Business Professor Douglas Johnson integrates service in leadership course

In the spirit of Pro Humanitate, Business Professor Douglas Johnson and students recently assembled outside Farrell Hall to construct beds for A Bed and A Book, a North Carolina-based nonprofit organization founded in Winston-Salem. The beds will soon be delivered to families in need throughout the Triad as a part of A Bed and A Book’s ongoing mission to provide a safe place for children to dream.

Johnson first volunteered with A Bed and A Book in 2023, shortly after moving to Winston-Salem, and was drawn to the organization because of its focus on helping local children in need. He was also impressed by founder Anneliese Wall’s humanistic leadership and her commitment to addressing a need she saw in the community.

Johnson shared, “I thought this would inspire our students, as well as those in the broader Wake Forest community, to live out their values and for some to see up close the issues that impact the local community where they are enrolled in school.”

Students from Johnson’s Calloway Leadership Experience courses, the Allegacy Center for Leadership and Character, business school staff, and partners from Allegacy Federal Union now gather each spring to build beds for local children. 

Before assembling the beds, Johnson’s students also participated in a four-week fundraising effort to support A Bed and A Book. By selling popcorn and collecting donations, the students and Johnson presented Wall with a $10,029 check to cover the cost of the 24 beds the students built and to support future projects.

“It’s amazing to see all members of our community, especially young people, taking action to make a difference in children’s lives,” said Wall. 

A Bed and A Book provided 250 children with beds in 2025. That count is expected to grow this year. 

Johnson believes partnering with organizations like A Bed and A Book helps broaden students’ worldview and provides opportunities for the Wake Forest community to practice espoused values. 

“By offering the volunteer opportunity right outside the Business School and during class time, we are also teaching servant leadership, corporate social responsibility, teamwork, leadership, and communication skills to those enrolled in the class, while demonstrating community engagement to those who witness the efforts,” added Johnson.