School of Information Sciences

Debra Wilcox Johnson, former GSLIS faculty member, passes away

Debra Wilcox Johnson passed away on October 30 at Agrace Hospice in Fitchburg, Wisconsin, where she was surrounded by her family.

Johnson served as assistant professor and associate director of the GSLIS Library Research Center (now CIRSS) from 1987 to 1989. From 1999 to 2010, she was an adjunct professor for the LEEP online master’s program, teaching courses such as Administration & Management of Libraries and Information Centers, Evaluating Programs and Services, and Human Resource Management in Libraries and Information Centers. She was a highly respected and valued faculty member who positively influenced the lives and careers of GSLIS students.

“Deb Johnson delighted in sharing her considerable expertise with her students,” said Linda Smith, GSLIS associate dean for academic programs and professor. “I looked forward to seeing her in person every semester when she came to GSLIS for LEEP on-campus sessions. She always provided interesting updates about her current projects.”

A visitation (10:00 a.m.-noon) and funeral service (noon) will be held at the Winn-Cress Funeral Home, 5785 Highway Q, Waunakee, Wisconsin, on Saturday, November 3. Immediately afterward, a lunch will be held at the Innkeeper Restaurant, 301 North Century Avenue, in Waunakee. Burial will follow in the Blooming Grove Cemetery, located directly to the east of LaFollette High School on Pflaum Road in Madison. More details about Johnson's life and career can be found at http://www.cressfuneralservice.com/obituary/95912/Debra-Wilcox-Johnson/ and on the News-Gazette website.

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