The Office of Research, Assessment, and Strategic Initiatives is thrilled to announce
a new addition, fulfilling the role of Director of Federal Programs/Title III.
Clarksdale, Mississippi native Gwendolyn Johnson, is the newly-appointed Federal Programs/Title
III director.
Johnson, who began working at Coahoma Community College in 2019, is no newcomer at
the institution. Coahoma is her alma mater. She is a proud Tiger who graduated from
both Coahoma Agricultural High School and later Coahoma Community College with an
Associate of Arts degree in Accounting in 1993. Johnson then acquired a Bachelor of
Business Administration (BBA) and an Executive Masters of Business Administration
(MBA) degree from Delta State University.
Prior to coming on board at CCC, she served as the Senior Accountant for Aaron E.
Henry Community Health Center for eleven years, managing budgets and writing grants.
Then she worked as the Career and Technical Director for Coahoma County School District.
As the new Director of Federal Programs, Johnson is excited to serve in this role.
She affectionately considers Coahoma home and shared she prays that God continues
to guide her paths. "I am indebted to my department's current and former directors
for their support and professional guidance. I am a firm believer in planting good
seeds. Whatever you plant will harvest. God has a purpose for everyone, and it's up
to each person to find their niche and give back in the process," said Johnson.
The Office of Federal Programs is a subunit of the Office of Research, Assessment,
and Strategic Initiatives. The purpose of this office is to provide Coahoma's decision-makers
with accurate and valuable research, assessment, and planning services and accreditation
compliance activities that support the college's mission.
As the director, Johnson oversees project management, planning and implementation,
maintenance of records, communication/reporting, personnel and budget management,
evaluation, and compliance.
In her new role, Johnson has several goals to ensure that Federal Programs becomes
more efficient, secure additional funding resources, and ensure federal compliance
for the institution.
Cynthia Williams Roberson, Director of Research, Assessment, and Strategic Initiatives,
shared her excitement about fulfilling this position, noting that Johnson will bring
a varied skill set to the office.
"Mrs. Johnson is what I would refer to as a 'diamond in the ruff' because of her vast
experience with federal finances and the role she served before being recommended
to serve as Coordinator of Federal Programs. She was overly prepared to serve in this
current role, making for a smooth transition," Roberson shared.
Roberson believes the institution will continue to have a very knowledgeable individual
to manage federal budgets, maintain compliance regarding reporting to the Department
of Education, and seek to secure future funding.
Johnson enjoys shopping, fine dining, and writing in her spare time.
She is the wife of Lance Johnson, who is the lead instructor for Adult Education at
the CCC Workforce Development Center. The couple has two sons and two daughters, all
of whom attended CCC, a distinction that speaks to their affinity for Coahoma.
One of her favorite quotes is from Malcolm X, "Education is the passport to the future,
for tomorrow belongs to those who prepare for it today."
For more information about the Office of Research, Assessment, and Strategic Initiatives,
please visit: http://www.coahomacc.edu/ie/index.html