Hood College Names Dr. Demetrius P. Johnson as Dean of Students

Johnson joins Hood with more than 20 years of experience in higher education leadership roles

Jan 24, 2024

By Mason Cavalier

Hood College is proud to announce that Demetrius Johnson, D.M, has been named as the College’s dean of students. Johnson’s appointment follows the assembly of a search committee comprised of current students, faculty, staff and members of Hood’s senior team. Johnson’s first day at Hood was Dec. 4, 2023.

In his new role, Johnson will collaborate directly with students and oversee Hood’s Office of Residence Life and the Office of Student Life and Orientation, to provide a meaningful, enriching and student-focused experience for Hood residents and commuters.

“I am thrilled to join the Hood College community,” said Johnson. “I look forward to working with faculty and staff. I am very excited to meet and serve students. Go Blazers!”

“I’m very excited to work with Dr. Johnson as Hood's new dean of students,” said Debbie Ricker, Ph.D., provost and vice president for academic affairs at Hood. “His passion for working with students, empowering and developing team members, and leading mission-centered student life initiatives is both impressive and inspiring.”

“At each step of the interview process, as he learned more about the Hood community, I watched his enthusiasm grow,” Ricker continued. “I know he will embrace our mission and our students fully.”

Johnson brings with him more than 20 years of experience in higher education leadership. Johnson most recently served as vice president for student affairs at Bowie State University and previously served as associate vice president for student engagement at Marymount University and dean of student affairs at Dillard University.

Johnson attended Augustana College as an undergraduate before earning his first advanced degree, an M.S. in higher education administration, from Western Illinois University. Johnson will complete his second doctorate in philosophy in organizational leadership from the University of the Cumberlands. Johnson currently holds his first doctorate of management from the University of Phoenix.