Captain Mark J. Johanning, a Course Director in AFIT's Civil Engineering School, was selected as the Air Education and Training Command's (AETC) Military Officer Educator of the Year. 

This highly competitive award recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to AETC's educational mission during the academic year of July 1, 2015, through June 30, 2016.  One award is presented to the top enlisted, officer, and civilian faculty members of AETC.  Candidates for the award are judged based on their accomplishments in Teaching and Curriculum Development, Research and Innovation, and Governance and Leadership.

During the award reporting period, Capt Johanning directed 14 courses which totaled more than 300 hours of lessons to 1,000+ students worldwide.  He spearheaded the execution of eleven 30-hour Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) Construction Safety courses at various installations and overhauled eight Project Management lessons for the Air Force Civil Engineer career field Initial Skills Training course, ensuring that new officers are certified for worldwide operations.  In addition, he served as the course director for the Engineering Flight Commander course, ensuring that new Flight Commanders gain the knowledge necessary to execute and manage construction. 

As a recognized safety subject matter expert, Capt Johanning advised career field leadership on fall training standards which led to modified required training for airman.  He was also co-author of an article for CE Magazine which detailed the dangers of crystalline silica in construction and detailed the new OSHA standards.

Community outreach is important to Capt Johanning.  He supervised over 40 students during the repair of local dilapidated home of an elderly couple - improving their quality of life drastically.  He is also involved in mentoring future engineers and leaders through his involvement in Career Day lessons to more than 30 high school students.