Dr. Levester “LJ” Johnson, vice president for Student Affairs at Illinois State University, is no stranger to the many ways students can be involved on a university campus. His professional career has spanned the scope of Student Affairs, whether through his work across multiple universities or his time as chair of the board of NASPA-Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education, Johnson is well-acquainted with the field.
In some ways, his newest honor is no surprise, given his experience; however, this time it has more to do with student life off campus rather than on campus. Far off campus, to be exact.
This past October, Johnson was officially recognized as the new chair of the board of directors for the Institute for Study Abroad (IFSA).
Beginning on the campus of Butler University in 1988, IFSA has evolved into an independent, non-profit organization with a global impact. According to IFSA’s vision statement, “With the right preparation and encouragement, young people can use their study abroad experiences to enrich their own lives, their communities, and the world we share with meaningful contributions.”
For over a decade, Johnson served as a representative from Butler to the IFSA national advisory board. In 2018, two years after joining Illinois State, Johnson was asked to join the IFSA board of directors. Then, in 2022, he was elected chair of the IFSA governance committee. And now, most recently, he has been elected to lead the board of directors.
In Johnson’s own words, “I’ve had the privilege of witnessing firsthand the transformative impact IFSA has on students around the world. My connection to IFSA spans even further back through my time on the national advisory board as one of Butler University’s representatives, where I saw how global education can shape lives. I am filled with excitement for the future of this remarkable organization, and I know that together we will continue to empower students to engage with the world in thoughtful, courageous, and life-changing ways.”
Over the next two years, the length of this new appointment, Johnson will not only bring his extensive knowledge of navigating university life, but he will also carry forward the personal value and long-term benefits of studying abroad. This commitment includes advocating for the academic and cultural benefits of study abroad programs while maintaining a student-first approach to this kind of learning.
“LJ’s longstanding dedication to student success aligns powerfully with our mission,” said Dr. Heather Barclay Hamir, IFSA president and CEO. “We look forward to all we can accomplish under his leadership.”
For additional information on the Institute for Study Abroad, visit the IFSA website. To learn more about study abroad programs at Illinois State, visit the Study Abroad website.
