responsible for developing and implementing a new strength and conditioning facility for surrounding high school and university-level athletes. Evaluate and manage the entire operation, including facility layout, administrative and accounting duties, hiring and training of Strength and Conditioning Specialists, and marketing strategies.
- Provide facility design, layout, protocols, and cost analysis of the implementation of facility equipment. Ensure that facility/equipment meets the highest standards of safety/supervision.
- Speak at clinics, symposiums, high schools, colleges, and Iowa Public Television.
- Provide on-site strength and conditioning clinics for 25 area high schools and local colleges; provide the National Athletic Training Program (NATP) to all high schools.
- Develop strength and conditioning programs for all sports, including flexibility, Olympic lifts, plyometrics, speed, and agility; provide sport-specific pre-and post-testing.
- Provide marketing strategies, including radio, articles, and local ESPN commercials.
- Coordinate with athletic trainers, physical therapists, cardiac rehab, occupational therapy, and physicians to establish proper protocols for athletes in need of rehabilitation.
Education
Ed.D - Leadership in Higher Education
Baker University
Baldwin City, KS05.2028
Master’s - Science, Kinesiology
California State University Fullerton
Fullerton, CA08.1996
Bachelor of Arts - Physical Education
Azusa Pacific University
Azusa, CA04.1994
Associate Degree -
Antelope Valley College
Lancaster, CA01.1991
Moorpark College
Moorpark, CA01.1990
Timeline
Director of Athletics
Pratt Community College
01.2024 - 06.2025
Director of Athletics
Frederick Community College
09.2021 - 07.2023
Commissioner
Texas Trinity League (TXTL)
12.2018 - 04.2020
TX Athletic Director
Texas Christian Athletic League (TCAL)
05.2018 - 12.2018
Interim Athletic Director, Interim Dean of Students & Faculty
Sterling Classical School
07.2017 - 05.2018
Associate Dean of Exercise Science, Health & Athletics
Santa Ana College
12.2007 - 07.2010
Athletic Director/Physical Education Instructor
Los Angeles Harbor College
07.2001 - 12.2007
Enhancement Coordinator
Spencer Hospital
11.1999 - 06.2001
Master’s - Science, Kinesiology
California State University Fullerton
Bachelor of Arts - Physical Education
Azusa Pacific University
Ed.D - Leadership in Higher Education
Baker University
Associate Degree -
Antelope Valley College
Moorpark College
HONORS/ AWARDS:
Olympic Trials Qualifier – Hammer Throw 1996, Awarded Outstanding P.E. Graduating Senior, Azusa Pacific University 1994, Five-time academic All-American in Track and Field 1991-1994, President’s List 1991 -1994, NAIA National Championship Track & Field Team 1992, Hammer Throw record holder and State Champion 1991, Dean’s List 1989- 1990