Deborah Tompkins Johnson interviewed by Margaret M. Mulrooney, Session 1, 2024

Creator:

Johnson, Deborah Tompkins, Mulrooney, Margaret M., 1966-, and Mulrooney, Margaret M., 1966-

Extent:

10.4 Gigabytes 1 digital file and 01:12:14 Duration (HH:MM:SS.mmm)

Scope and content:

Records the first part of an interview with Deborah Tompkins Johnson, documenting her experiences as a student at Madison College beginning in 1974. The interview describes her transition to campus life, including residence in Eagle Hall and early academic experiences in the communications program (radio, television, and film), including studio work and internships. Johnson details her participation in the Black Student Alliance (BSA), Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., and the Contemporary Gospel Singers, with discussion of activities such as Black Emphasis Week programming, step shows, performances, and events such as a student-organized fashion show. The interview recounts student advocacy efforts for institutional change, including demonstrations, meetings with administrators, and requests for increased representation across faculty, curriculum, and student services, as well as the establishment of a Minority Affairs coordinator role. Additional topics include student social life, residence hall dynamics, dining, participation in campus events, and graduation. The interview was held in Wilson Hall at James Madison University.

Language:

English

Biographical / historical:

Deborah Tompkins Johnson was born March 4, 1956, at Fort Campbell, Kentucky, and was raised in Petersburg, Virginia. As a student, she was among those who integrated Petersburg High School. She enrolled at Madison College, attending from 1974 to 1978, where she studied communications (radio, television, and film). During her time at Madison College, she was active in several Black student organizations, including Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., the Contemporary Gospel Choir, and the Black Student Alliance (BSA), serving as BSA president during her senior year.

Following her graduation in 1978, Johnson taught before pursuing a career in broadcast journalism. In 1988, she was appointed to the James Madison University Board of Visitors, becoming the first Black woman to serve in that role; she served until 1994 and again from 2015 to 2019 and from 2019 to 2023. In 1990, she co-founded the university's Black Alumni Chapter and has remained active, including participation in the Ole School Alumni Student Group. Johnson received the Inez Roop Alumni Service Award in 1995. In recognition of a gift made by Johnson and her family in the early 2000s, the entry area of the Leeolou Alumni Center was named the Tompkins Hall of Distinction.

Physical facet:

(.mp4)

Dimensions:

1920 x 1080

Names:

Johnson, Deborah Tompkins
Mulrooney, Margaret M., 1966-

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