Betty Drees Johnson

BA '59, MA '62 (History)

Retired Professor and Director, duPont-Ball Library, Stetson University

DeLand, Fla.

Betty Drees Johnson retired from Stetson in September 2011. Rising through the ranks of several positions in the library, Johnson was named library director in 2002. She developed and led fundraising efforts for the library, resulting in more than $1.8 million, including several endowments. Johnson directed three renovation projects. Also under her leadership, the library acquired from alumnus E. Clay Shaw a major research collection from his 13 terms in the U.S. Congress, and from alumnus, former trustee and former U.S. Sen. Max Cleland, a major collection of political and Vietnam War memorabilia.

Johnson holds Master's degrees in History from Stetson University and Library Service from Columbia University. In 2006, she was awarded the first Florida Library Association Lifetime Achievement Award. She has served on SACS accreditation teams. She is also active in the community, especially with the Museum of Art DeLand, the West Volusia Historical Society Board of Directors and the League of Women Voters of Volusia County, where she serves as board secretary and webmaster. Johnson has held various positions in professional organizations, both regionally and nationally.

Johnson's late husband, Evans, was a longtime member of the Stetson faculty. She was elected to the Board of Trustees in May 2011.