Durell Johnson takes the helm of Penn State's three northeast region campuses

DUNMORE, Pa. - After more than 25 years of service to Penn State, Durell Johnson, chief academic officer at Penn State Scranton, has taken on the top leadership role at the University's Hazleton, Scranton and Wilkes-Barre campuses.

Johnson assumed the role of interim regional chancellor at the beginning of the month, following former Chancellor Elizabeth Wright's decision to step down from her role as leader of Penn State's three northeast region Commonwealth Campuses effective Aug. 31.

"I'm honored to have been selected for the role of interim chancellor," Johnson said. "I look forward to supporting our students, faculty and staff at all three campuses and maintaining the academic excellence and positive community impact for which Penn State is known."

Johnson started at Penn State Scranton in 1999 as an assistant professor of human development and family studies. After earning tenure, he was promoted in 2005 to assistant director of academic affairs, served as discipline coordinator for the Division of Health and Human Development in the University College from 2008-09, and was named associate director of academic affairs in 2009 before being promoted to chief academic officer in 2016.

A native of Memphis, Tennessee, Johnson holds a baccalaureate degree in psychology from Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas, a master's degree in experimental child psychology from the University of Nebraska at Omaha, and a doctoral degree in developmental psychology from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

He resides in Clarks Summit.