Dan Johnson

Dan Johnson is a seasoned Professor of Sociology who has dedicated almost three decades to conducting social research, program development and evaluations, academic leadership, and teaching. Currently serving as a Professor of Sociology at Gordon College for the last 21 years, Dan has an outstanding track record in teaching, student service, and faculty leadership. He has chaired the Department of Sociology for the previous 15 years and the Moderator of the Social and Behavioral Sciences Division for four years.

Dan's research focuses on combining qualitative and quantitative data analysis to support comprehensive evaluations of grant-funded programs. These efforts have helped decision-makers to make more informed decisions by modifying or discontinuing the programs under review. Dan is also excellent at creating inter-disciplinary programs that cater to student interests and market demand. Under his leadership, Gordon College revamped its core curriculum and implemented new academic minors in Sustainable Development, Gender Studies, and Peace and Conflict Studies.

Dan is also a peace practitioner, and his research over the past ten years has focused on the effects of hope as a communal resource in helping communities recover from violent conflicts. At present, he is experimenting with data science tools to detect the distribution of hope and quantify its impact on communities. Dan's efforts culminated in the establishment of the Initiative for the Study and Practice of Peace in 2010 - a program he directs, responsible for organizing campus events, acquiring library materials, and administering an internal grant program for students.

As a sociologist and social work practitioner, Dan Johnson has a wealth of experience in program evaluation, collaborative program development, leadership, and interdisciplinary studies. His expertise enables him to conduct research using data science tools to trace the effects of hope on helping communities recover from violent engagements.