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« on: February 02, 2017, 09:13:41 PM »
The Varsity Club Chapter of the Virginia State University Alumni Association is set to honor Dr. Paulette Walker Johnson at the 2017 VSU Alumni Winter Festival, hosted by the VSU National Alumni Association.
Johnson will be presented with the VSUAA Varsity Club's Humanitarian Award, in recognition of her service and commitment to the VSU community.
"Dr. Johnson has been one of VSU's greatest ambassadors and has been an integral part in contributing to the betterment of the University. Her lasting impact has been an inspiration to us all. We are honored to celebrate Dr. Johnson," said Tiffani Sykes, president of the VSUAA Varsity Club.
Johnson coached VSU’s first intercollegiate softball team, capturing the CIAA title in 1979. This was the first CIAA championship won by a women’s sports team in school history.
Johnson’s most recognizable contribution to VSU is as founder and head coach of the nationally recognized VSU “Woo Woos” cheerleading squad. She was a founding member of the CIAA Cheerleader Coaches Association and was elected as the association’s first president. Additionally, she was the first woman to serve as athletic director in VSU’s history.
Dr. Johnson was enshrined in the VSU Wall of Fame in 2003 and the CIAA Hall of Fame in 2011.
Johnson's leadership extended beyond the athletics arena. She was also an associate professor in the Department of Health, Physical Education and Recreation until her retirement.
The Dinwiddie County native is an alumna of Morgan State University, where she was a member of the cheerleading squad. She went on to earn her master’s degree from Springfield College and her doctorate from Virginia Tech.
The VSU Alumni Winter Fest will be highlighted by the VSU basketball teams hosting Elizabeth City State University in a CIAA double-header. The women’s contest will tip-off at 1:00 p.m., followed by the men’s contest, which is slated for 4:00 p.m. The men’s contest is a part of the CIAA TV broadcast schedule, which will air on the ASPiRE TV network. Both games will take place in the VSU Multi-Purpose Center, with Johnson being honored at halftime of the men’s contest.
For more information on the VSUAA Varsity Club, contact Tiffani Sykes at (757) 434-3108.
The VSUAA Varsity Club Humanitarian Award is presented annually to a leader in the VSU community, who embodies the principles of the VSUAA and has shown a commitment to the advancement of the Virginia State University athletics program.
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