The Honorable Mayor Yvonne J. Johnson will be the keynote speaker for North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University's Fall Convocation 10 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 9, in Harrison Auditorium. Johnson will also be the grand marshall for the university’s homecoming parade on Saturday, Oct. 11, at 8 a.m.

Johnson, a Greensboro native and Aggie alumnae, began her political career as a city council member in 1993. She served in that office until 1999, when she was re-elected and rose to the ranks of mayor pro tem (1999-2005). She was elected as mayor in 2007, making her the first African-American to serve at the city's top helm. Prior to her service as an elected official, Johnson served as the council liaison to Hope VI, Greensboro Housing Development Partnership, and South Elm/Lee Street Development Project. She also served on the board of the Malachi House, Women's Resource Center and Bennett College. She is the recipient of numerous community and civic awards.

Johnson earned her undergraduate degree in psychology from Bennett College and a master's degree in guidance and counseling from North Carolina A&T State University. She is married to Walter T. Johnson, Jr. They have two sons, two daughters and six grandchildren.

A&T’s Fall Convocation is free and open to the public.