Jan Johnson

Jan Johnson is a Clinical Associate Professor and Director of the Black Studies Program at the University of Idaho’s Department of English, housed within the College of Letters, Arts and Social Sciences. She holds a Ph.D. in American Literature and Post-Colonial Theory from Tulane University (1999) and a B.A. with honors in American ethnic literature from the University of Washington (1990). Her work focuses on decolonization in Native American literature, African American literatures, and the intersections of race, music, and environmental justice.

Johnson teaches courses such as ENGL 380 (U.S. Ethnic Literature), ENGL 483 (African American Literature), and ISEM 101 (Facing Race: Reality & Illusion). Her research includes a book project exploring performative decolonization among the Nez Perce Tribe, examining rodeos, language revitalization, and resistance movements. She actively engages in outreach, serving on the Idaho Humanities Council and leading efforts to renovate Lewiston’s Liberty Theater. Additionally, she produces the annual Sapaatkayn Cinema film festival.

Her publications include Indigenous Pop: Native American Music from Jazz to Hip Hop (2016) and essays on tribal environmental narratives and jazz’s role in Indigenous identity. She balances academic work with outdoor activities like hiking, biking, and music exploration.