COSTA MESA : Orange Coast Names Math, Sciences Dean

An Orange Coast College chemistry professor will become the college’s dean of mathematics and sciences, officials have announced. Stanley N. Johnson has served as acting dean for a year and has taught chemistry for 23 years at the college, spokesman Jim Carnett said. He replaces Gary James, who was dean of the division for 21 years before he retired more than a year ago.

Johnson, of Fullerton, was chairman of the college’s chemistry department from 1984 to 1993, Carnett said. He serves on the board of directors of the Orange County Science Education Network and also belongs to the National Science Teachers Assn. From 1984 to 1992, Johnson participated in summer atmospheric chemistry research at Cal State Fullerton, Carnett said.

Johnson, 47, said he intends to keep the college active in training elementary and secondary school science teachers in Orange County through a summer institute for teachers and students run in cooperation with the Newport-Mesa Unified School District.

As the leader of the division, Johnson will direct 47 faculty members, 43 part-time instructors and other support staff. He will oversee a mathematics center, planetarium, aquarium and other resources, Carnett said.

Johnson graduated from Sunny Hills High School and earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in chemistry from Cal State Fullerton.