Bryan Johnston was born February 17, 1949, in Chicago. He earned his undergraduate degree from Northern Illinois University and his law degree from Loyola University. In addition to his service to Willamette University, Johnston's academic experience included terms as adjunct professor at the law schools of the University of New Mexico, University of Bridgeport, University of Oregon and Pepperdine University. His state service included terms in the Oregon House from 1995 to 1999. Johnston served as associate dean of the Willamette University College of Law from 1989 to 1991. He was a founding faculty member of the College of Law's Center for Dispute Resolution and served as director of the center from 1986 to 1989. He served as interim president of the University from 1997 to 1998 and then as Dean of Willamette's Atkinson Graduate School of Management from 1999 to 2001. A skilled negotiator and administrator who cared deeply about education and human services, Bryan M. Johnston died in his sleep on June 7, 2008, at the age of 59.