Herbert Johnson, assistant professor of music, is Morris College’s recipient for the 2021 SCICU Excellence In Teaching award. He holds master’s and bachelor’s degrees in Music , both conferred by Winthrop University. Johnson is currently working on a doctorate in Music Education at Liberty University.
Johnson joined the Morris College faculty in 2018, bringing with him lifelong experience in music education. He has received campus-wide recognition for revitalizing and elevating Morris’ choral music program. In little more than two years under Johnson’s leadership, membership has increased significantly for both the Morris College Chorale and Gospel Choir. Both musical groups have participated in a number of statewide and regional musical competitions and won first place in two events. Over the past year, these efforts culminated in the college’s choral ensembles being featured in two audio and video recordings and receiving an invitation to perform at Carnegie Hall prior to the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Before joining the Morris College faculty, Johnson was an award-winning music educator with high schools throughout the Carolinas. In 2011, he was awarded “Star Teacher of the Year” honors by Bessemer City (N.C.) High School. Sumter’s Lakewood High School named Johnson “Teacher of the Year” in 2017. Johnson has received two National Grammy Music Education awards and was named “Professional Alumni of the Year” in 2015 by the Winthrop University Alumni Association.
Outside the classroom, Johnson utilizes his musical leadership and talents in religious and civic organizations. He serves as president of the Palmetto Voice Spiritual Ensemble of South Carolina, minister of music for Grant Hill Baptist Church (Sumter), and artistic director for the Sumter Civic Chorale.