Distinguished Engineering Alumnus
Award Recipient
Bobby Ray Johnson Jr. — 2008
This distinguished graduate earned his bachelor's degree in computer science with honors from North Carolina State University in 1977. A native of North Carolina, Johnson has built a highly successful 31-year career in the networking industry, including a total of 16 years as chief executive officer for three companies and 14 years as chairman for two companies. He is the co-founder of Foundry Networks Inc., a provider of high performance routers and switches, and has served as its president and chief executive officer since May 1996. He also served as chairman from May 1996 to January 2007.
Under Johnson's leadership, the company has earned more than 65 corporate and product awards, including “Top Technology IPO of 1999.” The San Jose, Calif., resident has generated significant support for North Carolina State University through personal gifts and donations from his company. He and his company provided major support to the NC State “Red Wolf Tracking Project,” which focused on the wireless network tracking of red wolves that were reintroduced in eastern North Carolina wildlife areas.
Return to Distinguished Engineering Alumni
Also awarded in 2008
Bobby Ray Johnson Jr.