Kathy Johnson Named Chair of the Department of Psychology

School of Science Acting Dean Bart S. Ng has named psychology professor Kathy E. Johnson as chair of the Department of Psychology. "Professor Johnson's record of excellence in cognitive developmental psychology research and her significant contributions to the scholarship of teaching and learning make her an ideal leader for the department," said Ng. "She has the experience and skill needed to advance further the department's contributions to Indiana's workforce and its life sciences economy."

"I am very pleased to become the next chair of the Department of Psychology, and I look forward to expanding our collaborations with colleagues across campus to attain greater levels of achievement in both research and teaching," said Johnson, who holds a Ph.D. in cognition and development from Emory University.

Since joining the psychology faculty in 1993, Johnson has helped to shape the department, as well as the School of Science and IUPUI. As a faculty fellow in academic affairs, she assists Executive Vice Chancellor Uday Suhkatme with leadership for academic programs, faculty development and student success. She has served as the School of Science faculty council president (2000-2002) and chair of the IUPUI student affairs committee. Johnson was a member of the housing advisory group that addressed campus housing, and she chaired the committee that drafted a plan to create an Honors College.

According to Ng, Johnson's university service is exceeded only by her research accomplishments.

Johnson is recognized nationally for her research in language and cognitive development in infants and young children. Among her lines of research is a longitudinal investigation of toddlers who have been adopted internationally. She hopes to understand better why some children learn English and catch up from delays associated with institutional care very rapidly, while others take longer to develop these skills.

Johnson will succeed J. Gregor Fetterman who is stepping down after 11 years of outstanding service as chair. Fetterman will return full-time to teaching and research, pursuing his investigations in comparative cognition. During Fetterman's tenure, the Department of Psychology has expanded significantly the breadth of its academic and research programs and has built an impressive external funding portfolio. The Department of Psychology offers programs culminating in Ph.D., master's and bachelor's degrees. More than 500 students are enrolled in those programs.