Communication Sciences and Disorders Department Honors Longtime Supporter

Every new program at a university needs a champion—a faculty member who will work to see not only its implementation but also set it up for future success.

For Longwood University’s Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, that champion was Dr. Judy Johnson, who, as interim dean of the College of Education and Human Services in 2004-05, was instrumental in convincing President Patricia P. Cormier to invest in the fledgling program and institute a graduate degree.

For that work and her continued commitment to the success of the program, Johnson has been awarded the Friend of Communication Sciences and Disorders award by the CSD Advisory Committee.

“The Longwood University CSDS program would not be in existence today without Judy’s guidance and knowledge of the minutiae involved in the process of funding and sustaining a curriculum program,” said Valerie St. John, chair of the CSD Advisory Committee. “Judy shared her expertise and background in higher education throughout her term of office on this advisory board, helping to build the excellent program that Longwood offers to aspiring speech-language pathologists and audiologists. The advisory committee is so grateful to Judy for her passion and support in of this program.”

After her retirement, Johnson served on the CSD Advisory Committee and was chair for five years. She established an active group that supports the department by providing valuable input, advice and resources. Under her leadership, the committee successfully endowed a CSD Fellowship, which financially supports an outstanding communication sciences and disorders graduate student each year.

“The communication sciences and disorders undergraduate and graduate programs are stronger as a result of the long-standing commitment Judy Johnson has made to the program,” said Dr. Lissa Power-deFur, professor and department chair. “Her vision and wisdom were significant in the programs’ creation and their refinement over the last 10 years. The faculty and advisory committee concur that Judy’s support has been vital to the excellence of these programs.” 

While a professor at Longwood, Johnson served in a number of capacities, including as associate dean of the College of Education and Human Services, and chair of the Department of Health, Athletic Training, Recreation and Kinesiology for more than a decade. She is a recipient of the Maria Bristow Starke Faculty Excellence Award and the Professionals Who Made a Difference Award.