Employment History:

Published Works:
Dr. Johnson-Norris has been featured in the Maternal-Child Nursing workbook. She has given many middle and high school commencement speeches as well as Women Day speeches at churches. She has given speeches at career day programs.

Public Speaking Experience:

Why She is an Expert:

Best Advice:
"Be passionate about education. Also, assist students and perspective students. I often spoke of my job as my ministry."

Passionate about:
"I am passionate about education and being able to serve students in any educational capacity."

Biography Excerpt:
Hattie L. Johnson-Norris, Ed.D., is campus president emeritus of the Wayne County Community College District. As part of her daily responsibilities, she was the overseer the education of 5,000 students while presiding over 119 faculty members. “I served the students’ needs in any capacity,” says the dedicated educator. She received a doctor of education in 1994 from the Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University and a master''s degree in maternal child nursing in 1980 from The Catholic University of America. She is a board member of the JTA, a board member of the American Lung Association and a board member of Detroit Impact. She is also a member of the National League for Nursing.

     

Cambridge Who's Who: What would you like to promote most about yourself or the college?  
DR. HATTIE JOHNSON-NORRIS :  Wayne County Community College District is the community’s “hidden diamond in the rough,” a dynamic golden community gift. Under the current leadership of the Chancellor Dr. Curtis L. Ivery, this facility has transformed from a small community college into the fastest-growing and largest community college in Michigan. As the longest sitting campus president the college has ever had – of one of the largest of the five campuses for 11 years – I am grateful to have had the opportunity to facilitate the college’s transformation.

What was the most difficult obstacle or challenge you have faced in pursuit of your goals?
My most difficult challenges included the death of my mother during my freshman year of college and the loss of my husband via divorce during my second and last year of graduate school. I was pursing my master’s degree in nursing. Finally, the death of my father the Tuesday before sitting for my oral and written comprehensive examinations on Friday for my doctorate was difficult as well.

Do you have advice for members aspiring to pursue a career in higher education administration?
First of all, prepare for the career educationally at the doctoral level. Have a love and passion for serving others. Go above and beyond what is required for the job at all times. In other words, have a good work ethic.