The Griffon News

 After 35 years at Western and 16 years as Dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, Martin Johnson announced on Jan. 11 that he would be retiring effective June 30.

 However, the search for Johnson’s replacement will begin much sooner. “The process for choosing my replacement will begin almost immediately,” Johnson said.

 With his vast knowledge of all things Western and so much administration experience, it may prove difficult to find someone as well qualified to take over for Johnson.   While his experience will be missed, especially with the retiring of James Scanlon and the hiring of Robert Vartabedian as new university president, Johnson has little doubt a worthy successor will be named. 

 “I believe the institution will have good leadership in Dr. Vartabedian and that they will find a strong replacement for me,” Johnson said.

With 35 years under his belt at Western, he has seen tremendous amounts of change to Western, not only academically, but its appearance as well. “When I came, there were no trees, few buildings and barely any grass,” Johnson said. “It has matured much in my time here.”

 He has witnessed renovations to nearly every building on campus, and has also witnessed a number of entirely new buildings being constructed. Among other changes Johnson has seen at Western are a student body population that has more than doubled as well as many changes to academics. “Our academic programs have matured, departments have grown, as well as the quality of our departments and programs,” Johnson said.
 A change in how Western views itself is also very different than when he arrived. “When I came, it was all about teaching, but now, there are considerable funds to support faculty travel and research, and the graduate programs are also a significant, major change,” Johnson said.
Johnson has also been a major factor in many other aspects of Western, including the focus on critical thinking. He said, “I have spent considerable time and effort promoting active learning, so that students aren’t simply receivers of information. I have also spent a lot of energy on freshman Learning Communities, which I think are very positive and noteworthy.”
Johnson considers the position of dean to be less a boss than a resource for faculty and students.
“The role of dean is to serve the institution by helping them do their best and to accomplish goals. I’m more of a servant than a boss, and I think a good dean must be honest and trustworthy,” Johnson said.
Retirement also looms on the horizon for Barb Davis, the administrative assistant in the Dean of Liberal Arts and Sciences’ office. She has worked with Johnson for over four years, and has worked at Western a total of 14 years. “Its so nice working with everyone. Liberal Arts and Sciences chairs and faculty are absolutely fantastic, and I’ve enjoyed being a part of this family,” Davis said
Matt Gilmour, chair of the music department, said, “He has given tremendously to Western. He was a very strong psychology chair, and he has been a very strong dean.” Gilmour has worked with Johnson for all of his 16 years as dean. “I consider it a personal loss as well as a great loss to the institution, but I wish him well. I hope we can find a replacement that is maybe equal to, but certainly not greater than Dr. Johnson.”
Johnson looks back on his time at Western favorably. He said, “It has been a hard job, but very rewarding. I’ve enjoyed the support I have received, and will miss being here every day.”
In an e-mail to faculty and administration announcing his retirement, Johnson outlined retirement plans that include spending more time with his family, embarking on a two-year mission trip and doing much traveling.