Williamsville resident honored with hall of fame induction

Johnson

A Williamsville resident was inducted into the Iowa School for the Deaf Hall of Fame during the school's annual homecoming festivities on Sept. 15.

William P. Johnson, Ph.D., who currently serves as superintendent of St. Mary's School for the Deaf in Buffalo, received the Outstanding Dedication to Iowa School for the Deaf award during his induction. He served as superintendent of Iowa School for the Deaf from August 1987, to August 2003. He was the school's first deaf leader.

During his tenure at ISD, he spearheaded the process to build a facility in which deaf students would have a truly equal playing field as their hearing peers. The Lied Multipurpose Complex, a 58,000-square-foot recreation facility, opened under his direction in 2002. He also strengthened the academic program and involved the school in many initiatives to broaden student experiences and tighten community bonds.

He has taught in a variety of settings in several states, with students ranging in age from junior high to college. He was superintendent of Illinois School for the Deaf for 11 years.

Johnson received his undergraduate degree from the University of Denver and his master's and doctorate degrees from the University of Iowa. He has also earned graduate studies credits from several other universities.

"Regardless if he is a student, teacher or administrator, he remains foremost an advocate for deaf students," said Jerry Siders, chair of the hall of fame nominating committee.