Dr. Kelly Johnston

FIR since Fall 2025

Dr. Kelly Johnston is an Associate Professor in the Department of Curriculum and Instruction within Baylor University’s Moody School of Education. A Baylor alumna, Dr. Johnston is a literacy scholar, educational leader, and mentor whose work is grounded in more than 20 years of experience in education, mentorship, and leadership development across school, community, and university settings.

Her research focuses on asset-based, meaning-centered literacy pedagogy and how it supports student identity, well-being, and belonging. She is particularly known for her work with children and youth from historically underserved communities and for designing programs and frameworks that build inclusive, inquiry-based learning environments across school and community spaces.

She earned her Ed.D. in Curriculum and Teaching from Teachers College, Columbia University, her M.Ed. from Texas State University, and her B.S. in Education from Baylor University. Her earlier career included youth ministry leadership supporting spiritual and learning development for youth and young adults, as well as teaching in both public and private schools. These formative roles laid the foundation for her continued focus on mentorship and the holistic flourishing of students.

At Baylor, Dr. Johnston co-directs the Baylor Interns and Emerging Scholars in England global engagement program, mentoring senior education majors through international teaching and cross-cultural learning. She also leads through graduate student mentorship, dissertation advising, and research development within the School of Education. Her projects frequently bridge academic, spiritual, and community contexts, creating pathways for students to connect their learning to real-world leadership and service.

Dr. Johnston is joined in the Faculty-in-Residence role by her husband, John, and their three children—Lily, John Ryan, and Julia—who are already active participants in campus life, as you may catch them playing outside at Fountain Mall, cheering on Baylor athletics, or climbing the rock wall at the SLC. “I am thrilled to be a part of the LEAD LLC community. I see this role as a meaningful opportunity to walk alongside students during one of the most formative seasons of their lives—supporting their academic journeys, leadership growth, and sense of belonging at Baylor.”