Eric Johnson
A native of Nashville, Tennessee, Eric Dewane Johnson graduated from the University of Virginia, where he majored in psychology. He served as the City of Charlottesville first coordinator of the Victim/Witness Assistance Program in which he provided crisis intervention services and court preparation to victims and witnesses of violent crimes. One of his responsibilities was to educate students about establishing healthy relationships to prevent domestic violence. Eric developed an affinity for teaching youth.
After earning his Masters of Education from James Madison University, Eric entered the teaching profession as a science and math teacher. In 2001, he became an assistant principal at Prospect Heights Middle School in Orange County and then at Sutherland Middle School in Albemarle County. In 2004, Eric was appointed principal of Walton Middle School. In 2007, Eric was appointed principal of Buford Middle School where he served in that capacity for 11 years. During his tenure at Buford, Eric has played an instrumental role in the creation and implementation of the Buford Lab School for Advanced Manufacturing, including major renovations of the science labs, curriculum, and the inclusion of an Engineering courses for middle school students. He partnered with community representatives to create a schoolyard garden at Buford, which serves as a model for gardens throughout the Commonwealth of Virginia. During his tenure at Buford, he implemented an athletic program, which now includes 11 sports. Eric enjoys working with people, especially middle school students. He continues to encourage and educate parents to become active participants in their children’s education/
In July 2018, he accepted a position as the Director of the Hospital Education Program, which is located at the University of Virginia Children’s Hospital. He has been a guest presenter for several classes at UVA, Mary Baldwin University, and Piedmont Virginia Community College. He has presented at numerous conferences, churches, and community gatherings. He also served as an adjunct professor at Mary Baldwin University in which he taught courses to prepare teachers for the classroom.
Eric works collaboratively with various community agencies to ensure a successful middle school experience for students and their families. One of his proudest accomplishments is serving as one of founders of the Zion Union Tutoring Program, which provides free tutorial services to local youth twice a week. He serves on several boards throughout Charlottesville and has been a guest presenter at numerous workshops. He has been recognized by several agencies, including receiving the Alton L. Taylor Leadership Award (2013) and the Golden Trowel Award (2013). In 2007, Eric was recognized as one of the Distinguished Dozen by the Daily Progress.
Zion Union Baptist Church is very special to Eric as this is the place where he met his wife, Marcia. He enjoys attending and working in church.
He is married to Marcia Jones and they are the proud parents of two sons and seven grandchildren. In his spare time, Eric enjoys officiating sports (basketball, baseball, softball) and watching Westerns.
