Texas Southern University (TSU), one of the nation’s largest historically Black universities and a leader in higher education for more than a century, has appointed Calvin Johnson, Ph.D., as the new Dean of the Barbara Jordan-Mickey Leland School of Public Affairs (SOPA) following a nationwide search.

Dr. Johnson brings more than 30 years of experience in research, policy development, and public administration. He joins TSU from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Office of Policy Development and Research, where he served 12 years as Deputy Assistant Secretary for Research, Evaluation, and Monitoring. In that role, he advised HUD leadership on research initiatives and oversaw a portfolio totaling more than $90 million, focusing on housing’s impact on economic self-sufficiency, health, education, and community outcomes.

“Dr. Johnson’s combination of experience in academia, research, policy, and as a practitioner make him uniquely qualified to lead the Barbara Jordan-Mickey Leland School of Public Affairs as it continues to meet the needs of an evolving public affairs ecosystem,” said TSU Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Carl B. Goodman.

Prior to HUD, Dr. Johnson held dual roles at the Court Services and Offender Supervision Agency (CSOSA) for the District of Columbia as Associate Director of the Office of Research and Evaluation and Performance Improvement Officer. He also served in research and policy positions at the University of Pennsylvania, The Urban Institute, and with the Executive Office of the Mayor of the District of Columbia. His work has earned national recognition, including election as a Fellow of the congressionally chartered National Academy of Public Administration in 2020 and service as a Commissioner on the United States Commission on the Social Status of Black Men and Boys.

“I am both honored and thrilled to be appointed as the Dean of SOPA,” Dr. Johnson said. “I anticipate collaborating with our dedicated faculty, staff, students, alumni, and community stakeholders to advance programs that are intellectually stimulating, closely aligned with the high-demand skills sought in today’s workforce, and rooted in the principle of service to others as a cornerstone of effective leadership.”

Founded in 1927, Texas Southern University is a public, historically Black university located in Houston. The university offers more than 100 academic programs across eight colleges and schools, serving a diverse student body of more than 10,000 students. TSU is known for its strong focus on research, community engagement, and preparing graduates to make an impact locally, nationally, and globally.

Dr. Johnson earned a B.A. in Sociology from Eastern Washington University, a master’s degree in Sociology/Research Methods from Temple University, and a Ph.D. in Criminology and Criminal Justice from the University of Maryland-College Park. He officially assumed the role of Dean of SOPA on November 3, 2025.