Dawn Johnson

Dawn Rene Johnson is an Associate Professor in the School of Education at Syracuse University. She specializes in higher education administration, student affairs, and equity-focused research. Her work addresses campus racial climate, student protests, and STEM equity for underrepresented groups.

Education:

• Ph.D., Counseling and Personnel Services, University of Maryland (2007)
• M.S., Counseling and Psychological Services, Springfield College (1997)
• B.A., Anthropology, Bowdoin College (1989)

Research Interests:
Dr. Johnson’s research focuses on transformative learning in marginalized communities, trauma responses to systemic racism, and strategies to improve diversity in STEM fields. She has led studies on Black student protests and institutional responses to racial inequities.

Awards:

• Women in Leadership Award (2023–2024)
• Excellence in Graduate Education Award (2020)

Teaching & Grants:
She teaches courses like HED 721/722 (College Student Development) and HED 730 (Internship in Higher Education). She is a Co-Principal Investigator on NSF-funded grants such as the Upstate NY LSAMP program, advancing STEM pathways for underrepresented students.

Labs/Teams:
Dr. Johnson collaborates with the Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation (LSAMP) and leads the WiSE Women of Color in STEM initiative at Syracuse University.