Pamplin alumnus making the Ut Prosim difference

Keith Johnson has a deep-rooted connection to Virginia Tech that transcends the usual relationship between alumnus and alma mater. For Johnson, a 2007 graduate of the Pamplin College of Business, Virginia Tech was the first place he could call home.

“Growing up, I lived all over the country and the world,” he explained. “Virginia Tech was the first place I ever lived for more than three consecutive years. In fact, I liked it so much, I stayed for four-and-a-half years.”

Johnson carries Virginia Tech with him wherever he goes, both literally and figuratively. A sign with Virginia Tech’s motto, Ut Prosim (That I May Serve), hangs prominently in his office as a daily reminder of his commitment to serving others. 

“I take Ut Prosim seriously,” Johnson said. “I use the motto with my team to remind them that they are there to serve the customer, not themselves.”

The team Johnson referenced is Amsted Industries, a global, diversified manufacturer of industrial components for numerous applications, including rail, commercial vehicles, automotive, and construction.

Originally attracted to Virginia Tech and, specifically, Pamplin, due to its range of available fields of study, variety is what has kept Johnson at Amsted Industries since he graduated with dual degrees in management and finance nearly two decades ago.

“I like people and I like numbers,” he explained. “I understand how to make numbers tell a story. Or, more importantly, I can tell a story from the numbers.”

Those abilities have aided Johnson well, as he now serves as vice president of operations for Amsted Automotive, a division of Amsted Industries.

“I really enjoy working with people and that's where the management degree comes in,” he continued. “That degree has given me more of an insight into some of the softer skills. Whereas, my analytical skills come from my finance degree.

“Together, it's a powerful combination.”

It’s not only in his career that Johnson has made an impact. True to the university’s motto, Johnson has made a significant impact through his philanthropy as well. Despite his relatively young age, Johnson, along with his wife, Erin, have endowed a scholarship at Virginia Tech. 

Johnson’s endowment actively supports Virginia Tech initiatives aimed at diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging, often referred to as DEIB. Among these efforts and initiatives are InclusiveVT, the institutional and individual commitment to Ut Prosim in the spirit of community, diversity, and excellence.

“I believe DEIB initiatives are important,” Johnson explained. “I was lucky growing up. Now, I want to help someone else with their luck.”