Millennium Magazine_2ndEd

198 MILLENNIUM-SECOND EDITION D r. Nancy A. Johnson began teaching at Worcester State University in 1968 as an assistant professor of education. Since then, she has gained more than four decades of experience as an associate professor, full professor, chair of the department of education, and coordinator of student teachers. Earlier in her career, she served as a teacher, librarian and reading supervisor in a number of school districts in the state of Massachusetts. With a work style structured around problem-solving, Dr. Johnson believes that critical thinking is paramount in education, and enabling students to reach various stages of moral development is among her chief goals. Her roots in education were established early in her childhood after World War II, when her family helped displaced people overcome educational barriers and adjust to the evolving landscape within their community. These experiences planted the seed out of which Dr. Johnson’s determination to provide effective education would grow and blossom. Dr. Johnson pursued an education at Clark University, earning a Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts in education in 1955 and 1957, respectively, before obtaining a Doctor of Education from Boston University in 1977. During the course of her career, she has maintained affiliation with several organizations, serving as the education chairman of Arts in Community, director of the south central district of the Worcester Woman’s Club, and a guest lecturer for the Paul Revere Club of Toastmasters International. In 2005, Dr. Johnson was the recipient of the Distinguished Service Award from the Alumni Association at Clark University. She was also recognized as Educator of the Year by Phi Delta Kappa International. In 2004, she was given the key to the city of Worcester, where a public street, Nancy Johnson Way, was named in her honor. NANCY A. JOHNSON, EDD PROFESSOR EMERITUS Worcester State University Worcester, MA