Barbara Lofton of Walton College Receives John H. Johnson Humanitarian Award

Barbara A. Lofton, Assistant Dean of the Office of Diversity and Inclusion to Dr. Barbara A. Lofton at the Sam College of Business M. Walton, received the John H. Johnson Humanitarian Award during the annual John H. Johnson Day in Arkansas observance. The recognition, organized by the Friends of John H. Johnson Museum, was held on November 1 in a virtual ceremony.

"It was exciting and humbling to be recognized for my work with Walton College students," Lofton said. "I was very proud to be honored by professionals and organizations who understand the value of diversity."

"Barbara's work is very important to our students and to our university," said Matt Waller, dean of Walton College. "She has served 25 years at Walton, encouraging a multitude of students and helping them find their way. It is fitting that she is recognized with an award named after such an influential Arkansan."

Lofton received the award for his long-standing work recruiting and supporting a diverse student population at the U of A and within the state. During his time at the university, he developed summer recruitment programs, taught academic courses, worked with professors, provided support services, cultivated academic scholarships, and created business partnerships to support diversity within Walton College.

Lofton earned a BA from Jackson State University, an MA from the University of Iowa, and an Ed.D. from Grambling State University.

Recipients of the John H. Johnson Humanitarian Award must demonstrate exceptional merit and importance to academic, business, or professional organizations, contribute to groups and organizations through professional activities and services, and actively promote diversity and inclusion of the underserved. The award is given to individuals or organizations whose work aligns with the life and work of John H. Johnson, founder, CEO and president of Ebony Jet and Black Magazines Digest and Johnson Publishing Company.

Johnson was the first African American to appear on Forbes magazine's list of the 400 richest Americans. He was inducted into the Arkansas Business Hall of Fame in 2001.