We are pleased to announce that Dr. Kenzie Johnston will begin a new joint appointment in the Department of Horticulture and Crop Science (HCS), the Department of Plant Pathology, and the Department of Entomology in August 2025! She will serve as an Assistant Professor of Professional Practice and as Director of the Master in Plant Health Management (MPHM) program. Dr. Johnston shared that she is "thrilled to be part of the energy around engaging students across different plant science pathways." The enthusiasm for Dr. Johnston’s appointment is shared across all three departments involved in the MPHM program.
Dr. Doug Karcher, Chair of Horticulture and Crop Science, expressed excitement about the collaboration, noting, “We’re excited to bring Dr. Johnston on board to grow enrollment and expand the impact of the MPHM program, including formally integrating HCS and plant production systems. Her extensive background in organizational leadership and her strong Extension and industry networks position her for great success. Dr. Johnston will be a tremendous asset to the MPHM program and will further enhance interdisciplinary collaboration among HCS, Plant Pathology, and Entomology.” Echoing that sentiment, Dr. Jamie Strange, Chair of Entomology, shared, “I am excited to have Dr. Johnston join us and lead the MPHM program. Her expertise in pedagogy and curriculum will help us transition this degree program into a world class offering in online education. I think she brings a phenomenal skill set to bring faculty from three departments together to build on the great work that has already been done to make this a rapidly growing program in CFAES,” highlighting the value of Dr. Johnston’s interdisciplinary expertise.
Dr. Johnston received her Ph.D. in Agricultural Communication, Education, and Leadership at The Ohio State University - her Dissertation focused on "Using a Case Study Approach to Understand OSU Extension A&P Educator Perceptions of Organizational Culture within a Complex Adaptive System Framework" (2024). Prior to pursuing her Ph.D., Dr. Johnston received her M.S. (Thesis: Describing the Efficacy of Research Videos in Extension Education - 2020) and B.S. (Agricultural Communication - 2016) here at The Ohio State University.
Currently, Dr. Johnston is an Extension Educator in Delaware County, Ohio at The Ohio State University. A central focus of Dr. Johnston’s early efforts will be strengthening program identity and visibility, especially among potential students and industry partners. She shared that her career path “has been rooted in Extension and community engagement. I've served as an Extension Educator in agriculture and natural resources, and community development since 2018, leading programs in leadership, strategic planning, and home horticulture. Alongside that, I earned my PhD in Community Leadership at Ohio State, where I studied organizational culture. All of these experiences shaped my commitment to applied, accessible education and led me to this exciting next chapter in MPHM.”
We could not be happier to bring Dr. Johnston on board for this unique position! Luckily enough, she spared a minute to tell us about this career step from her perspective...
What are you most looking forward to about this next step in your career?
I look forward to building relationships with students, faculty, and industry partners and helping to grow the MPHM program into a national model for interdisciplinary, professional plant health education. What makes this role especially exciting is that it brings together the expertise and collaboration of three departments: Horticulture and Crop Science, Plant Pathology, and Entomology, which speaks to how naturally the program blends expertise across disciplines.
What are some of your initial plans for your 1st year?
My first-year priorities include:
- Strengthening program identity and visibility, especially among potential students and industry partners
- Streamlining recruitment and onboarding processes
- Building meaningful relationships across HCS, Entomology, and Plant Path to support the interdisciplinary spirit of the program
- Listening to current students, alumni, and faculty to understand how we can evolve the program in thoughtful, responsive ways
What initially sparked your interest in plant health and leading a program like this?
My love for plant health started in the garden and grew through years of community-based education and working with Master Gardeners. What drew me to this program specifically is its applied, interdisciplinary nature and the opportunity to help working professionals thrive in plant-focused careers. I'm passionate about building bridges between research and practice, and MPHM offers a perfect platform for that. Most of all, I'm excited to walk alongside students as they grow, both professionally and personally, and support them as they take the next steps in their careers and become leaders in the field.
What have been a few highlights of your career so far?
A few highlights include:
- Leading strategic planning efforts across Ohio that have empowered organizations to grow and adapt
- Coordinating the Master Gardener Volunteer Program in Delaware County and watching volunteers grow—not just as educators, but as people.
- Earning my PhD while working full-time—an experience that taught me a lot about persistence and purpose
What's your favorite industry conference?
I really enjoy the Cultivate conference hosted by AmericanHort. It brings together professionals from all areas of the green industry and offers incredible opportunities for learning, networking, and staying up to date on emerging trends. It’s a great space for bridging science, business, and innovation.
What do you enjoy doing when you’re not working?
You can usually find me in the garden, practicing yoga, walking the trails near my home, or planning my next beach getaway. I love quiet mornings with coffee, good books, and being outdoors as much as possible.
Closing thoughts...
Just a thank you to everyone who’s already welcomed me so kindly. I’m looking forward to working alongside such an outstanding team!
We're so thrilled Dr. Johnston has decided to take on this joint appointment and bridge three unique disciplines and hope you'll join us in welcoming her!