Dr. Judy Johnson graduated from Winthrop College in 1963 with a B.S. in physical education.
She immediately began her graduate work at the University of Iowa completing a M.A.
degree in physical education in 1967. In 1969, she enrolled in the Ph.D. program in
physical education with a specialization in motor learning/control at the University
of Illinois at Champaign. She completed her PhD. in 1974.
Judy Johnson began her teaching career at Wade Hampton High School in Greenville, S.C. in 1963. She moved to Coker College as an assistant professor in 1965 and remained at Coker until 1969. In 1972, she began her teaching career at Longwood College, where she was an associate professor and former chair of the Department. During 2004-05, she served as interim dean of the College of Education, Sport, and Human Sciences and Human Services and in 2003-04 she was associate dean of the College of Education, Sport, and Human Sciences and Human Services. In 1998, she received the Mari Bristow Starke Faculty Excellence Award of Professional Excellence and Devotion to Students.
In July of 2005, Dr. Johnson retired from Longwood University and was recognized by the faculty, students and staff of the College of Education, Sport, and Human Sciences and Human Services for her "Exemplary professional contributions, personal commitment and tireless work ethic." The Longwood University Board of Visitors named her a Distinguished Professor in July 2005. This is the highest honor to be bestowed upon a faculty member; only six individuals have received this title from the Board of Visitors.
Throughout her distinguished career, Dr. Johnson has served in a number of roles. She coached at every level and almost every sport, but spent the majority of her time coaching volleyball, basketball, field hockey, and gymnastics. For 15 years she was a nationally rated volleyball official. In addition to her coaching and officiating, Judy Johnson conducted numerous workshops and swim clinics in adapted aquatics.
Her professional services include serving as President of Virginia AHPERD, chairing the Volleyball Lynchburg Board of Officials, serving on the Southern District Steering Committee and the National Association for Physical Education in Higher Education Program Committee. She has made numerous presentations at the national, state and local levels, published in peer reviewed journals, and was an active and productive researcher throughout her career.