It has been a decade since Antoinette “Toni” Johnson joined Paul D. Camp Community College as an adjunct professor. Beginning Aug. 1, the Suffolk resident will serve the college as the director of PDC at Smithfield.

“As a native of Smithfield, I am excited to be home,” she said. “I am looking forward to promoting PDC and working with students and stakeholders in the community to help the college be first choice.”

Many of Johnson’s duties will be an extension of what she is currently doing as dean of the Franklin Campus, a position she has held since May 2016. She served as interim dean for a year prior to that as well.

“I will ensure the center at Smithfield offers a learning environment conducive to high-quality instruction,” she said. Other duties include helping to develop the class schedule, advising students, assisting with admissions advising and orientation of new students, teaching early childhood development classes, and seeking and maintaining program-related partnerships and opportunities for the students.

“There are endless opportunities to explore that will help continue PDC’s value and viability, not only for the Town of Smithfield, but throughout Isle of Wight County and surrounding communities,” she said.

Johnson attained a Bachelor of Science degree in interdisciplinary studies from Norfolk State University in 1999 and a Master of Education degree in early childhood education from the University of Phoenix in 2006. She is pursuing a Doctor of Education degree in higher educational leadership from Concordia University. She has served as early childhood education director at The Children’s Center and has taught in Isle of Wight County Public Schools.

“Antoinette will bring a wealth of experience to the center in Smithfield, not to mention her community connections as a native,” said Vice President of Academic and Student Development Dr. Tara Atkins-Brady.

Johnson is a member of Kingdom Empowerment Temple in Newport News, where her husband, Ed’Ward Johnson, is pastor. Together, they have one son, Aaron, who is a law school student; two daughters, Felicia and Kiyah; and three grandchildren.

She is a 1990 graduate of Smithfield High School and is the daughter of Theresa Hall and the late Melvin Hall.