By Suzy Alstrin
“My favorite part about being a member of council is that it’s non-partisan. I love that we simply just get to do the work without partisan influence. JoEllen Wilson (RU – 1961) did a fantastic job of that and when she was ready to step away, it was my honor to run behind such a pioneer!” These are the words of Travis Johnson (RU – 2005), a Reinhardt alumnus, who assumed his elected position as a Canton City councilman in January of 2024.
Johnson strives to learn from and build upon what Wilson was able to accomplish while serving, saying. “She was always fair and objective in her approach.” Johnson’s character is evident, not only with dedication to his new position, but his belief in investing his councilor stipend back into the community.
Johnson is also giving back to Reinhardt, serving as a member of the Alumni Board of Governors and as a member of the University’s President’s Advisory and Advocacy Council. He especially enjoys hosting and supporting the Eagles men’s and women’s basketball teams in his home where they enjoy meals and conversation. One of his greatest honors in his life, Johnson claims, was being invited on campus as the keynote speaker to address the incoming freshman class in 2022.
While at Reinhardt, Johnson was a member of the men’s basketball team that went to the National Tournament in 2004, earned a degree in Sociology, and was joined by his twin brother, Tracy Johnson (RU – 2006). Travis recalls, “What I appreciated most about Reinhardt were the small class sizes and the family, community-like environment. If you wanted to be there, if you wanted to succeed, Reinhardt helped you do just that!”
Johnson works full-time as a district director for a pharmaceutical company covering the Southeast and loves attending athletics events on campus with his family.
