H. Terry Johnson Inducted into Owens Campus Hall of Fame

H. Terry Johnson was inducted into the Delaware Technical Community College Owens Campus Hall of Fame on Thursday, April 6 during a ceremony held in the Carter Partnership Center.

Johnson, a Sussex County native, began his 41 years of service for Delaware Technical Community College in the spring of 1968, one semester after the Owens Campus opened. He was 23 years old when he started as a counselor, and during his career he worked in four different divisions and held such positions as the project director of cooperative education, director of continuing education, assistant dean of student services, athletic director, and dean of student services. Through it all he had a passion for recruitment, collegiate life, athletics, and job placement, and served as the ultimate promoter and goodwill ambassador for Delaware Tech.

Since retiring in 2009, Johnson has continued his volunteer roles and remained connected to Delaware Tech as a host for the Road Scholars program and activities at the Sen. John J. and Elsie Williams Conference Center in Millsboro.

One of Johnson’s greatest passions was recruitment. He went from the boardwalk at Rehoboth Beach to the grandstand at the Delaware State Fair, and to multiple high schools and industries in between, to actively recruit, pursue, and encourage students to enroll in certificate, degree, and transfer programs. During his four decades of employment, annual enrollment grew from approximately 500 students to approximately 5,000.

By regularly participating in job fairs, chamber of commerce organizations, and trade shows, Johnson tirelessly pursued connections to enhance placement and internship opportunities for students. His efforts culminated in his role as president of the Delmarva Personnel Group, an influential organization comprised of business, education, and industry leaders.

Johnson also contributed tremendously to the development and expansion of student life opportunities at the Owens Campus. He initiated the first Student Government Association, led efforts for student friendly facility improvements, coordinated cultural and recreational activities, and helped develop scholastic athletic programming.

Outside of Delaware Tech, Johnson has held and continues to hold numerous leadership positions and memberships in volunteer organizations that reflect his civic and personal interests.

He is the current director of the Return Day Committee, and a member of the Georgetown Historical Society, Delmarva Driving Club, Vet Tech Advisory Committee, and Merck Animal Health (a non-affiliated member).

He served as vice president of the University of Delaware Agricultural Alumni Association, director and volunteer for the Delaware Agricultural Museum, Delaware Harness Racing commissioner, is a member of the Delmarva Driving Club, a member of the Vet Tech Advisory Committee, and a non-affiliated member of Merck Animal Health.

Johnson is an alumnus of the University of Delaware and holds an associate degree in applied science, a bachelor’s degree in agriculture, and a master’s degree in education. He has been married to his wife Becky for 49 years, and is a proud father to his daughter Dr. Sallie Beth Johnson.

Photo caption: H. Terry Johnson, who retired as dean of student services 2009, was inducted into the Owens Campus Hall of Fame by Campus Director Dr. Bobbi Barends and President Dr. Mark Brainard.