Georgetown County Coroner Kenny Johnson has been a lawman all of his adult life. Back in November he was elected to his fourth term as coroner. During his illustrious career he has received numerous awards and recognitions. On Dec. 13, he attained another one: college graduate.

Johnson was one of 268 graduate and undergraduate students who received their degrees from CSU. Johnson received his degree in criminal justice with a minor in psychology. He began his career with the Georgetown Police Department in January of 1982 and graduated with honors from the South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy class II in 1983. Johnson’s duties within the department varied from criminal investigations, narcotics, traffic accident investigations to public speaking events.

In 1986 Johnson joined the Georgetown County Sheriff’s Office as a uniformed deputy.

He was promoted to shift sergeant and later promoted to patrol division lieutenant. By the time he left the Sheriff’s Office in 1986, after being elected coroner, Johnson was supervising the uniform patrol division of 30 deputies.

Going back to school to obtain his degree was not a requirement of the office, but Johnson felt compelled to get his degree to better serve the citizens he represents. “The citizens deserve the best that I can give them. I felt like I needed to be the best coroner I can be,” he said.

Johnson elected to enter the criminal justice program at CSU. The Myrtle Beach site was the ideal location for him to fulfill the duties of his office while making the short commute for classes. “I love Charleston Southern,” said Johnson, “I was real pleased
to know that they were in Myrtle Beach. Besides that, my experience with Charleston Southern goes back to the days when they were Baptist College and youth from the school would come to our church. There had always been that connection.”

Johnson relates the integration of his faith in his line of work. “I pray a lot. It forces me to be humble when I have to go and knock on a door at 2 or 3 in the morning to explain the death of a loved one. In times like that I can give them a message of hope. I never force my Christian beliefs on anyone, but I let them know that you can get through this with God’s help.”

Johnson is a longtime member of Screven Baptist Church in Georgetown. His passion for his job is second only to his love for God, his family and his church. “I am married to the woman of my dreams. My wife, Rhonda, has always supported me in my career as well as my educational pursuits. My son, Stephen, thinks it’s cool to have a father graduating from college at 51 years of age. I think it’s cool too.”

Johnson has served in a variety of leadership roles in his church as a deacon, Sunday School teacher, and singing in the
choir. Johnson is the vice president of the South Carolina Coroner’s Association; he is also a member of the American College Forensic Examiners. He received his certification as a medical investigator level 3, and is a board registered medicolegal investigator with the American Board of Medicolegal Death Investigators. He is also certified as a forensic consultant.

Even with his distinguished accomplishments, Johnson was compelled to pursue his degree with CSU. “The coroner’s role in the
criminal justice system is too important not to be educated. I saw Charleston Southern as the choice vehicle to further my educational desires. A bachelor’s degree from Charleston Southern is a prestigious document to hold. My experience at the University has been rewarding, and I will cherish the critical thinking attitude it offers.”

Dr. Jackie Fish, chair of the criminal justice department and director of criminal justice graduate program, said, “We are very fortunate that Charleston Southern attracts quality students such as Kenny Johnson to our criminal justice program. His dedication to completing his bachelor of science degree while working full time as the coroner for Georgetown County speaks volumes of his commitment to our discipline.”

As for Johnson, “This is my ministry,” he says, “I’ve got to be able to offer people something. But as a public servant that is more than just the answer to why their loved one died; you’ve got to offer hope. It’s about being an example.”