SLU Community Welcomes Johnson at Reception
Saint Louis University’s new executive vice president and provost is optimistic.
Speaking at her welcome reception, Kathy Johnson, Ph.D., laid out her vision for what she hopes to see during her time at SLU. In just a few weeks on the job, she said she’s already seen the blueprint for success.
“The foundation for that future already exists here,” she said. “Across this University, I’ve seen extraordinary talent, dedication, compassion, and commitment to our mission. Suffice it to say, there’s a lot of work to do, but I am filled with optimism.”
A standing-room-only crowd filled the St. Louis Room in the Busch Student Center on Wednesday afternoon to officially welcome Johnson to SLU. Johnson, who started in July, thanked the large group for taking the time to greet her on the first day of classes.
“That means so much to me,” she said. “It truly is an honor to be part of this community and this leadership team.”
During her remarks, Johnson talked about her first few weeks at SLU. In her initial conversation with members of the community, she noted she came away impressed with the commitment, dedication and passion people have for SLU.
“Those conversations have been inspiring,” she said. “Those conversations have affirmed that this is home for me. I know that this is a place where people care deeply about one another, as well as the students that we serve.”
Johnson said she can already feel the community's energy and excitement for the future.
“At its core, I believe our work is about stewardship,” she said. “It’s about ensuring that our resources, talent, and efforts are aligned with our mission and positioned to serve students for generations to come.”
Johnson said she believes communication and empowerment are the keys to SLU’s future success. She said it’s crucial that everyone communicates and is on the same page. She also wants everyone, from students to staff to faculty, to feel empowered to make suggestions and have their voice heard.
Johnson comes to SLU after most recently serving as the president of the University of New Orleans, where she led the university through a period of financial stabilization, strategic planning and institutional transition after taking office in November 2023.
Johnson also served eight years as executive vice chancellor and chief academic officer at Indiana University Indianapolis, one of Indiana’s largest urban research universities. Earlier in her career, Johnson served as associate vice chancellor for undergraduate education and dean of University College at IUPUI, and as chair of the Department of Psychology. She was a member of the faculty there from 1993 to 2023.
“She brings a tremendous breadth of experience to every level,” SLU President Edward Feser, Ph.D., said. “We know, as we pursue what we want to get done here, it’s going to take all of us, at every level, to make the changes we’ve talked a lot about over the last year.’
Feser said Johnson’s experience with every facet of higher education made her an ideal candidate to be SLU’s inaugural executive vice president. Feser said the new role would be important in stewarding major initiatives across the University.
“The kind of person you need to do that kind of role is not just someone who has experience at multiple levels in the institution, but also is someone who is an extraordinary communicator and someone who is able to work with people all across the institution,” he said. “I think that really summarizes my experience with Kathy Johnson.”