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TO HONOR THE INDUCTION OF WINTHROP'S FOUNDING PRESIDENT DAVID BANCROFT JOHNSON INTO THE OFFICIAL SOUTH CAROLINA HALL OF FAME.
Whereas, David Bancroft Johnson was born in LaGrange, Tennessee in 1856. He earned bachelor's and master's degrees from the East Tennessee University, now the University of Tennessee, before moving to South Carolina to work as a school principal and later superintendent for the City of Columbia's schools; and
Whereas, Johnson grappled with a chronic teacher shortage, which gave him the impetus to establish an all-female teacher training institution for the State and which led to successful efforts to establish funding, recruit instructors, and obtain a building. On November 15, 1886, the Winthrop Training School opened its doors; and
Whereas, Johnson, through his visionary leadership, built an institution that quickly earned a strong reputation, which continues to this day, as a flagship for teacher preparation in South Carolina; and
Whereas, Johnson, during his tenure, achieved recognition at state and national levels for his influence on education in South Carolina, including as president of the National Education Association in 1915 and posthumously as the Educator of the Half Century in 1950; and
Whereas, Johnson dutifully served as Winthrop's president from 1886 until his death in 1928; and
Whereas, by his individual and noteworthy achievements, David Bancroft Johnson brought national attention and acclaim to Winthrop, the City of Rock Hill, York County, and the entire State of South Carolina. Now, therefore,
Be it resolved by the Senate, the House of Representatives concurring:
That the members of the General Assembly of the State of South Carolina, by this resolution, honor Winthrop University for advocating for the 2017 South Carolina Hall of Fame induction of its founder, David Bancroft Johnson and, in so doing, reminding the entire State of South Carolina of the importance of recognizing educational leadership and the impact that dedicated individuals can have on future generations.
Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be forwarded to Winthrop University President Daniel F. Mahony.
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