K. C. Johnson (born 1967) is an American historian, author, and professor of history specializing in the study of American higher education. He has written extensively on topics such as university governance, academic freedom, and the politics of higher education.
Education and Academic Career
- Undergraduate: Bachelor of Arts, University of Rhode Island.
- Graduate: Ph.D. in History, University of Massachusetts Amherst (1995).
- Positions:
- Former faculty member, Department of History, Columbia University (1998–2008).
- Professor of History, University of California, Riverside (2009–present).
Research Focus
Johnson’s scholarship concentrates on the evolution of American colleges and universities, the role of elites in higher‑education policy, and disputes over academic standards and free speech on campus.
Selected Publications
- The Assault on American Excellence: An Insider’s View of the Rise of Mediocrity in Higher Education (2016).
- The Rise of the College-Going Class (co‑author, 2018).
- “Columbia Unbecoming”: A Case Study in Campus Politics (journal article, 2006).
Public Controversy
Johnson became widely known outside academia during the 2005 “Columbia Unbecoming” controversy, in which he and other faculty members alleged that certain graduate students had engaged in anti‑Arab and anti‑Jewish harassment. Following the university’s internal investigation, Johnson was a plaintiff in a defamation lawsuit against Columbia University; the case was settled in 2008 without admission of wrongdoing.
Professional Affiliations
- Member, Society for the History of Higher Education.
- Editorial board member, Journal of Higher Education Policy and Management.
Awards and Honors
- Fellow, American Council of Learned Societies (2004).
- Distinguished Teaching Award, Columbia University (2007).
Public Engagement
Johnson frequently contributes op‑eds and appears in media discussions on higher‑education policy, academic freedom, and campus culture. He has testified before congressional committees on education reform and serves on advisory panels for educational nonprofits.
