John N. Diamond
John N. Diamond
The Marvin D. "Swede" Johnson award recognizes individuals who have made extraordinary contributions to the advancement, quality and effectiveness of state relations on behalf of a higher education institution or state system. Recipients have primary long-term responsibility for state relations at their institution or system and have a proven track record of accomplishment.
The award is named in honor of the late Marvin D. "Swede" Johnson, a longtime director of state government relations at the universities of Arizona and New Mexico. The recipient receives a crystal award at the annual Higher Education Government Relations Conference.
John N. Diamond, was selected to receive the Marvin D. "Swede" Johnson award for his leadership in revitalizing the University of Maine's legislative strategy and standing in the state. During his 40-year career, Diamond worked as a journalist, state representative in the Maine State Legislature, and a campaign manager, among other roles. Those experiences helped him become an effective advocate for higher education as a government and public relations leader at the University of Maine, University of Arkansas, and University of Wisconsin.