Uncrowned Community Builders

Mary Alexander Johnson, also affectionately known as "The Fox", is one of Oklahoma's great treasures because she has positively touched the lives of countless young, old, vulnerable, and bold people in and out of the state of Oklahoma. Although her roots are in Washington, D.C. and Laurens, South Carolina, most of her adult life is grounded in Ardmore, Oklahoma. She is a warrior for issues that defy the inalienable rights of others. "The Fox" will tackle any problem that threatens the well being of communities and will strategically find her way to coalesce with others to find solutions for situations that need to be addressed. She has earned respect and endearment of people from all walks of life and from various backgrounds.

Mrs. Johnson received a B.S. Degree from Allen University, Columbia S.C. and a Masters Degree in Education from Southeastern Oklahoma State University, Durant, OK She is certified as a Reading Specialist and Secondary Administration and has graduate credits from Howard University in Washington, D. C.

"The Fox" came to Oklahoma in the late 60's. Ironically, her first teaching experience began in the Fox Public Schools in Fox, Oklahoma where she taught elementary and high school social studies. She was also an Instructor in psychology and sociology and an Academic Minority counselor at Southeastern Oklahoma State University. In addition to her teaching responsibilities, Mrs. Johnson saw the need to introduce historical African- American Greek letter organizations and cultural awareness programs to students.

Mrs. Johnson has served as Reading Specialist, Assistant Principal, Home School Coordinator, Youth Court Program instructor and Counselor. Some of her professional experiences include Advisor for Student and Parent Association, Facilitator for " African- American Males: Empowerment in the 21st Century" Forums, Consultant and volunteer for the Cooperative Extension Youth Development Program at Langston University, "Test Wiseness Skills Workshop Facilitator at the University of Oklahoma Southwest Center of Human Relations, Norman, Oklahoma, Black Heritage Bowl Coach at Murray State College, Tishomingo, Oklahoma and Southeastern Oklahoma State University. Her community service experiences include being an advisor or in a leadership role for several youth initiatives such as the African-American Male At-Risk-Forums, H.F .V. Wilson Community Center, Ardmore, Oklahoma and Langston University, Ardmore Arts and Humanities, Teenage Pregnancy Prevention Program sponsored by the Carter County Health Department, Housing and Urban Development Advisory Board, H.F .V Wilson Community Center Board of Directors, Carter County Election Board, Big Five Head Start Policy Council and promoter and director of the Miss Black Ardmore and Mr. Debonair Scholarship Pageant. She has served 27 years as Pageant Director and Promoter, touching the lives of hundreds of youth.