Office of Academic Affairs

Office of Academic Affairs at AU

The Augustana Office of Academic Affairs, led by Provost Dr. Joel Johnson, supports the overall mission of the university. The Augustana Office of Academic Affairs oversees the university's academic programs, faculty, administrators and curriculum within the College of Arts & Sciences, Rydell School of Business, Sharon Lust School of Education, School of Health Professions and School of Music. The office also oversees related support services, including meeting and maintaining accreditation standards, teaching effectiveness and student learning outcomes.

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Meet the Provost

Dr. Joel Johnson joined Augustana in 2003, teaching courses in political philosophy, American political thought, politics & literature and Asian politics. He was named interim provost by President Stephanie Herseth Sandlin in February 2023, following the announcement that Provost & Executive Vice President Dr. Colin Irvine would be leaving Augustana at the end of the academic year to assume a new role as president of Concordia College in Moorhead, Minnesota, on July 1. Johnson received his Ph.D. from Harvard University, where he served as a lecturer on government. In 2010-11, he was a Senior Fulbright Scholar in American studies at the University of Marburg in Germany. From 2013 to 2016, he was appointed Augustana's Stanley L. Olsen Chair of Moral Values.

Dr. Joel Johnson

Contact Us

605.274.5231 | Fax: 605.274.4450

Office of Academic Affairs

Address

Augustana University

Office of Academic Affairs

Administration Building (Second Floor)

2101 S. Summit Avenue

Sioux Falls, SD 57197


Latest News

When Abel Alene ‘26 first arrived in South Dakota, he knew almost nothing about Sioux Falls or Augustana University. And Alene didn’t imagine he’d one day stand at the podium as his class’ commencement speaker.

On Saturday, his commencement speech to the Class of 2026 will address the importance of embracing uncertainty.

When Hannah Roland ‘26 and Knut Opheim ‘26 arrived at Augustana University, the Norwegian nursing students expected to stay for just one semester. Within weeks, a supportive community, busy campus life and new friendships convinced them to extend their stay to a full academic year.

Augustana University is proud to announce the graduating Class of 2026. 

For the sixth year in Augustana’s history, the university’s commencement ceremonies will be held at Kirkeby-Over Stadium. The ceremonies on Saturday, May 23, will include an undergraduate ceremony for the Class of 2026 at 10:30 a.m., as well as a graduate hooding and commencement ceremony at 2 p.m.