University of San Diego Names Charlotte Johnson New Vice President for Student Affairs

After a national search, the University of San Diego has selected Charlotte Johnson, JD, to serve as its new Vice President for Student Affairs. She is expected to start her new role on Aug. 1, 2021.

Johnson currently serves as the Vice President and Dean of Students at Scripps College in Claremont, Calif. Before joining Scripps, she was the Chief Student Affairs Officer at Dartmouth College and Colgate University. Johnson also served on the senior leadership team at the University of Michigan Law School.

“As an engaged, contemporary Catholic university we seek to create an inclusive and holistic learning and living environment for our students,” said USD President James T. Harris III, D.Ed. “Charlotte Johnson is a nationally recognized leader in student affairs who has demonstrated strong leadership in addressing many of the challenges facing higher education today. Throughout her career she has focused on student success and we are excited to welcome her to our campus.” 

With more than two decades of experience in higher education, Johnson has served as a thought leader and change agent for some of the most salient issues in higher education, including inclusion and access, sexual assault on college campuses, campus climate/support of marginalized student populations, experiential learning and strategic integrations between academic and student affairs.

“I am truly honored to be joining the USD leadership team and the larger USD community,” said Johnson. “I am especially looking forward to getting to know the remarkable students, as well as staff and faculty colleagues. USD takes seriously its commitment to student success and helping students find meaning and purpose. I am excited for the opportunity to advance this work as part of an educational mission steeped in a commitment to inclusive excellence.”

In her role at USD, Johnson will report to the president and serve as a key member of the executive leadership team to shape strategies that support the student experience at the university. She will oversee the division of Student Affairs, which includes four major functional areas — the Dean of Students, Student Life, Wellness and Auxiliary Services.

The national search attracted a wide pool of candidates from across the country. The 10-member search committee, which included faculty, staff and student representatives, was co-chaired by Gail F. Baker, provost and vice president of academic affairs, and Noelle Norton, dean of the College of Arts and Sciences.

Johnson holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Detroit Mercy, earned her Juris Doctor from the University of Michigan Law School and has served on various local and national boards throughout her career.

— Daniel Telles