Shonteria L. Johnson, Ph.D.

Shonteria L. Johnson, Ph.D., holds a doctorate in higher education administration from the University of Alabama, where she focused on assessment and departmental science course redesign. Johnson also received both her Master of Science in biological sciences and her Bachelor of Science in chemical and biological engineering from the University of Alabama. Johnson previously held the positions of department chair of math and science, co-chair of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Council, and associate professor of biology at Southeastern Community College in Keokuk, Iowa. Her research interests include student-centered teaching and learning, as well as fostering equity and inclusion. Johnson has published articles that assessed the environment and experience of LGBTQ students at their institutions of higher learning. She established a peer mentorship program in the biology department in 2023 at Mercer University. It has continued to grow and provide students academic and social support.

Education

• Ph.D., Higher Education Administration, University of Alabama
• M.S., Biological Sciences, University of Alabama
• B.S., Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Alabama

Specialty

Supporting peer mentoring, student-centered teaching and learning, promoting equity and inclusion

Professional Interests

Peer mentorship, especially in the field of biology; LGBTQ experiences within higher education; assessment of learning techniques; equity and inclusion; general biology; human anatomy and physiology; forensic science

Other Interests

• Human Anatomy & Physiology Society
• National Association of Biology Teachers
• National Science Teaching Association

Recent Publications

• Athota, K., Alemany, H., Johnson, S., & Byron, C. (2026) Bear Day Research Symposium. Introductory Biology Student Outcomes are Improved by a Mentorship Bridge Program. Macon, GA
• Johnson, S., Ennis, M., & Boyer, S. (2025). ASB Regional Conference. Empowering undergraduate success through a biology mentorship initiative. Myrtle Beach, SC.
• Garvey, J. C., Pryor, J. T., & Johnson, S. (2016). ACPA and NASPA annual conferences: A 30-year retrospective on LGBTQ presentations. Journal of Student Affairs Research and Practice. p. 1-14. http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/19496591.2016.1206020
• Garvey, J. C., Drezner, N., Bumbry, M., & Johnson, S. Towards a culturally inclusive understanding of alumni philanthropy: The influence of student involvements and experiences on LGBTQ alumni giving. The Journal of Higher Education.
• Johnson, S., Drezner, N., Garvey, J. C., & Bumbry, M. (2016). Social media use for survey distribution within the LGBTQ community. Academics going public: How to write and speak beyond academe. (pp. 87-104). In Taylor & Francis (Eds.), New York, NY.

Contact Shonteria L. Johnson, Ph.D.

478-301-2042
johnson_sl@mercer.edu
Office: Godsey Science Center, Room 328