PITT NAMES NEW VICE PROVOST AND DEAN OF STUDENTS

PITTSBURGH, March 21 -- Sharon L. Johnson has been appointed to the newly restructured position of vice provost and dean of students at the University of Pittsburgh, effective July 1, 2000. She will replace Robert Gallagher, vice chancellor for student affairs, who is retiring at the end of June.

Johnson, currently vice president for student affairs and dean of students at Slippery Rock University, has extensive experience in student services and student affairs.

"I have great confidence that Dr. Johnson will provide the leadership necessary to integrate student and academic affairs throughout the campus," said James V. Maher, Pitt provost and senior vice chancellor. "Dr. Johnson clearly has the talent and experience to revitalize our Office of Student Affairs."

Her accomplishments at Slippery Rock include facilitating construction of a student apartment complex and recreation center, extending honors programs into the residence halls; implementing a faculty-in-residence program, and establishing academic resource laboratories and English writing laboratories in residence halls. She has involved faculty in student affairs activities, and student affairs personnel in academic endeavors.

Before joining Slippery Rock in 1989, Johnson served as assistant vice president for student affairs at Wichita State University; financial aid counselor at the University of Northern Colorado; associate dean for student affairs at Morningside College in Sioux City, Iowa; and assistant director of student services in Ottumwa Heights Junior College in Ottumwa, Iowa.

The first woman to serve as a vice president in 100 years at Slippery Rock University, Johnson's awards and honors include the Town Gown Award for commitment to excellence in University and Community Relations in 1999, Women of Distinction Award, Minority Student Affairs Service to Students Award, Organization Advisor of the Year Award, and the Apple Polishing Award.

Johnson received her bachelor and master of science degrees from the University of Wisconsin-LaCrosse in 1971 and 1972, respectively. She earned her doctorate in college student personnel administration in 1981 at the University of Northern Colorado.

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