The College of Health and Human Services is proud to celebrate our five newly promoted and tenured faculty! We’ll highlight each of them in a two-part series, beginning with our faculty from the Department of Communicative Sciences and Deaf Studies.
Dr. Serena Johnson has been tenured and promoted to associate professor in the Department of Communicative Sciences and Deaf Studies, where she has taught since 2015. In addition to teaching, Johnson brings over 15 years of experience working with Deaf and hard of hearing individuals. This is reflected in her research, which examines the experiences of Deaf and hard of hearing college students.
On campus, Johnson has made quite the impact, participating in many college and university-level committees, and is active in many professional memberships, as well. Johnson is making history as the first Black female faculty to receive promotion and tenure within the department.
Outside of the Deaf Studies realm, she can be found in her kitchen, emulating a contestant on “Chopped”, or in her craft room, elbow deep in planners, stickers, and paper crafting supplies. Learn more about Johnson below:
What research projects and/or activities can we expect to see from you next?
Future research will further explore the experiences of Deaf faculty at mainstreamed universities.
What do you enjoy most about teaching?
I love interacting with students and walking alongside them as they discover the joys of working into the profession.
What is your favorite memory or accomplishment at Fresno State so far?
My favorite memory at Fresno State is graduation. I love seeing my students as the cross the stage and are congratulated by everyone.
Aside from teaching, what are some hobbies you enjoy?
I love baking and cooking, traveling, and being a Happy Planner.
Dr. Janice Smith-Warshaw has been promoted and tenured to associate professor in the Department of Communicative Sciences and Deaf Studies. Since 2015, she has taught in the area of Deaf Education and has also served as its program coordinator, at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. Smith-Warshaw is the first Deaf female faculty member in the program’s history to receive promotion and tenure.
In addition to Smith-Warshaw’s 25 years of teaching and administration experience in the field, she has also taught ASL classes at both community college and various universities for over 15 years. Up next for Smith-Warshaw is co-authoring a chapter with University colleagues in a social justice book regarding deaf and hard of hearing perspectives in higher education. Learn more about Smith-Warshaw below:
What do you enjoy most about teaching?
I love teaching my students in the Deaf Education undergraduate and graduate programs. My passion is helping my students to become highly qualified K-12 Deaf and hard of hearing teachers with strong knowledge in ASL and English bilingual education approaches. I also enjoy teaching ASL courses to both deaf and hearing students.
What is your favorite memory or accomplishment at Fresno State so far?
In 2017, I served as a coordinator of the Celebration on Diversity and led the 200th Anniversary of Deaf Education event for Fresno State students, visitors, and the community. I invited Dr. Roberta Cordano, Gallaudet University President, to Fresno State and met with former President Joseph Castro during this event. We had 800 visitors at this special event. In 2019, I gave a presentation at the President’s Showcase of Excellence and CHHS Research Showcase about my research, “Promoting social justice in service-learning engagement with Latinx families.”
Aside from teaching, what are some hobbies you enjoy?
Outside of the Deaf Education realm, I enjoy playing sports, especially golf and pickleball. In fact, I will participate in the National Deaf Pickleball Tournament next month in San Diego! I also love to travel around the world with my Deaf son.
Tune in next week to learn about the remaining three faculty members who have also been tenured and promoted!
Fresno State College of Health and Human Services 