Grand Valley State University professor Jerry Johnson has been chosen to be the new director of the Community Research Institute at the Johnson Center for Philanthropy, where he has served as temporary director for the past year. Johnson is an associate professor in the school of Social Work and has been a GVSU faculty member since 1997. He has over 30 years of experience in human services as a practitioner, administrator, consultant and trainer. Twice, Johnson was recognized as a Fulbright scholar and has experience in community and applied research. He has also written and edited 10 books and several articles. The official starting date of Johnson’s term is Oct. 6.