Dean Johnson Former Assistant Professor of Peace, Justice and Conflict Studies BS, Sociology, Manchester College MA, Theology, Bethany Theological Seminary PhD candidate, Iliff School of Theology & The University of Denver

When you were a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?

I wanted to be an astronaut for a very long time in my childhood. While in high school I became more interested in becoming a Certified Public Accountant. 

Why or how did you choose this field?

I chose my undergraduate degree work in sociology and peace studies due to the professors teaching the classes. I ended up pursuing my graduate work in theology and peace studies (MA) and my PhD in religious and theological studies with a focus in religion and social change due to a sense of calling. While working as a professional staff member at Manchester College I felt a call to be a peace educator. I came to peace studies via my faith commitments. I decided to pursue graduate work to teach at the college/university level in the areas of religion and peace studies.

What’s exciting about your job or this field?

My current job with Plowshares and in PJCS allows me to utilize my administrative/business gifts and my gifts as an educator. Peace Studies covers any area of life and work.  Everyone has to take a position on issues of peace and justice. To not take a position results in the support of a dangerous status quo in the USA. Those in the field of Peace Studies realize that education is not a politically neutral endeavor, and they work to create critical thinkers in their students.

What’s the best advice you’ve ever been given?

“Remember every time you do not speak out on something that is important to you, a piece of you dies.”  In other words, one must maintain their dignity and integrity in every aspect of her/his life including work.

What are you really proud of? (in a Mennonite, humble sort of way, of course)

I am proud of how far I have come. I am a first generation college student from a working class family. I am a degree candidate at the University of Denver and the Iliff School of Theology. I have only to complete my dissertation to obtain my PhD. I have a wonderful family life with my spouse, Melissa and infant son, Jude.

What would you do differently?

I would try to finish my PhD before taking a full time job. However, I would not be where I am now. So maybe nothing at all.

What advice would you give to a young person just starting out?

Peace Studies and Theological Studies are challenging fields. People do not always take the academic work of scholars in the field seriously. My advice is to make sure that one becomes beyond reproach academically. I would also say that every person should take a basic business and/or accounting course. Not only does it help with one’s own budget and money management, but it will help one better understand nonprofits and nongovernmental organizations.