Contact: Tara G. Cunningham
(o) 504-816-4024
(c) 504-422-0037
tcunningham@dillard.edu
NEW ORLEANS, La. — Dillard University is pleased to announce the appointment of Reverend Angela “Angie” Johnson as the University’s new Dean of Chapel. A dynamic pastoral leader, ordained Elder in The United Methodist Church, and experienced higher education chaplain, Rev. Johnson will lead the University’s efforts to cultivate a spiritually vibrant, inclusive, and engaged campus community.
Rev. Johnson currently serves as Senior Pastor of Columbia Drive United Methodist Church in Decatur, Georgia, where she provides spiritual, administrative, and visionary leadership for a diverse congregation. Throughout her ministry, she has been recognized for her commitment to spiritual formation, community engagement, and faith-informed leadership.
Her extensive background in higher education ministry includes service at Emory University and Spelman College, where she led worship experiences, supported student spiritual leadership, developed faith formation programs, and partnered with university leaders to integrate spiritual life into the broader mission of the institution. She also currently serves as Chaplain for the National Alumnae Association of Spelman College, providing interfaith spiritual care, teaching, and leadership across generations.
“Rev. Angie Johnson brings a remarkable spirit, vision, and sense of purpose to Dillard University,” said Dr. Monique Guillory, President of Dillard University. “I am excited about the energy, compassion, and innovation she will bring to our campus community as we continue to nurture students who are intellectually prepared, spiritually grounded, and ready to lead.”
Grounded in the Wesleyan theological tradition, Rev. Johnson’s ministry is shaped by a commitment to grace, justice, and inclusive engagement. She is widely known for creating spaces for meaningful dialogue, reflection, and authentic connection, while bridging tradition with innovative approaches to ministry that resonate with contemporary communities.
Among her many initiatives is Humanity in Action, a grant-funded program she founded to foster understanding and shared dialogue across differences.
A graduate of Spelman College and the Candler School of Theology at Emory University, Rev. Johnson has long demonstrated a deep commitment to the mission of historically Black colleges and universities and to cultivating spaces that support spiritual growth, moral courage, and leadership development.
As Dean of Chapel, Rev. Johnson will guide chapel programming, spiritual life initiatives, and campus faith engagement while helping strengthen Dillard’s legacy of excellence, service, and holistic student development.
Dillard University welcomes Rev. Johnson to the Bleu Devil family and looks forward to the inspiration and leadership she will bring to the campus community.
