Dr. Oliver A. Johnson, Ph.D. (Yale University, 1951; B.A., Linfield College, 1944) was a professor of philosophy at the University of California, Riverside, until his retirement in 1989, and longtime activist in the UC Academic Senate. Dr. Johnson concentrated on fundamental philosophic issues, establishing an international reputation for his work in ethics (particularly normative ethics and metaethics) and epistemology.
The Oliver Johnson Award is given out biennially to a member of the UC faculty who has performed outstanding service to the Academic Senate. Its broader goal is to honor all members of faculty (including Emeriti/ae Senate members) who have contributed their time and talent to the Senate. The award carries a small honorarium for the faculty member who receives it and is presented at the Annual Academic Council dinner.