Biography

Deborah K. Johnson is a master teacher in the Department of Health, Human Performance & Leisure Studies in the Howard University College of Arts & Sciences.

She has taught, 21 different physical education activity courses, Adapted Physical Education and Sports Marketing core course for Sports Management and Physical Education majors. Since 1971, served as Faculty with combined leadership responsibilities as Athletic Director 6.5 years (1994-2000) elevated Women’s Soccer and Women’s Lacrosse from club sport to varsity sport; interim Coach for Track and Field and Lacrosse team, Health, Human Performance & Leisure Studies (HHPL) Associate Chair (2002-2019), Acting Chair(2015), Interim Chair(2019-2023), MEAC Faculty Athletic Representative F.A.R. (4 years)[1st Female FAR] and member of NCAA FAR Executive Committee, reappointed (2017-present) Faculty Representative, immediate past President MEAC FAR. Currently, Johnson is the advisor for the HU Esports competition team and has consulted in the design Elab/studio buildout and curriculum development. 

She has maintained her enthusiasm for teaching at Howard University combined with administrative responsibilities, coaching, advising, fundraising and curriculum development and sports marketing.

As the College of Arts & Sciences Special Event Coordinator, Ms. Johnson has also enjoyed event management and planning for various groups, i.e. the 2001 NBA All-Star Weekend special programs at Howard University as well as managing 4 back-to-back Commencement Activities-Awarding Ceremonies in Burr Gymnasium and Law School Hooding Ceremonies since 2000 to present.

The varied teaching experience in activity skill courses at the university have included all ages from pre-school through high school and special populations and youth programs such as NCAA-National Youth Sports Program, Basketball Event Director, Special Olympics DC (1975 to present) and instructor (10 years) Senior Stretch at the former DC Village Nursing Home. She also teaches and advises college students with physical challenges or limitations enrolled in a special physical education class so that they may also complete their university requirements.  Several of her Sports Marketing and Adapted Physical Education majors/alumni, are now gainfully employed nationally in those areas. 

Johnson has published a fitness manual, produced, performed and marketed and exercise video, “D & A Workout” and has presented her philosophy on health, fitness and exercises, which combines dance and yoga to numerous national, regional professional conferences and local groups.

Johnson is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Federal City Alumnae Chapter and received in 2007 Certificate of Service from Deltas for Howard. She has received several community service awards.  Inducted into Howard University Athletic Hall of Fame, 2016.  She is now executive member of Pigskin Club of Washington DC, Inc. and member of the Friends of the Chapel and re-appointed as the MEAC Faculty Athletic Representative (FAR) in 2017.