Bio

Michelle Johnson, Communication Studies department chair and associate professor of communication studies, is one of Wooster's Faculty Athletic Representatives (FAR).

As FARs, Johnson and Drew Pasteur, professor of mathematics and affiliated faculty in statistical and data sciences, regularly advise student-athletes on a range of topics in one-on-one settings. They work with student-athletes, coaches, faculty, and the dean for academic engagement when there are scheduling conflicts between academics and athletics. Johnson and Pasteur educate faculty members on NCAA and NCAC issues and Wooster’s athletics mission and philosophy. The duo actively participate in recruiting efforts by meeting with prospective student-athletes and families to answer academic questions about Wooster and they are part of admissions panels for admitted students. Johnson and Pasteur spearhead the nomination process for NCAA Postgraduate Scholarships, and Wooster has had 15 selections since the start of the 2017-18 academic year. Wooster’s ranked within the top-five for most NCAA Postgraduate Scholarship recipients three times since the 2017-18 academic year and had the number one ranking for 2021-22 with four NCAA Postgraduate Scholarship recipients.

Johnson joined Wooster's faculty in 1997. She previously served as associate dean for academic advising at APEX, the College's center for advising, planning, and experiential learning. She is one of the lead planners and implementers of ARCH, the College's signature summer program for incoming students focused on helping them transition to Wooster and register for classes.

Johnson earned a bachelor's degree from Northeast Missouri State University and a master's and Ph.D. from the University of Arizona.