In Memoriam: Paul Johnson
April 9, 2020
The Teaching & Learning Excellence Division (TLED) is incredibly sad to share the passing of Paul Johnson, ACC’s Multimedia Manager of 12 years.
In 2018 we interviewed him about his work and he shared his love of “finding the connection between technology and instruction in the classroom.” Paul said that he enjoyed the people he worked with, ACC’s “positive impact on our community,” and knowing that “Someday [his] children will take a class at ACC.” Paul always found joy in learning new technologies with his team of highly skilled and dedicated employees.
Paul liked hiking the Green Belt with his wife, Amber, and their children, and spending time gardening. He loved a good story and finding ways to have a laugh at work. We’ll miss him.
Colleagues are encouraged to post memories of Paul Johnson in the comments below.
Here are a few we’ve already collected:
“I knew Paul for many years and always admired his wonderful work ethic, commitment to excellence in service, and unending positivity in all that he took on. He was a role model in leadership for his staff, his peers and the supervisors he had through the years. I am grateful he was part of our TLED team — he will be missed by many, not just in TLED but throughout the college.” -Susan M. Thomason, AVP Instructional Services
“Deepest condolences to his friends and family. Back in my Facdev days Paul was my tech partner that helped make ACC’s General Assembly and other project magic happen! He was one of the nicest, smartest, can-do people I know.” -Christina Michura, Associate Dean of Student Affairs
“I always enjoyed working with him: he was always willing to help with a smile on his face. He will be missed; rest in peace.” -Leah Jensen, Business Analyst
“Paul Johnson was a technology integrator. Most people don’t realize how much he was responsible for ACC’s classroom technology. I was the director but he was the manager that made it happen. His hard work made me look good to the administration so many times. He could tackle a project and bring it to fruition almost overnight. He was not only responsible for the technology infrastructure at South Austin, Round Rock, Highland, Elgin, Hays, Cypress Creek, and San Gabriel, he also upgraded and maintained the classrooms on the older campuses. He also ran the technology at the general assemblies and the recordings of the ACC Board of Trustees Meetings. He even overhauled the technology in the ACC Board Room. I know I’m making it sound like he was Superman but he also ran the audio at the ACC campus groundbreakings and open houses. He was truly on ACC unsung heroes. RIP, Buddy. You’ve made a major impact on how students are educated in Central Texas.” -Herb Coleman, Adjunct Faculty
“He was so laid back and a total jokester and at the same time completely dedicated to his work and finding creative solutions for our teaching and learning spaces at ACC. I’ll miss his infectious smile.” -Courtney Grams, Faculty Communications Director
“It’s an easy contest – Paul Johnson was by far the best boss I’ve ever had: friendly, easy to talk to, straightforward, knowledgeable, and a tireless advocate for the needs of his team. His radical empathy and sense of solidarity with each of us on the TLED Multimedia/Install crew never seemed to waiver, and undoubtedly shaped us into better workers and kinder people. Watching him sit down and program or work on some back-end element of technology always amazed me. My first week at ACC he found out I grew up in a rural Ohio community and he wove me tales of his rural adolescence just south of the Ohio River. We also bonded over the fact that he was a graduate of Antioch College in Yellow Springs, Ohio – a place I frequented and often hiked around. Too, I always admired the way his dedication to service and progressing the greater good bled through into his work life. Thank you for inspiring me to integrate my values with my labor, and for being a true servant leader.” -Ethan Roberts, Media Technology Specialist
“Paul was the best boss I’ve ever had, and it’s not even close. There are so many things I could say about Paul here at ACC. He always had our backs, he would do his best to set us up for success in any situation, he had what seemed like an encyclopedic knowledge of all technology and his ability to put together a classroom or event of any size in his head in what seemed like minutes was incredible. What I’ll remember most about Paul though, is how much he cared. If you ran into him at a campus and he asked “How’s it going?” it wasn’t strictly about whatever project or event you might be working on, he wanted to make sure we were ok in our personal lives as well. He enjoyed hearing about our lives outside of work as much as he enjoyed sharing his own with us.” -Jay Brooks, Technology Specialist
“I was not on Paul’s team but I will say I remember one day late on a Friday I reported a classroom projector problem at HLC I could not resolve and Paul, busy hands-on manager that he was, showed up to fix it himself, then afterwards stopped by the office to relax a little and chat. I remember he always spoke highly of his team. He was very proud of his team and the work they do. One of my last times meeting him he expressed his joy of living in the moment rock climbing with his sons. My condolences to his family and to his team.” -JT Tyler, Faculty Instructional Support Specialist
“The A/V Installer part of Paul’s team has come together to contribute this remembrance of him:
Paul was the boss that if you saw him or heard him talking (& inevitably laughing), you reached out, took the stairs, or texted him to see if he had a minute. You wanted to see him. He was exceptional at hiring & building a team full of very talented people. His leadership style supported us to be able to work both independently & come together as a team to support ACC as the list of accomplishments chronicled by Herb Coleman shows.
Paul was an inspirational & positive force who’s down to earth energy made knowing him & working alongside him a benefit to our lives. We will always be honored to have had Paul as our manager. He was truly a blessing in our lives & we will always miss him. Paul was a very kind person & able to help anyone who needed help. He made sure we had a safe work environment with the proper tools & training to get the job done. We learned many things from him & he even made learning Crestron programming fun. Our team will always remember him for tacos on corn tortillas & coffee which he liked for breakfast or lunch. Paul would say, “I’m always hungry for tacos.” If one of us lost a silly bet with him–you owed him a taco & if he would owe you one if he lost!
Paul made our world a better place and it is so very hard to lose him because he is still so needed. Our hearts, our thoughts, & our love go out to his wife, Amber, his sons, & his family. RIP boss.”
Sincerely, Osmundy, Marcus, Cathy, & Victor“I have had the pleasure of working with Paul for the last nine years. He was super laid back and a genuinely kind fellow. I remember he made an exception to the rules and allowed a video conference call for my initial interview as I was out of state, a service that thanks to Paul is now commonplace at ACC. He was a fantastic supervisor and a natural leader, avoiding drama at all costs. He had the intuition to put together teams of people that he could trust and who trusted him, to delegate tasks effectively, and the faith and courage to step back and let those teams work independently. Paul made me feel appreciated as a team member and that has been invaluable. I don’t know how he did it, managing teams with such a wide range of technical expertise in such an effortless way, an expert problem solver. He was always extremely supportive in both work and personal matters, pulling me aside and asking how I was doing if we had not spoken in a while, a truly caring individual who put family and happiness first. He will be sorely missed by his teams and by ACC. My heart goes out to his family and friends during this difficult time.” -Stephen Orsak, Media Technology Specialist
Responses to "In Memoriam: Paul Johnson"
Maciej Gajewski - April 9, 2020
Paul was a great boss, mentor and friend. I am saddened by his passing, he will be greatly missed. My condolences to his wife and sons, we will be praying for you and your family Paul, you will not be forgotten.
Nova Fritts - April 9, 2020
I am so devastated and saddened by this unexpected news. My heart goes out to Amber and the kids during this time. While I only worked with Paul for a short time on the Ad Astra website, I’ll always remember his gentle and kind nature and the sparkle he had in his eyes. It’s a comfort to know he was with family during this journey. The Pink Moon tribute is wonderful, also one of my favorite songs by Nick Drake. So now I will think of Paul every time I hear that song. Peace and love to all who are mourning his loss. I know he will be greatly missed by many employees at ACC for a very long time.
Kate Tolliver - April 9, 2020
My heart is breaking. All my love to Paul’s family and friends.
Jessica Horta-Perez - April 9, 2020
I am truly saddened to read about Paul’s passing. Paul we did not know each other well but you were always so kind and smiling. I appreciate your well-mannered ease with the police officers. You will be missed!
Dahlia Anzaldua-Torres - April 9, 2020
Our ACC family has suffered another great loss.
Paul Johnson was one of those amazing staff members that I worked with in coordination of numerous events. I will miss his professionalism and vast knowledge of the field.
My thoughts and prayers for the family.
Paul Mason - April 9, 2020
I met Paul about 2 months after he started at ACC. I can’t believe it’s been 12 years! I worked with him to install A/V systems at RRC, Phase I, HYS, Phase I and was working with him on RGC 1000, before his health started to decline. When I think of Paul, I think of a man that was passionate and knowledgeable about technology and how it could be used as an instrument to enhance the learning experience for students. He approached his work with care, diligence and resourcefulness. He was joy to work with and his attention to detail made me a more successful Project Manager. I could always depend on Paul to provide consistent, reliable feedback and guidance when needed. I’m proud of our collaboration over the years and grateful to have known him. He made me laugh and was one of those special people at ACC that I was always looking forward to working with. I am so saddened that such a hard-working, dedicated man had to be taken from us much, much too soon. I will remember him always and I hope to carry as inspiration, the passion he had for technology, and translate that for myself into design and construction. Thank you Paul. I miss you already.
Julie Todaro, Dean, Library Services, ACC - April 9, 2020
It isn’t very often that people responsible for large scale upgrading, contributing to the design and delivery of new environments and filling requests – comes in to my office out-of-the-blue and say – as Paul did more than once –
“While I was working on the new campus, I found an installation that you have been asking for, but this is more. It can do what you want AND I can get it for a deal AND I have the budget to pay for it – but it is what your people want and need.”
That is to say, he – in the course of executing his very busy workday, saw something that went beyond his roles and responsibilities to point out a deal or figure out the best way to fill a need we had…all in the name of student, faculty and staff success.
For many years I have kept a list of the people with whom I want to work and whose competencies and attributes are ones I am looking for in others. Paul was on my list from the moment we worked together. A consummate professional and colleague – to say he was valued and will be missed is an understatement.
Chris Cervini - April 9, 2020
Paul was such a sweet guy. Always willing to jump in and make the impossible possible. I am deeply saddened by his loss and my heart goes out to his family and his team.
Ana Rummer - April 9, 2020
I will miss running into Paul in the 6th floor hallway at HBC and enjoying his genuine kindness and laidback spirit. When I was in my first months at the college, I was tasked with being the Student Affairs lead for General Assembly. Paul could tell I was stressed and assured me everything would come together. He was right! Not only was he incredibly capable with a wonderful can-do attitude…he was so pleasantly calming and authentic. While we were not close colleagues, I can say without a doubt, he will sincerely be missed.
Missi Patterson - April 9, 2020
Paul was a kind, funny, hard-working problem-solver. I was lucky to work with him during my FCTL days. This is a huge loss. I know I am just one of the many who will miss him. Sending warm thoughts to his family, his team, and all of his friends.
Laura Tabor - April 9, 2020
I was very sad to hear the news about Paul. I knew him since his 1st week at ACC in 2007. As I read the words many wrote by others “tireless advocate for the needs of his team”, “He always had our backs it wasn’t strictly about whatever project or event you might be working on”, “he wanted to make sure we were ok in our personal lives as well.”, I am reminded by what an exceptional person he was, I was not on his direct team but we worked in the same department year after year. I could tell he had his team’s back in a way you don’t find much anymore. He had that ability to be both a manager and a human which many managers are not able to do, especially as they become more important over the years. He was the type of leader we need. If I had some minor issue with one of his team he would ask if I wanted to go for a walk and we would sort it out-off the record. He was that kind of guy and it was refreshing. The last time I saw him, I could tell how ill he was and as usual I asked if I could give him a hug and he said ok. Me being of half Italian background it is “what we do”. He said yes and I gave him a hug hoping I could heal him in some small way. Will miss you Paul.
Richard Palmer - April 9, 2020
Paul created and lead the most reliable group of people I have worked with at our college. His calm and optimistic leadership created the vast classroom technology infrastructure that has lead ACC to a prominent position among colleges in the US. Creating change is not easy and Paul did it with a rare style of leadership that we can all learn from to build a better world. We are lessened from your loss and empowered from your leadership. Thank you Paul. We will miss you.
April Seabourn - April 9, 2020
I had only met Paul in person one time but via email we had talked multiple times. He was such an incredible help with getting my women’s empowerment speaker series #BossLady up off the ground. He patiently answered the many questions I would send him, sometimes daily. My deepest condolences to his friends and family. He will be greatly missed.
Bridget Lott - April 9, 2020
I only met Paul recently as he and his team helped us at the PSTC. Paul was fantastic – always positive and always willing to help us out. He or one of his team members always responded quickly to our requests.
Rest in Peace Paul
Love, Bridget
Melissa Griffith - April 9, 2020
Paul – a great guy, with one terrific smile. Though we didn’t work at the same campus, that’s what I encountered every time we met at a random event set up, or while walking through a campus hallway. You can’t turn away from a warm smile, and his was always welcoming. A busy guy, with a busy team, and the respect amongst them, along with their love for Paul was more than evident. I enjoyed his calming manner and friendliness, and I will miss him. Love to his family, love to his team family, my heart is with you.
Randi Spears - April 9, 2020
It has been an honor to work with Paul Johnson the 5 years I’ve been with ACC. Ridiculously smart, incredibly talented, and truly kind. My heart goes out to his family, his team, and all of us who had the honor of knowing him. His smile and humor will be missed.
Joseph Napolitano - April 9, 2020
I am incredibly saddened by Paul’s Passing. We worked together on many of his projects around the District. I would get that last minute phone call “Heh Joe, guess what just got dropped in our lap”. We would work to get him the power he needed, it was a joy to work with and be around him.
We shared a lot of special moments, I will miss him as a Friend and a Colleague.
My deepest sympathy to his Family.
Johnny Contreras - April 9, 2020
I met Paul at our ACC orientation. We would run into each other from time to time and shoot the breeze
Paul always was a friendly guy and i enjoyed our small talk…
my condolences to his family, team and friends…
this is sad news and a huge loss.
Rest easy my friend
Sharrion Jenkins - April 9, 2020
I truly enjoyed working with Paul, I will miss our interactions on the elevators at HBC, his favorite words were “hey Sharrion can I talk to you about a plan I have been thinking about” and without fail we talked about his thoughts and plans. I personally will miss him tremendously.
Even though we all loved Paul, I find confront in knowing that God loved him best.
To Pauls wife and sons, I will keep you in my prayers.
Sharrion Jenkins
Quality Control and Project Management
Charles M. Cook, Provost/EVP for Academic Affairs - April 9, 2020
Paul epitomized all that is great about ACC employees – selfless, cheerful, positive, always ready and willing to help! I greatly admired and appreciated all of his contributions to our College. He will be missed!
Karen Prill - April 9, 2020
Paul was a great guy. He loved his family. He loved his team. Everybody who knew Paul will miss talking to him. Deepest condolences to all who are sad today.
Dana Tucker - April 9, 2020
Paul had lots of friends at ACC…me included. My heart is sad. Thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends at this tough time. Rest in Peace, Paul. You will not be forgotten.
Nate Zaleski - April 9, 2020
I am very saddened by this, I was hired by ACC in Jan of 2014 as Dept Chair of Fire Protection. Our fire academy classroom was pretty boring from a technology aspect. I worked with our admin to find out what we needed to do to upgrade it and was led to Paul. He came out, assessed our situation and offered a few options that would help us. It didn’t take long and we had a new smart board, an LCD, and he made sure everything was installed and working correctly. Anytime we had issues he resolved them. He always had a smile on his face and offered to help in any way he could. Every time I would run into him at a different campus he would say hi and we would chat awhile. Paul has had an impact on helping us train future firefighters and I am forever grateful. My prayers and condolences to the family.
James Molloy - April 9, 2020
Paul was awesome to work with. My first time to meet him was during the planning and construction of the Public Safety Training Center. He brought his extensive knowledge and expertise to this project every day. Paul was always positive, every challenge was met with “we can make that work” or “there is a way, let’s figure it out”. Paul not only worked through the normal construction and opening issues, but in many cases; anticipated needs that no one else had envisioned.
I eventually worked with or around Paul on several projects. Working with Paul was a pleasure, he was always positive, upbeat, and cared about those around him. He was a vital part of ACC and his work will live on as we are all touched by what he accomplished. We all will miss Paul very much. I will miss my friend even more.
Brandon Whatley - April 9, 2020
Paul was a man of his word, a true professional, and a kind soul. I have always enjoyed working with him and having a casual conversation of which he always made me smile. He has done so much for our division of programs assuring we had the best possible classroom technology. I am grateful to have known Paul and offer my prayers to his family, friends, and coworkers.
Stephanie Bogdanich - April 9, 2020
For the last 10 years every single time Paul Johnson walked into my office I stopped whatever I was doing and smiled. It was always such a pleasure to work with him. He was the best manager, always looking out for his team and making sure they were taken care of. He was the best citizen always advocating for better treatment of workers. When I was really struggling he encouraged me and convinced me to stand up for myself in a way that I don’t think I would have been able to do without him. He always came to my rescue with technology issues and he changed our whole district from a haphazard, duct-taped together system to a professional level audio video system that actually worked. And when it didn’t work, he would come in and fix things. Even as chemotherapy was ravaging was his body, he’d stop in afterwards and explain why my microphones weren’t working or reprogram my crestron system. He still always had a positive attitude and wanted nothing more than to be there in the future for his family. The world was a better place because he was in it. I guess the best way to pay tribute to him is to try and be more like him. Strive to do your best. Treat people always with kindness and compassion. Keep laughing at the absurdity of it all. I’ll miss him forever.
Gail Bayeta - April 9, 2020
This is a truly a loss for our ACC community. The Visual Communication department could not have run as smoothly without Paul and his guidance over his team. He contributed so much to our technology needs, enabling us to be more effective instructors to our students. He was always available to help, and no request was too big or too small. He was so kind and generous with his time and expertise. We are deeply saddened by his passing, but so grateful that we got to work with him. Our condolences to his wife, sons, and TLED colleagues.
Barbara Audet - April 9, 2020
Paul Johnson made ACC work in the best way possible. I am profoundly sorry for his family because this man has left us too soon. Rest peacefully. When we can come back together, can we do something — I like the idea of a garden, somewhere on one of the campuses.
David P. Baker, Jr. - Arts & Digital Media Division - April 9, 2020
When I first learned of Paul’s passing, my first thought was “ACC’s community has lost another of it’s great ones”. He and I had many opportunities to work together during his time with us, and he and his team never failed to deliver with absolute precision and professionalism. My heart goes out to his incredible team, and to his family and friends in this unbelievably difficult time. Paul was a terrific colleague. My team and I will miss working with him greatly.
David P. Baker, Jr. - Arts & Digital Media Division - April 9, 2020
When I first learned of Paul’s passing, my first thought was “ACC’s community has lost another of its great ones”. He and I had many opportunities to work together during his time with us, and he and his team never failed to deliver with absolute precision and professionalism. My heart goes out to his incredible team, and to his family and friends in this unbelievably difficult time. Paul was a terrific colleague. My team and I will miss working with him greatly.
m. yale - April 12, 2020
I would like to send condolences to Paul’s family and thank him for being so caring toward someone in my family with similar health issues.
Connie P. Williams, Ph.D., TABPHE State President, Adjunct Professor - April 10, 2020
I am saddened to learn of his passing. I had the opportunity to work with Paul and his team during an annual conference. He and his team provided excellent assistance and advice. He was highly skilled, laid back and always professional. I am grateful for having the chance to work with him. I will keep his family in my prayers.
Vic Smith - April 11, 2020
Every memory I have of Paul makes me smile and I will be forever grateful for that.
Pete Johnson - April 13, 2020
I’m truly saddened to hear about Paul’s passing. He was a wonderful person and an absolute professional in the workplace. No job was too big or too small, he was the man who could make things happen and fast!
My thoughts go out to his family.
Shana Shaw - April 13, 2020
I will miss Paul’s infectious smile and pleasant demeanor. A few years ago, I got to work with Paul as we brought a 100 student classroom, based on active and project-based learning, to life for the Texas A&M-Chevron Engineering Academy at Austin Community College. Some of you may have enjoyed having a large group meeting in the space at HLC or a few of you may have even gotten the pleasure of teaching in the classroom, something I get the joy of doing every week. To see Paul truly excited about undertaking such a large and different job encompassing new technology made me smile. Of course he and his team added extra technology that Paul knew we would probably use, even if we hadn’t thought of it. I was also thankful of the time Paul took to speak with me about the project. We had a lot of fun “geeking out” about the details of the technology in the class room and lab area. For the past few years after the project was completed, Paul always stopped to say hi when I saw him on campus. I will miss Paul’s infectious positivity to those around him and his love for his job, family and friends. Rest In Peace my friend!
Catherine Solaas - April 18, 2020
I’m absolutely heartbroken. My warmest thoughts are with Paul’s young family and his friends. Thanks in very large part to Paul, the former tuxedo shop at the Highland Mall is now ACC’s dance studio theater, which for the past three years has hosted hundreds of dancers and audience members, and counting. Paul was creative, hard working, and kind, and he will be missed.