LEADERSHIP
PROFILES
Katherine M . Johnson , Ed . D .
Third President 2005-2015
When Mary Ann Johnson returned from elementary school in Jacksonville , Florida , her younger sibling was waiting to “ play school .” At first , Kathy was the student . Soon , the roles switched . While Mary Ann still shared all that she learned , Kathy called the roll , dispensed hall passes and set curriculum . Kathy liked creating a structured environment , making decisions and being in charge . Those traits , early evidence of leadership aptitude , would serve her well as Katherine M . Johnson , Ed . D ., third president of Pasco-Hernando State College ( PHSC ). Like most great leaders , she set high expectations for the College , her employees and herself .
Now retired , Johnson reflects on “ leadership lessons ” she has learned . The top three are find mentors , prepare for public speaking and be true to yourself . Johnson ’ s first mentor was her sixth-grade teacher , Ann Stewart . Studying Stewart closely , young Kathy concluded , “ I knew I could do what she did and actually visualized myself as a classroom teacher .” At Indian River State College , President Edwin Massey became her second mentor , appointing her to administrative positions that prepared her to secure the presidency of Nash Community College , Rocky Mount , North Carolina ( 2000-2005 ). Her next mentor was the late Dr . Robert W . Judson Jr ., second president of PHSC , who , along with Massey , remained her trusted confidant and advisor during her tenure as PHSC ’ s leader . Johnson says , “… it is critical for young women to have mentors or role models – hopefully female – for them to ‘ see themselves ’ in a particular role .”
Under her administration , both the Spring Hill Campus and Porter Campus at Wiregrass Ranch were constructed . The administration building at the Porter Campus was dedicated in her name to recognize her stellar accomplishments . Johnson was also known for expressing appreciation to colleagues , sending handwritten notes to acknowledge accomplishments and hosting birthday celebrations for faculty and staff each month .
Despite her high energy , strong decision-making skills
Dr . Johnson awards an honor medallion to a graduate at commencement , May 2011 .
and warm interpersonal style , Johnson considers herself an introvert . Knowing this made her work harder to overcome her natural shyness . She made it a habit to be totally prepared for every public speaking engagement . “ Once I practiced enough , while still somewhat
Kathy Johnson , the first in her family to earn a college degree , discovered her passion for education early — playing teacher with her older sister as student .
nervous , my self-esteem and confidence emerged , and I felt connected to the audience ,” she says . Throughout her life and career , self-knowledge and honesty have been of paramount value . “ It was extremely important to me , as I developed my leadership skills , that I remain true to myself and not adopt behavior that would not come naturally to me .” The satisfaction Johnson feels today comes largely from having succeeded not only as the first woman to lead PHSC but also as an authentic person .
6 PHSC