In the heart of Portland State University’s sprawling urban campus, one name consistently emerges in conversations about infrastructure reliability and sustainable electrical innovations: Leroy Johnson. For over two decades, Portland State Electrician Leroy has served as the lead master electrician at Portland State, transforming the university’s electrical systems while mentoring the next generation of trades professionals.
The Unsung Hero Behind Portland State’s Electrical Infrastructure
When students and faculty navigate Portland State’s illuminated walkways or work in climate-controlled research facilities, few realize the intricate electrical systems making it all possible. Even fewer know the dedicated professional ensuring those systems operate flawlessly.
“Most people don’t think about the electrical infrastructure until something goes wrong,” explains Johnson, whose career at Portland State began in 2002. “My greatest accomplishment is that most people don’t know who I am or what I do—because that means everything’s working perfectly.”
Johnson oversees a critical aspect of campus operations, managing electrical systems across more than 50 buildings spanning the 49-acre downtown campus. His expertise extends from high-voltage distribution systems to the intricate low-voltage controls that power Portland State’s ambitious sustainability initiatives.
From Apprentice to Master: Leroy’s Journey to Portland State
Johnson’s path to becoming Portland State’s most trusted electrician began far from academia. After graduating from Portland’s Benson Polytechnic High School, he completed a five-year apprenticeship through the IBEW Local 48, earning his journeyman electrician license in 1995.
“The apprenticeship was rigorous—8,000 hours of on-the-job training plus classroom work,” Johnson recalls. “But it built the foundation for everything that followed.”
After seven years working with commercial contractors on projects throughout the Portland metro area, Johnson found his calling in higher education facilities management.
“When the position at Portland State opened up, I jumped at it,” he says. “There’s something special about working in an educational environment where you’re supporting not just buildings, but the learning that happens inside them.”
Portland State Electrician Leroy Pioneering Electrical Sustainability on Campus
Johnson’s impact at Portland State extends far beyond maintenance. He has been instrumental in implementing numerous sustainability initiatives that have positioned the university as a leader in green campus operations.
Under his guidance, Portland State has:
- Retrofitted more than 30 buildings with energy-efficient LED lighting, reducing campus electricity consumption by approximately 20%
- Installed advanced building automation systems that optimize power usage based on occupancy and time of day
- Implemented smart grid technologies that allow buildings to respond to utility load demands
Designed electrical systems for LEED-certified new construction projects, including the Karl Miller Center and the Vanport Building
“Leroy doesn’t just fix problems—he anticipates them and finds solutions that also advance our sustainability goals,” says Michael Alexander, Portland State’s Director of Facilities and Property Management. “His understanding of both established electrical systems and emerging technologies has been invaluable.”
Mentoring the Next Generation
Perhaps Johnson’s most lasting contribution to Portland State lies in his commitment to education and mentorship. Since 2008, he has supervised the university’s electrical apprenticeship program, guiding more than 25 apprentices through comprehensive training.
“The trades are facing a real knowledge gap as experienced electricians retire,” Johnson notes. “Universities aren’t just places where students learn—they’re also workplaces where we can train the next generation of skilled trades professionals.”
Johnson has established a structured mentorship program that pairs apprentices with journeyman electricians across campus. The program has become a model for other institutions looking to address the skilled trades shortage while maintaining campus infrastructure.
Former apprentice Maria Gonzalez, now a licensed journeyman electrician at Portland State, credits Johnson’s mentorship with her success: “Leroy taught me that being an electrician isn’t just about following code—it’s about understanding why the code exists and how to apply those principles creatively to solve problems.”
Adapting to Technological Evolution
Throughout his career at Portland State, Johnson has witnessed—and mastered—dramatic technological changes in the electrical field.
“When I started, most of our systems were analog,” he explains. “Today, nearly everything has digital components and network connectivity. The modern electrician needs to understand not just electrical theory but also computer networking, programming, and data analysis.”
Johnson has embraced these changes, continually updating his skills through professional development and certification programs. He holds specialized certifications in building automation systems, emergency power systems, and renewable energy integration.
This commitment to lifelong learning has enabled him to lead complex projects incorporating emerging technologies:
- Implementation of IoT sensors that monitor electrical system performance in real-time
- Integration of campus microgrids with battery storage systems
- Installation of electric vehicle charging infrastructure across campus
- Development of electrical systems that communicate with Portland General Electric’s demand response programs
Challenges and Innovations in Campus Electrical Systems
Managing electrical systems for a growing urban university presents unique challenges. Portland State’s campus includes historic buildings with outdated electrical systems alongside modern facilities with sophisticated power requirements.
“You might be working on a 1960s panel with screw-in fuses in the morning and programming a state-of-the-art building automation system in the afternoon,” Johnson says. “That variety keeps the job interesting.”
One of Johnson’s most significant innovations has been developing standardized electrical specifications that work across Portland State’s diverse building portfolio. These specifications ensure consistency while accommodating the unique needs of research laboratories, performance spaces, residence halls, and classrooms.
The Future of Campus Electrical Infrastructure
As Portland State continues to evolve, Johnson is focused on creating electrical systems that can adapt to changing needs.
“The future campus will be more flexible, resilient, and intelligent,” he predicts. “We’re designing systems that can reconfigure spaces quickly as needs change and that can maintain critical operations during emergency situations.”
Current projects include:
- Expanding the campus microgrid to improve resilience during power outages
- Implementing DC power distribution systems for more efficient integration with renewable energy
- Developing predictive maintenance systems that identify potential failures before they occur
- Creating flexible power systems for hybrid learning environments
Conclusion: The Lasting Impact of Skilled Trades Professionals
Portland State Electrician Leroy represents the often-overlooked professionals whose expertise makes university operations possible. His career demonstrates how skilled trades workers contribute not just to maintaining infrastructure but to advancing institutional goals around sustainability, education, and innovation.
“Universities tend to celebrate academic achievements, as they should,” notes Portland State President Percy Jackson. “But we shouldn’t overlook the contributions of staff members like Leroy Johnson, whose technical expertise and dedication make our academic mission possible.”
For Johnson, the satisfaction comes from knowing he’s part of something larger than himself.
“When I see students graduating, knowing that the systems I’ve helped build and maintain supported their education—that’s the real reward,” he says. “Portland State has been as much a home for me as it has for any student or professor.”
Through his technical expertise, commitment to sustainability, and dedication to mentorship, Leroy Johnson has quietly become an essential part of Portland State’s identity and future—one electrical system at a time.
