Olin Johnson, a longtime faculty member with the Department of Computer Science at the University of Houston, died at his home on April 6, 2026. He was 90.
Johnson served as a computer science professor for more than 40 years in the College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, teaching courses in high-performance computing, numerical analysis, game development, artificial intelligence concepts and geophysics applications.
A native of Texas, Johnson earned a B.S. and M.S. in mathematics from Southern Methodist University and a Ph.D. in applied mathematics from the University of California, Berkeley in 1968.
He began his career in Houston working for IBM, Rice University, and IMSL Inc. before joining the University of Houston in 1973, where he built a long career in teaching and research. He served as chair of the Department of Computer Science from 1974-1979. Upon retiring in 2015, he was awarded the title of professor emeritus.
Johnson mentored 10 doctoral students and more than 100 master’s students during his career. He received the UH Teaching Excellence Award in 2012.
“Olin Johnson was a dedicated educator whose impact on generations of students and colleagues will be long remembered,” said Lennart Johnsson, interim chair of computer science. “His commitment to teaching and mentorship helped shape the careers of countless students and strengthened our academic community.”
Johnson’s life will be celebrated at Monday, April 27 at The Woodlands Methodist Church (Robb Chapel) at 11 a.m.
An additional memorial service at the University of Houston campus is also being planned.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to support the Department of Computer Science Scholarship in memory of Dr. Olin Johnson at giving.uh.edu/nsm/johnson.