James 'Sean' Johnson ’13: From military service to community leadership through STCC

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. – James “Sean” Johnson ’13 had a successful career in the military, serving first in the Navy and then in the Air Force, but he felt like he was missing something: a college education.

When he was around 30 years old, Johnson decided to enroll at Springfield Technical Community College.

“Even though I was doing great in the military, I always wanted to be in a classroom setting. I wanted to be around teachers. I felt like that piece was missing,” Johnson said.

In 2009, Johnson took a position as an integrated avionics technician at Westover Air Reserve Base. At that point, he had ended active service. In his role at Westover in Air Force civilian service, he maintains, services and repairs avionics systems on advanced aircraft.

During his job interview with Westover, Johnson asked if he could go to college while working the second shift, which runs from late afternoon into late night. Westover told him there were plenty of colleges in the area and encouraged him to pursue a degree.

Born in Dorchester, Mass., Johnson moved to South Carolina, where he attended high school. When he relocated to Springfield to take the job at Westover, he didn’t know anything about STCC. He initially enrolled at a four-year university but talked to friends and classmates about STCC and decided the community college would be a better fit, partly because he was a non-traditional student. He also lived close to STCC.

“When I transferred in, it was one of the best experiences of my life,” Johnson said. “I liked the classes and professors. Many of the faculty had working experience. They had stories to share about the real world.”

When I transferred (to STCC), it was one of the best experiences of my life. James 'Sean' Johnson '13, STCC alumnus

He earned a degree in Liberal Arts Transfer in 2013, achieving his goal of finishing college. He loved meeting friends in college – some of whom he still sees today around Springfield. He enjoyed the cultural events that brought the campus together. In addition, he is proud of the quality education he received at STCC. Johnson cited Professor Diane Sabato, who taught an entrepreneurship class, as one of his favorite teachers.

Professor Sabato recalls Johnson as a standout student, someone who brought energy and enthusiasm to every situation he was in and everything he did.

“Sean had a natural entrepreneurial spirit,” she said. “His curiosity and enthusiasm were evident, and he approached every project with creativity and determination. It’s no surprise to see him making such a positive impact in his community today.”

One of his memorable experiences was going to New York City to buy products at wholesale and then selling the goods on campus. “Out of all the things I did at STCC, that was one of the most influential,” he said. “We learned about buying wholesale. That experience was valuable. I did relatively well with that class.”

He remembers one of his business “pitches” was his idea to add QR codes to posters around campus. Students could scan the codes to find more information on a website. “Back then, I thought we should have that. And now you see them everywhere!” he said.

While he wasn’t originally from Western Massachusetts, Johnson felt a desire to give back to the community he now called home. He bought a house in Springfield and joined the McKnight Neighborhood Council, serving as vice president and chair for Parks and Projects. He also serves with the Springfield Preservation Trust Inc. as executive vice president.

Living close to STCC and knowing the value of the college, Johnson said he has returned to campus even after earning his degree in general studies. He took a class in project management and has thought about pursuing a second degree.

He enjoys mentoring others. “As a kid growing up, I was always looking for role models,” Johnson said. “I want to make a positive impact on the community and be a role model for others.”

Serving as union president at Westover, Johnson assists technicians, helping them with resumes and offering advice on ways to advance professionally. “I tell other technicians, if you want your career to matter, you should get your degree,” Johnson said. “At STCC, you can get a technical degree. Most colleges don’t offer that.”

Interim Dean of the School of Liberal and Professional Studies Steven Nelson emphasized the importance of earning an associate degree. “An associate degree from STCC is more than just a credential – it’s a foundation for lifelong learning and career success,” Nelson said. “Sean’s story exemplifies how a degree from STCC can transform lives and open doors to new opportunities.”

STCC is the only technical community college in Massachusetts. Thanks to the MassEducate and MassReconnect programs, Massachusetts residents who haven’t yet received an associate degree can access community college for free.

Johnson recommends STCC to anyone looking for an affordable, hands-on education. “When you come to a technical community college like STCC, you get to be around people who have been out and have done things,” he said. “When you’re young, you might not have been around people like that. That’s why I tell them the best place to start is at STCC.

“STCC gave me an opportunity to connect with other people because I didn’t grow up around here. I didn’t know the community when I came here,” Johnson added. “Now, when I meet people, I can say, ‘I graduated from STCC.’ People here know what that means. I come across a lot of other alumni from STCC, and I’m proud to call myself one.”

Interested in applying to STCC? Visit stcc.edu/apply or call Admissions at (413) 755-3333.

About Springfield Technical Community College

STCC, the Commonwealth's only technical community college, continues the pioneering legacy of the Springfield Armory with comprehensive and technical education in manufacturing, STEM, healthcare, business, social services, and the liberal arts. STCC's highly regarded workforce, certificate, degree, and transfer programs are the most affordable in Springfield and provide unequaled opportunity for the vitality of Western Massachusetts. Founded in 1967, the college – a designated Hispanic Serving Institution – seeks to close achievement gaps among students who traditionally face societal barriers. STCC supports students as they transform their lives through intellectual, cultural, and economic engagement while becoming thoughtful, committed and socially responsible graduates.

MEDIA CONTACT:

Jim Danko, (413) 755-4812, jdanko@stcc.edu

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