Augustana University is proud to announce that Dr. Joel Johnson has been named interim provost by President Stephanie Herseth Sandlin, and will begin serving in his new role in June of 2023.
“I am deeply honored to be named interim provost at this exciting moment in Augustana’s history,” Johnson said, “and I am eager to partner with the members of Augustana’s exceptional faculty, staff and administration in providing an education that empowers students to enter this changing world with courage, compassion and wisdom.”
Well known and deeply respected for his leadership and teaching excellence, Johnson is the division chair of social science and Sanford Health Peter Schotten Distinguished Professor of Government & International Affairs. He previously served as chair of the department of government & international affairs, Stanley L. Olsen Chair of Moral Values and advisor to the department’s honors program and Government Club.
Johnson also served on the Steering Committee for Academic Affairs — providing invaluable guidance in developing the university’s Viking Bold: The Journey to 2030 strategic plan. He provided critical leadership as co-chair of the Viking Flex Plan Academics Working Group — helping to create the university’s roadmap for successfully and safely navigating the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. As a member of the President’s Council, he continues to play an important role in the development and implementation of key academic initiatives, faculty priorities and university policies.
Before coming to Augustana, Johnson earned a Bachelor of Arts in political science and honors history from Gustavus Adolphus College in 1996, as well as a Master of Arts in political science in 1998 and Ph.D. in political science in 2002, both from Harvard University. Johnson has been the recipient of a Bush Foundation Faculty Development Grant, National Endowment for the Humanities Award and the Core Fellowship from Harvard University. As a Fulbright Senior Scholar, he served for a year as a guest professor at the University of Marburg, Germany.
“Dr. Joel Johnson is a renowned scholar and well-respected leader within the Augustana community and beyond. He will bring trusted and valuable experience, insight and ideas, as well as the innovative mindset so important to successfully achieving the goals set forth in our Viking Bold strategic plan as we navigate the complexities of higher education today. I am excited about what lies ahead and grateful for Dr. Johnson’s commitment to serve the university in this essential role,” said Herseth Sandlin.
Johnson will serve in an interim capacity for two years.
Provost & Executive Vice President Dr. Colin Irvine will 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.