Campus Connection

As Julia Johnson begins her new role as the College of Liberal Studies dean, she plans to work with faculty, staff and students to set a clarified direction for the college while not losing sight of why she and others are here: the students. “What drew me to UW-L when I first interviewed here and now as I continue to work here is that our faculty and staff are dedicated — at their core — to our students,” she says. [caption id="attachment_41809" align="alignright" width="240"] Julia Johnson, new dean of the College of Liberal Studies[/caption] Johnson looks forward to showcasing that dedication while advancing the community’s understanding of the value of a liberal arts education. Her appointment begins Wednesday, July 1.

“The reality is that employers want people who are adaptable, creative and problem solvers,” says Johnson. “I believe at an institution like ours, students learn those skills across the university, but people in our college specialize in areas that exemplify those skills and values. We need other people to know what we already know about ourselves: We are the cornerstone of a liberal arts education.”

Johnson has been associate dean of CLS and director of the School of Arts and Communication since 2011. She knows the college well, says Marcie Wycoff-Horn, director of the School of Education and chair of the search and screen committee for the new dean. “Her awareness of both the opportunities and challenges of the college set her up to lead with a strategic vision,” says Wycoff-Horn. “We are excited to have Dr. Johnson joining us in this new role.”

Establishing new strategic goals

Johnson says her first order of business will be to establish new strategic goals for the college with the help of a task force made up of faculty and staff. “In part, to lead is to facilitate the talents and goals of the collective. Then, take responsibility for helping move the collective in that direction,” says Johnson. Johnson’s cooperative approach to leadership is no surprise. Over the years, she’s been committed to research that “addresses and resists relationships of power within and across cultural identifications.” Also, her research and teaching in areas of social justice help her stay focused on inclusivity in all the work she does, she says. Johnson is particularly proud of the college’s leadership in Inclusive Excellence, a campus initiative that prioritizes creating a diverse and inclusive working and learning environment.

Room for growth

As associate dean, Johnson was aware of two areas where the college could improve: fundraising and outreach. As she embarks on her new role, she is already meeting with members of community and seeking fundraising support for the college. Johnson was also the inspiration behind an annual CLS festival that is all about outreach. Creative Imperatives is designed to showcase the innovative and thought-provoking work of students, faculty, staff and distinguished guests through events, displays and performances over several days during spring semester. The festival exemplifies what she aims to do at a broader college level — highlight the excellent work of people in the college while enhancing their prominence in the community. “UW-L is part of this community and our community wants more from us,” says Johnson. “Creative Imperatives is one way we provide that bridge.”

Faculty fellows

The Dean’s Office has appointed three faculty fellows for the 2015-2016 academic year who will help accomplish initiatives of the college.

• Joe Anderson, professor, Theatre Arts – Special Events Fellow
• Victor M. Macías-González, professor, History – Enrollment and Strategic Recruitment and Retention Initiatives Fellow
• Marie Moeller, associate professor, English/Rhetoric and Writing – Publicity, Outreach and Interdisciplinary Fellow