Fall 1999

Dana J. Johnson, first woman dean of the University of Delaware's College of Business and Economics, died Feb. 18.

UD President David P. Roselle stated, "In her three and a half years at the University of Delaware, Dana Johnson contributed greatly to the University and the College of Business and Economics through her unique combination of knowledge, leadership, professionalism and enthusiasm.

"Her forthright manner and her commitment to education won the University--and her College--many friends and supporters and increased the visibility of both in professional circles. She will be greatly missed."

Dana Johnson was named dean in 1996 after a nationwide search. During her tenure, accomplishments in the College included completion of the construction of MBNA America Hall and renovation of Purnell Hall, homes of the College; the establishment of the Edgar S. Woolard Jr. Chair of Corporate Governance, in honor of the former DuPont leader; and the initiation of the College's Information Technology Initiative.

Last fall, Dean Johnson had been elected to the board of governors of Beta Gamma Sigma, the honor society of business programs accredited by AACSB--the International Association for Management Education.

Before coming to Delaware, she was dean of the Wayne Calloway School of Business and Accountancy at Wake Forest University for four years. At Wake Forest, Dean Johnson was instrumental in having the business school named for Calloway, former chairman of PepsiCo's board of directors and a Wake Forest alumnus.

Before joining Wake Forest, Dean Johnson was a professor of finance at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, where she received many teaching awards.

Dean Johnson received her bachelor's degree in business administration, her master's degree in economics and her doctorate in business administration, with a finance major and economics minor, all from Kent State University.

Her research interests ranged from insider trading and primary equity offerings to management buyouts and anti-takeover amendments.

She was the author of two textbooks, Key Concepts and Problems in Finance: A Study Guide to Accompany Maurice Joy's Introduction to Financial Management and Study Guide and Instructor's Manual to Accompany C.F. Lee and J. Finnerty's Corporate Finance.

Dean Johnson also designed and presented numerous business seminars on topics ranging from capital markets and corporate finance to financial analysis and problem solving.

In her memory, the University's Board of Trustees has created the endowed Dana J. Johnson Professorship in the College of Business and Economics, which will be awarded based on excellence in teaching and research. Gifts to the fund may be directed to the Dean's Office, College of Business and Economics, MBNA America Hall, Newark, DE 19716; telephone (302) 831-2551.