The Lincolnian

Issue date: 11/14/07 Section: News

Dr. Terrance A. Johnson (center) is presented an award by Dr. Calvin Morris (left) and President Ivory V. Nelson

Dr. Terrance A. Johnson, an associate professor of Sociology and Anthropology died over the weekend after a brief battle with an undisclosed illness.

Dr. Johnson, who taught at Lincoln since 2001, had recently assumed a new position earlier this year as the Faculty Athletics Representative to the NCAA. In this new role, he served as a liason between student athletes and faculty members and was responsible for ensuring the academic integrity of the school's athletic program.

This week, students and faculty members were expressing grief over his passing.

"Dr. Johnson demonstrated the qualities and characteristics of someone positioned to assist Lincoln University in meeting its overall goals and stance for excellence," said Dr. Patricia A. Joseph, who is chair of the Sociology and Anthropology Department.

"He demonstrated a high level of competency in each of the valued areas of the academy. He was a skilled teacher; a proficient scholar, and has shown dedicated service to the community."

According to Joseph, Dr. Johnson earned his doctorate in Public Administration (D.P.A.) from Nova Southeastern University in 2002 and his primary teaching responsibilities at Lincoln was in the area of Criminal Justice. Joseph said that his expertise in the area of public policy allowed him to "cross-teach" subjects in both Human Services and Sociology.

Prior to joining the academy, Dr. Johnson worked as a senior special investigator in the Office of Chief Counsel for the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation.

"His students loved him," said Dr. Jeffrey L. Hoogeveen, an associate professor of English and Mass Communications. "He took the time to work with all of his criminal justice majors to help them prepare for the realities of the job market."

According to Joseph, Dr. Johnson had been instrumental in helping at least four students earn full scholarships to the University of Akron in Ohio to pursue the Masters of Public Policy degree. Another student that he mentored is currently in graduate school at the University of Pittsburgh with hopes of earning his masters in Public Policy.

Dr. Joanne DeBoy, chair of the Education Department said that she has fond memories of Dr. Johnson.

"He was very friendly," said DeBoy. "We worked on the same floor. I was shocked to hear the news."

Dr. Johnson leaves behind, among many others, a wife of 17 years, Leslie, and three children: Mark (10), Markila (9) & Nicole (2).

Viewing: Sat., Nov. 17, 2007, 10-11:00 a.m
Services: Sat., Nov. 17, 200, 11:00 a.m.
Goodwin Memorial Baptist Church
2447 Green Street
Harrisburg, PA 17110

Funeral Home:
Major H. Winfield Funeral Home, Inc.
704 N. Front St.
Steelton, PA 17113
(717) 939-3342

A memorial service is scheduled for Thursday, November 15, 2007 at 6:30 p.m. in the Mary Dod Brown Chapel.

Page 1 of 1

Article Tools