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.

Tags:
Updated on
Backto the news archive

Related News

Sanders joins Academic Affairs

Rachael Sanders joined the iSchool last month as office manager for Academic Affairs. In her new position, she will work closely with faculty, staff, and university administration to ensure accurate scheduling and efficient course management for the iSchool's undergraduate programs.

Rachael Sanders

Dismissal of the Librarian of Congress and the Register of Copyrights

On May 8, 2025, Librarian of Congress Carla Hayden was dismissed from office. On May 10, 2025, Shira Perlmutter, the Register of Copyrights and director of the Copyright Office, which is part of the Library of Congress, was also terminated. These unexpected decisions raise grave concerns for research libraries, including the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Library, and for the national infrastructure that supports scholarship, access to knowledge, and preservation of cultural heritage.

Jones to deliver iSchool Convocation address

M. Cameron Jones (PhD '10) will deliver the 2025 iSchool Convocation address on Sunday, May 18, from 1:30-3:00 p.m. at the Activities and Recreation Center. For those who would like to watch the ceremony online, live video will be available as well as archived for future viewing.

M. Cameron Jones