by Michele Solomon
Coach. Teacher. Administrator. Friend. Following the passing of Dr. Pamela Diehl Johnson, 75, on February 14, 2024, the longtime educator is being remembered for the many roles she fulfilled and the lives she impacted at Cedarville University during her nearly 50-year tenure.
The visitation for Pam Johnson will be held on Friday, April 12, from 1–3 p.m. and 5-7 p.m., and Saturday, April 13, from 10–11 a.m. The celebration of life service will follow on Saturday at 11 a.m. All of the events will be held at Grace Baptist Church in Cedarville, Ohio.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 25 years, Dr. Cliff Johnson, who also served Cedarville University in leadership roles for 41 years. Although Pam Johnson impacted the lives of many Cedarville students during her tenure, it was the ministry of several Cedarville athletes who first made a profound impact on her life — long before she stepped foot on campus as a faculty member in 1974. As a college junior at the University of Dayton, Johnson was searching for answers to life’s biggest questions when she was introduced to Jesus through several Cedarville athletes.
Her life was never the same. 
Several years later, after completing her master’s and doctoral degrees at The Ohio State University, Johnson accepted an offer to teach kinesiology at Cedarville. The first course she taught, Physical Activity and Christian Living (PACL), proved to be a transformational course for the students because of the energy and vision of Johnson.
In 2014, she left the classroom to become Dean of Undergraduate Studies, playing a profound role in developing curriculum and academic programs. She was also instrumental in developing Cedarville’s academic enrichment center, The Cove. Above all, she was committed to helping undergraduate students succeed.
Outside of academics, Johnson was also head coach of the Lady Jackets tennis team for 30 years, guiding the team to 280 wins during her long career. For her contributions to the sport, she was inducted into the Cedarville University Athletic Hall of Fame in 1996, the NAIA Hall of Fame in 2004, and the NCCAA Hall of Fame in 2008.
Johnson found much joy in working with students one-on-one, whether helping an athlete perfect her tennis serve or helping an undergrad work out a tough class schedule. “When you know you’re doing exactly what God wants you to do, it’s not hard to come to work,” she would often say.
Dr. Pamela Diehl Johnson has left an indelible mark on Cedarville University. She will be remembered for her love of Cedarville University and its students, but most of all for her love and devotion to her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.