Assistant dean's diversity efforts recognized

Dr. Lauren Johnson has earned multiple accolades during her tenure at the University of North Georgia (UNG).

She was selected as a 2017 Governor's Teaching Fellow and for the Fulbright-Hays Seminar Abroad Program that same year. In 2019, she received the Diversity Champion Award followed by the Emerging Leader Award a year later. She also has secured five UNG-based research grants over the years.

But it was her effort to recruit and support diverse high school students from Hall County and Gainesville City Schools who want to be educators that gained her recognition from the Georgia General Assembly in March. State Rep. Will Wade, R-Dawsonville, presented a resolution to honor Johnson during the 2021 session.

The resolution stated "the members of this body recognize and commend Dr. Lauren C. Johnson for her efficient, effective, unselfish, and dedicated academic and community service to the State of Georgia."

Johnson, assistant dean and associate professor in the College of Education, said the recognition was exciting to receive for herself and for the university.

"The proclamation demonstrates the legislature's commitment to representation of people from diverse backgrounds," she said. "And it showed the Georgia Assembly was recognizing the efforts of women and people of color during Women's History Month. Those are steps in the right direction."