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Thomas P. Johnson Distinguished Visiting Scholars & Artists Program

The Thomas P. Johnson Distinguished Visiting Scholars & Artists Program has brought experts and leaders, across a variety of disciplines and fields, to engage in public forums and interact with students, faculty, staff, and other members of the community for over 25 years.

For information, please contact Zach Mendez.

2026-2027 Schedule

Fall 2026

  • The Department of Critical Media and Cultural Studies & Film Studies presents The Global Peace Film Festival. Cultivating a culture of peace. Global Peace 360° is a leading 501(c)3 nonprofit, committed to fostering peace, unity, and understanding by providing opportunities and resources. Through innovative programs and collaborative partnerships, we empower individuals, businesses, and communities to champion peace building. Join us, September 15th-20th, 2026 at Rollins College Bush Auditorium & the Winter Park Library.
  • The Department of Theatre and Dance welcomes Nikki Gyftopoulos to choreograph and teach in preparation for their Expressions Dance Concert. Nikki is a multi-faceted dance professional with an extensive background in performance, competitive choreography, and industry management. Currently serving as the Talent & Marketing Manager for Turn It Up Dance Challenge, one of the nation’s premier dance competition circuits, Nikki possesses a comprehensive understanding of what drives technical excellence and performance quality in the modern dance landscape. Nikki’s choreography will be presented as part of Expressions Dance Concert in the historic Annie Russell Theatre on November 20 and 21, 2026.

Spring 2027

  • The Department of Environmental Studies presents Beronda L. Montgomery, PhD. She is a writer, science communicator, and researcher. She has spent more than 20 years as a professor in higher education; at Grinnell College (since 2022) and prior to that at Michigan State University. As a researcher, Dr. Montgomery studies how individuals perceive, respond to, and are impacted by environments in which they exist. Dr. Montgomery has received numerous honors, including being named one of Cell‘s Inspiring Black Scientists in America, as well as being awarded the 2022 Cynthia Scott Science Writing Award, 2022 Adolph E. Gude, Jr. Award for outstanding service to the science of plant biology and 2023 Hutchinson Medal of the Chicago Horticultural Society. In 2025 she was named by President Biden as a recipient of the Presidential Awards for Excellence in Science, Mathematics and Engineering Mentoring (PAESMEM), the Nation's highest honors for mentors who work to develop fully the Nation's human resources in STEM. Dr. Montgomery is a fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, the American Society of Plant Biologists, the American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, and the American Academy of Microbiology. She is author of two books Lessons from Plants(Harvard University Press, 2021) and When Trees Testify (Heny Holt, 2026). Please join us February 15th-17th 2027 for a selection of programmatic offerings. More info to come!
  • The Department of Theatre and Dance welcomes artists to support In the Heights, a modern musical masterpiece brimming with heart, humor, and now-beloved characters.
    • Director Joshian Morales has built a dynamic career at the intersection of creative leadership, talent development, and high-caliber live entertainment. Most recently, Joshian led the creative execution, training, and cross-disciplinary collaboration for the award-winning How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk at Universal’s Epic Universe. Joshian’s directing credits span national tours and Central Florida’s leading stages, including Disney Live Entertainment, Legoland Florida, The Lightning Thief National Tour, Studio Theatre at Tierra Del Sol, Orlando Shakes, and Winter Park Playhouse.
    • Music Director John Cavazos made his Broadway debut in the 25th anniversary revival of My Fair Lady, appeared in a principal role under the leadership of Stephen Sondheim in his Pacific Overtures, and spent the early part of his career on Broadway, in national tours, regional theatres, and cruise ships. Disney brought John to Central Florida, where he performed, conducted, and taught for thirteen years. Across decades, John’s private vocal studio has prepared singers for dozens of Broadway productions and premiere local stages. John is a Rollins alum and often teaches and directs for the Department of Music.
    • Choreographer Adonus Mabry has performed and choreographed with Tokyo Disney, Viking Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Lines, Disney, Universal, Creative City Project, Modern Theatrics, Renaissance Theatre, and the Crawford Jazz Project. His recent standout contributions to Rollins’ productions include The Prom, Everybody, and Anastasia. 
    • Dramaturg Nadia Garzón is a multi-hyphenate artist and Founder and Executive Director of Central Florida’s Descolonizarte TEATRO, a professional Latinx theater organization centering Latinx, immigrant, and LGBTQ+ identities and their intersections. Her work centers Latin American theater as a tool for decolonization, social change, resistance, and community building. She’s made an impact on organizations and diverse populations locally – including Universal, Disney, Michelee Puppets, Seminole State, Univision Orlando, and Rollins – as well as across the United States and internationally.
    This stellar team will lead student and faculty artists as they prepare to present In the Heights at the historic Annie Russell Theatre, April 15 – 18, 2027.

Apply

Have a scholar and/or artist in mind for the next academic year? Submit your application by TBD for the TPJ Selection Committee's consideration.

Thomas P. Johnson's ’34 ’82H ’99 portrait

Thomas P. Johnson's ’34 ’82H ’99 generous endowment and thoughtful vision developed into the Thomas P. Johnson Distinguished Visiting Scholars & Artists Program.