Meet the new dean
Please congratulate Dr. Michael Johnson on his new position as the Dean of the College of Sciences at the University of Central Florida.
Dr. Johnson is also a Professor of Physics. He received his Ph.D. in Physics from the University of Virginia, and came to UCF in 1990 following postdocs at the University of Kentucky and Indiana University. His research is in theoretical condensed matter physics. He has investigated integrable one-dimensional quantum systems, nonlinear optical properties of solids, fractional statistics, and pattern formation in complex fluids. His recent work focuses on electronic properties in highly correlated and nanoscale systems, including quantum dots in the fractional quantum Hall regime and high-current non-equilibrium electron transport.
“It’s a great college and I’m very happy to be in a position to help it develop,” Dr. Johnson said. “We’ve come a long way and I believe the best is yet to come.”
Dr. Johnson will be at the College of Sciences Open House on September 10 from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. and he encourages all students to attend if they’d like to learn more about the college or meet the new dean. More information about the open house can be found here.
Johnson had been named interim dean earlier this summer when Peter Panousis, founding dean of the College of Sciences, announced that he was retiring. A committee led by UCF Vice President of Medical Affairs and Dean of the College of Medicine Deborah German conducted a national search to identify the best candidate for the job.
“Mike was strongly recommended for the dean position by the search committee,” Waldrop said. “I am certain that he will provide exemplary leadership for the college.”
Johnson believes that research is very important and that it will continue to raise the university’s reputation thanks to the excellent faculty and students who make it happen on a daily basis.
“I am very proud of the accomplishments of our faculty, students and staff, and I am grateful for the opportunity to lead the college toward a very bright future,” he said.
Johnson is not new to administration. He has served in several administrative roles, including Associate Dean in the College of Sciences and Senior Advisor to the Provost.