Calvin Johnson named head of Department of Pathobiology Sept. 13, 2005     Auburn University Professor Calvin Johnson has been named head of the Department of Pathobiology in the College of Veterinary Medicine, announced Sept. 9 by Dean Timothy Boosinger.   “He has done an excellent job as a teacher and researcher, and will now be instrumental as department head,” said Dean Boosinger. “He grew up in Auburn, went to school here, and has had many accomplishments in his career."   Dr. Johnson joined the Auburn faculty as a professor in 2003 after serving 11 years at the University of Florida, where he had advanced to associate chairman of its Department of Pathobiology.   “It was a career goal to return to Auburn,” said Dr. Johnson. “I have enjoyed being back for two years and am looking forward to helping the pathobiology faculty continue their pursuit of excellence. We have very talented faculty with many diverse scientific and educational interests."   A 1979 graduate of Auburn High School, Dr. Johnson earned his bachelor's degree in 1983 and his veterinary degree in 1986, both from Auburn University. He earned his Ph.D. in veterinary immunology from North Carolina State University in 1992.   He succeeds interim head Dr. Byron Blagburn and former department head Dr. Lauren Wolfe.   "I hope to follow the strong leadership that they established in the department," said Dr. Johnson, who has served as a mentor for 45 graduate students, residents and veterinary students. "Working with students is a point of emphasis for me. I enjoy introducing them to research and to the opportunities in pathology."   His primary research areas involve the pathogenesis of feline immunodeficiency virus infection and veterinary immunology. He is chair of the college's research advisory committee and a member of the admissions committee. His awards include the college's 1996 Young Achiever Award given to outstanding members of the class celebrating its 10th anniversary.   Dr. Johnson is a diplomate in the American College of Veterinary Pathologists and is a member of its education and recruitment committees. He also holds memberships in the American Society for Investigative Pathology and the American Veterinary Medical Association. He has served as a reviewer for numerous journals, including Veterinary Pathology and the Journal of Infectious Diseases.   He and his wife, Mary, live in Auburn with their daughter, Frances, 15, and son, Gardner, 12. He is the son of Dr. and Mrs. Wiley C. Johnson of Auburn; his father is an emeritus professor of agronomy in the College of Agriculture.   Return To News