Johnson named dean of College of Education and Human Services

Dr. James R. Johnson is the new dean of the College of Education and Human Services at Shippensburg University. Johnson assumes his new role July 1.

He was selected after a national search to fill the vacancy created by the retirement at the end of this academic year by Dr. Robert B. Bartos, who has been dean of the college for 20 years.

University President William N. Ruud, in announcing the appointment, said “Shippensburg University began in 1871 as an institution to train teachers and that tradition continues as graduates of the College of Education and Human Services serve others not only in education but also in such fields as criminal justice and social work. Jim has a wealth of professional and personal experience that will enable him to lead the college as it continues to evolve to serve the Commonwealth and beyond.”

According to Dr. Barbara G. Lyman, provost and senior vice president of academic affairs, “Shippensburg University is exceedingly pleased to have Dr. Johnson joining the campus community as dean of the College of Education and Human Services. He brings a track record of 12 highly successful years as dean. The university looks forward to his leadership and advocacy to sustain and deepen program quality and to his collaboration with constituents to meet the needs of the communities we serve.”

Johnson said, “It is a privilege to be joining the outstanding faculty and staff of the College of Education and Human Services. I look forward to meeting new students and their parents and to working with the faculty to advance and continue the strong commitments to teaching excellence. The college enjoys a reputation for offering strong academic programs anchored in the liberal arts traditions. I intend to uphold that reputation and also anticipate spending my time listening, learning and developing new opportunities for our students, faculty, staff and alumni.”

He also said that promoting diversity in student and faculty recruitment as well as in teaching and program offerings will be one of his priorities.

Johnson earned his Ph.D. degree in curriculum and instruction/educational psychology and his master’s degree in secondary education/social studies, both from the Pennsylvania State University. He earned his undergraduate degree in history/education/religion from Duke University.

He has a wide range of experience in education at all levels and in various roles. He has been a high school teacher in Bethel Park, Pa., researcher at the University of West Florida, served in multiple positions at the University of Toledo in its College of Education and Allied professions including as associate dean for graduate studies and research and associate dean of undergraduate studies. Most recently he served as dean of the School of Education and Allied Human Services at Hofstra University in New York.

He has extensive experience in academic planning and budgeting, curriculum reform and development, publication and grant writing, and faculty recruitment and development. He has made presentations at various national conferences and meetings, is the author of numerous articles and has conducted research in such areas as improving the quality of education in a school district. In addition, he has served on various community service organizations.