معرفی
Susan Johnson is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Political Science and Government at Arizona Christian University (ACU), where she has served since 2006. She teaches American history and liberal arts courses within the CORE Christian Liberal Arts Curriculum and also serves as the University Historian, preserving and sharing the legacy of ACU and its historical roots, including Thunderbird Field's role in WWII aviation training.
Education:
- M.A. in American History, Pace University (Gilder-Lehrman Institute of American History)
- M.A. in Education – Curriculum and Instruction, University of Phoenix
- B.S. in Physical Education, Biola University
Her research and teaching focus on American history, particularly the Civil War, Revolutionary War, and 20th-century military history, with a strong emphasis on innovative pedagogy. She integrates role-playing, reenactments, and digital tools into her classroom, and has developed expertise in using primary sources and multimedia platforms for historical education. Her current research explores the history of Thunderbird Field, a WWII pilot training base now part of the ACU campus.
Her publications and presentations reflect a commitment to public history and civic engagement, including keynotes for the Daughters of the American Revolution and the American Legion. She has contributed digital scholarship on Lincoln’s writings through the House Divided Project at Dickinson College and has led faculty development workshops on iPad-based teaching.
Scientific Awards:
- ACU Faculty Award for Excellence in Teaching and Learning (2016)
- Teacher of the Year, ACU Football Program (2014)
- Special Honors Recognition, Pace University (2020) for research on Thunderbird Field
Susan Johnson supervises student teachers in the Education Department and is actively involved in professional development through programs at the Library of Congress and Gettysburg College. She has participated in teacher institutes focused on primary source pedagogy and has presented on digital textbook efficacy. While no formal research grants are listed, her work is supported through institutional roles and professional engagement.
As University Historian, she leads campus tours and community talks, having presented to over 150 guests since 2019, including international delegations. She is a member of several historical societies and integrates her research into both academic and public contexts.
