Bernard Johnson

Professor

“Even after you’ve finished college, the learning doesn’t stop there. It’s always necessary to stay current.”

Bernard Johnson’s sense of humor is channelled into a booming, infectious laugh. “I like to laugh,” he says, adding with a chuckle: “It makes my face look better.” By his own admission, Bernard has been having “lots of fun” since starting to teach accounting and Lotus 1-2-3 here in 1991. “I really enjoy watching the lights go on when a student finally gets it. And it’s great when they were able to use something I taught them at work and get accolades because of their proficiency.”

An SMC alumnus, it was on this campus that Bernard got inspired to pursue a career in accounting. A degree from Cal State Long Beach landed him a job with a large accounting firm where he worked until starting his own practice which he kept for ten years. Looking for a change, he eagerly returned to his first alma mater—only this time it was to the other side of the desk.

“The knowledge of accounting can be very useful, especially if you’re going to be in business,” he says. “I’ve looked at all sides of business, very large companies, mom-and-pop type operations—so I can give students a flavor of how it happens in the real world.”

When he’s not teaching about spread sheets and financial statements, Bernard likes to travel to Hawaii and Mexico and to simply “hang out with friends, laughing, talking, eating.” Lately, he’s also become involved in the Academic Senate where he works to “ensure the quality of the teaching profession.” For his own students, though, Bernard simply hopes that they feel they got a thorough knowledge of the subject matter. “I want them to know they don’t have to be perfect to be successful. I’m always willing to help them if they’ll just meet me half way.”

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