Meet the Faculty and Staff

Jesse Johnson

Jesse Johnson is an instructor and Department Chairperson for the Social Sciences Department at the Stanton Campus. Johnson has a passion for teaching and for Delaware Tech students – and is an alumnus himself. "Many of our students are the first in their families to attend college and may feel insecure, overwhelmed or out of place. I remember feeling this way myself as a student, but I overcame it thanks to the mentoring and encouragement I received from our faculty." Today, Johnson pays this forward with his own students, providing them with the encouragement and confidence to persevere with their studies. Johnson is also a veteran of the U.S. Air Force, and is active with the student veteran organization, Veterans Inspiring Progress (VIP).

Q: Why was it important for you to work at Delaware Tech?

"Delaware Tech was where I began my journey in higher education. I started here as an aimless and lost freshman so it is only fitting that I give back to the organization that changed the trajectory of my life. Since I was inspired by our wonderful faculty to dream bigger, to develop, and reach potentials that I had not previously even considered, I wanted to work with our students to try to do the same. It is important for me to work with our population of first generation college students as that is what I am myself. I want the students to realize, as I did, that the greatest travesty in life is not setting your goals too high and not reaching them; it is setting your goals too low and reaching them."

Q: What did you do before working at Delaware Tech?

"Unlike your traditional college student, I was also a member of the U.S. Air Force. Prior to working at Delaware Tech, I was deployed to several countries including Iraq, Turkey, Germany, and England. I also coached wrestling for several years while in college. That experience helped me to realize the intrinsic rewards that came with teaching and mentoring."

Q: What changes have you seen in yourself since you started working here?

"I have grown tremendously while I have worked here. Having the opportunity to research and teach subjects that I love and find fascinating on a daily basis allows me to make intellectual investments in myself. After nearly 12 years of doing so, my intellectual growth has been immeasurable. There are not too many jobs out there that allow you to leave work every day better than you were the last."

Q: What hobbies or interests do you have outside of the College?

"I have three kids under 5 years old so they occupy the majority of time, but when I have the time, I enjoy fishing, watching sports (Go Eagles!), playing disc golf, playing softball, playing regular golf, and spending time with my friends and family."

Q: Do you have a favorite memory from your time at Delaware Tech thus far?

"I have had the opportunity to advocate for and work with our student veterans here at the college. That being said, when I found out that we were being recognized as an official "Military Friendly School," I was extremely happy. We have continued to grow in our support for student veterans year after year and I am extremely proud of the improvements we have been able to implement."

Q: Do you have any future goals?

"I am enrolled in a doctorate program at University of Delaware and I plan to complete my degree in the next few years."

Jesse Johnson

Job Title
Department Chairperson, Social Sciences

Started Working at Delaware Tech
2006