Dr. Seth Johnson

Dr. Seth Johnson is Associate Dean for the College of Arts, Humanities, and Sciences at Jacksonville State University. He earned an Ed.D. in Higher Education Leadership from University of North Georgia and an MFA in Visual Communication from University of Tennessee. Prior to joining Jacksonville State University in 2014, he spent 12 years as a faculty member at Middle Tennessee State University, where he earned tenure and was promoted to full professor. He previously served as Department Head for Art and Design before assuming his current associate dean role in 2023. Dr. Johnson’s scholarship and creative work focus on documentary film production, experiential learning, and active learning strategies in higher education. His recent research examines the intersections of public policy, regional economic development, and equitable access to high-impact educational practices for students in financially and geographically challenged communities. Across a 24-year academic career, he has received 17 Regional Emmy nominations and seven Emmy Awards for documentary productions created through Longleaf Studios, an experiential learning initiative he directs at Jacksonville State University. Through Longleaf Studios, he continues to advance community-engaged, practice-based learning opportunities for students in film, art, and communication.