Dr. George Johnson named chair of SC State’s Department of Education
Johnson most recently served as the department’s acting chair. He also serves as a professor and program coordinator of special education at SC State.
For more than two decades, Johnson has focused his teaching, research and service on equity pedagogies, social justice education and critical race theory, especially as they relate to culturally and linguistically diverse students. His work encompasses culturally relevant pedagogy, special education, diversity, disproportionality, community and equity issues.
“Dr. Johnson has been diligent in ensuring the stability and growth of the department,” said Dr. M. Evenlyn Fields, dean of SC State’s College of Education, Humanities and Social Sciences. “I am convinced that he is a capable leader and has created an upward trajectory for the Department of Teacher Education.”
Johnson has taught as a visiting scholar at the University of Uyo in Nigeria and has presented his research around the world, including in Ghana, Kenya, Australia, New Zealand, England, Botswana, South Africa and Sierra Leone.
“We are delighted to announce the appointment of Dr. George Johnson as the chair of the Department of Education at SC State University,” said Dr. Frederick Evans, provost and vice president for academic affairs. “With his extensive expertise and commitment to global education, Dr. Johnson will play a pivotal role in preparing future educators to navigate and impact an interconnected world.
“We look forward to his continued leadership in advancing innovative, globally focused initiatives that will shape the future of education,” Evans said.
Johnson started working at SC State in 2007, and he has since held various roles that have allowed him to contribute significantly to the field of education.
Before coming to SC State, Johnson served as an assistant professor of special education at the University of West Georgia. His leadership skills are also informed by his service as a captain in the U.S. Marine Corps.
Johnson earned his Ph.D. in educational psychology (special education/education), from the University of South Carolina (USC), in 2004; a Master of Arts in Teaching in education of students with emotional and behavioral disorders from USC in1995; a Master of Education in management from Cambridge College, Cambridge Massachusetts, in 1988; and Bachelor of Arts in government/political theory, from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst.
For more information about SC State’s teacher education programs, visit www.scsu.edu/academics/departments/education. Reach Dr. George Johnson at gjohns32@scsu.edu or 803-536-8793.