Peru, Nebraska – Derby Johnson returned to Peru State College as its interim Vice President for Administration
and Finance in September of 2017. Following six months of living away from his home
and family in Virginia, he will complete his interim appointment with Peru State later
this month.
Dr. Hanson writes, “I continue to appreciate Derby’s commitment to the Nebraska State
College System. He brings incredible experience and knowledge to our campus.”
This is not Johnson’s first time at Peru State College. Johnson previously served
as Peru State’s interim VPAF during the 2012-2013 school year and as interim Director
of Facilities in 2011.
Johnson said, “Having worked at all three of the State Colleges, I have a special
relationship with Peru State. I always enjoy working with the College’s faculty and
staff – and particularly Dr. Hanson.”
Hanson adds, “Derby has done an incredible job stepping in to lead the administration
and finance team. His strong and positive support of those areas includes working
closely with the budget, the Nebraska State College System and taking over ongoing
facilities projects.”
“Derby’s exceptional leadership includes a robust focus on students and the collaboration
needed to support students.”
Dwayne "Derby" Johnson. (Tena L. Cook/Chadron State College)
Previously, Johnson served Wayne State College as Director of Facility Services from
2003 to 2008 and prior to that Director of Administrative Service from 1995 to 2003.
He was also interim Director of Human Resources at Chadron State College in 2015.
Johnson served in United States Army Intelligence for 22 years and retired as a Lieutenant
Colonel. He earned a bachelor of Business Administration from Wayne State College
and an MBA from Boston University. He is also an honor graduate of the US Army Command
General Staff College.
Peru State has hired a full-time Vice President for Administration and Finance, Debbie
White. White most recently served as the Budget Officer for the College of Arts and
Science at Kansas State University. She has also served as the Director of Administration
at the Kansas Historical Society and the Business Manager of the Kansas Soldiers’
Home in Fort Dodge.
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