Dr. Gearldean Johnson is an alumna and former faculty member who established the scholarship to benefit students in the College of Agriculture’s Department of Human Sciences.
Alumna and former faculty member of Tennessee State University Dr. Gearldean Johnson has established an endowed scholarship to benefit undergraduate students who are studying within the College of Agriculture’s Department of Human Sciences. Dr. Johnson gave the university $100,000 to establish the endowed scholarship.
According to an article on Tennessee State University’s website, Dr. Chandra Reddy, who serves as the dean of the College of Agriculture, was quoted as saying of Dr. Johnson’s generosity, “As dean, I am incredibly moved by the profound generosity of Dr. Gearldean Johnson. Having had the privilege of working alongside Dr. Johnson, I witnessed firsthand her unwavering passion and fierce advocacy for student success. This remarkable gift ensures that her legacy of support will continue to empower future generations of Human Sciences students, breaking down financial barriers and opening doors to excellence. Dr. Johnson’s commitment is truly inspiring. We invite our alumni, friends, and community partners to join her in investing in the future of our students. Your support, at any level, will create a lasting impact on the lives of those who will go on to shape our world.”
Dr. Johnson first enrolled at TSU in 1962 as a home economics education major. She faced significant financial hardship and was unable to immediately continue her studies, dropping out after two quarters.
Speaking of her inability to afford her education at the time, Dr. Johnson said, “I didn’t have enough money to even complete a year’s study. We didn’t have the scholarships. We didn’t have a lot of the grants that you have now. I had great advisors who helped me when I was in need, who encouraged me. I really appreciate the support that I got at Tennessee State, and I’m hoping that others will too.”
She left school to save money by working, and when she returned, she finished her bachelor degree and graduated in four years, thanks to support from advisors and mentors who encouraged her to continue on with her education. Dr. Johnson went on to earn a master’s degree and a doctorate. She returned to TSU in 1975, serving first as an assistant professor and eventually chair of the Department of Human Sciences.
Dr. Johnson said of her decision to create the Dr. Gearldean Johnson Endowed Scholarship to help students who might not otherwise be able to receive an education, “I decided that I needed to increase the amount of money that I give Tennessee State. I’ve been giving $1,000 to $5,000 a year, but it was not enough. We’ve got to do more to support Tennessee State, like all other schools. I think we all have a responsibility to give more and to encourage others to give to Tennessee State because we deserve it and our students deserve it.”
Dr. LaPorchia Davis, the interim chair of the Department of Human Sciences, said, “Dr. Johnson’s generous $100,000 endowment is a meaningful investment for our students. Scholarship support can make a tremendous difference in a student’s ability to remain focused on their education, pursue professional opportunities, and successfully complete their degree.”
For more information about Tennessee State University, visit the school’s website.