STEPHENVILLE, Texas — Tarleton State University mourns the passing of distinguished campus leader and philanthropist Dr. Lamar Johanson, who died Sunday, June 8, at age 89, leaving behind a legacy that shaped generations of students, strengthened education and left an undeniable mark on Tarleton State.
Dr. Johanson joined the Tarleton State faculty in 1961 as an instructor in the Department of Biological Sciences, beginning a 40-year career that would see him serve in a variety of academic and administrative leadership roles.
During his tenure, he spearheaded efforts to establish associate and bachelor’s degree programs in nursing, as well as the medical laboratory sciences program, in Fort Worth’s Medical District. He was appointed Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences in 1981 and served in the role for 18 years.
Following his retirement in 2001, The Texas A&M System recognized his contributions to higher education by naming him Dean Emeritus of the College of Arts and Sciences and Professor Emeritus of Biological Sciences.
His dedication extended to Tarleton State athletics, where he served as a Faculty Athletics Representative from 1980 to 2000. In this role, he helped guide the university through its transition from the Texas Intercollegiate Athletic Association to the Lone Star Conference.
He later served as president of the Lone Star Conference and remained actively involved with the Texan Club from its founding in 1994. His commitment earned him the All-Purple Award and induction into the Tarleton State Athletics Hall of Fame in 2007.
Dr. Johanson and his wife, Marilynn T. Johanson, created opportunities that continue to impact students directly through scholarship support.
Established in 2012, the Lamar and Marilynn T. Johanson Endowed Scholarship was created through the couple’s life estate gift. The couple also established the Lamar and Marilynn T. Johanson Biological Sciences Endowed Scholarship, supporting undergraduate and graduate students majoring in programs offered through the Department of Biological Sciences.
Their lifetime giving totaled nearly $15 million, one of the largest in university history.
A significant portion of their giving legacy remains visible through the Timberlake Biological Field Station. Situated on approximately 800 acres along the Colorado River in Mills County, the field station serves as a living laboratory for environmental research, student learning and stewardship of natural resources.
In 2014, the science building was renamed the Lamar Johanson Science Building in recognition of his transformative contributions and service to Tarleton State. Additionally, in 2020, the couple received Tarleton State’s Legacy Award for Leadership, and in 2021, they were both awarded honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degrees.
Through education, leadership, philanthropy and an unwavering belief in the mission of Tarleton State University, Dr. Lamar Johanson has helped shape the institution for generations to come. His legacy will continue in the students he inspired, the programs he advanced and the enduring commitment to excellence he embodied.
A founding member of The Texas A&M System, Tarleton State University is breaking records — in enrollment, research, scholarship, athletics, philanthropy and engagement — while transforming the lives of more than 28,000 students in Stephenville, Fort Worth, Waco, Bryan and online. For 127 years, Tarleton State has been committed to accessible higher education opportunities for all while helping students grow academically, socially and professionally through programs that emphasize real-world learning and address regional, state and national needs.