Illinois State University President Larry Dietz has named Levester Johnson as vice president for the Division of Student Affairs, effective July 1, 2016. Johnson is currently the vice president for student affairs at Butler University in Indianapolis.
Levester Johnson
“Levester Johnson brings a wealth of knowledge, experience, and enthusiasm to his new role in the Division of Student Affairs at Illinois State,” said Dietz. “He has a deep understanding of all aspects of student affairs work, from residential life and student conduct to diversity and leadership. His engaging, student-centered approach, and collaborative leadership style will be a valuable asset to the University.”
Dietz expressed his gratitude to members of the search committee for their work in bringing three highly qualified candidates to campus, and to shared governance groups and members of the campus community for participating in the interview process. “I also want to thank Interim Vice President for Student Affairs Brent Paterson for his professionalism, dedication, and service to Illinois State,” said Dietz.
Johnson began his tenure as Butler University’s vice president for student affairs in 1997. He is responsible for overseeing Butler’s residence life and dining services, programs for leadership and service education, diversity programs, the university’s health and counseling services, recreation programs, Greek life, campus ministries, student conduct, and Title IX. Johnson has provided leadership for the planning, design, and marketing of a $40 million, 644-bed residence hall, and another housing project for $48 million that includes a 500-bed apartment village. Johnson also served in a leadership role helping to develop the Efroymson Diversity Center on Butler’s campus as well as the Celebration of Diversity Distinguished Lecture Series.
Prior to becoming vice president at Butler, Johnson served as that institution’s associate dean of student affairs and assistant dean of students. Before his time at Butler, Johnson was a coordinator of residence life and hall director at Southern Illinois University at Carbondale.
“I am excited to become a member of a student-centered institution like Illinois State University where I can leverage my experience toward further engaging the campus community,” Johnson said. “Meeting so many exceptional ISU students, faculty, and staff committed to this approach makes this move an extremely good fit for me. What an amazing opportunity joining and contributing to the leadership team assembled by President Dietz.”
Johnson holds a bachelor’s degree in broadcast communications from Marquette University, a master’s degree in college student personnel from Southern Illinois University at Carbondale, and an Ed.D. in higher education administration from Indiana University.
