Johnson named OSU-Tulsa associate vice president for academic affairs

Susan Johnson has been named associate vice president for academic affairs at Oklahoma State University-Tulsa. With more than 29 years of service at OSU-Tulsa, she has most recently served as assistant vice president for academic affairs.

"I look forward to Dr. Johnson’s continued leadership within the OSU-Tulsa community," OSU-Tulsa President Pamela Fry said. "She has extensive institutional knowledge and understands the importance of providing a consistent, high-quality experience for our students from the time they express interest until the day they graduate."

In her new role, Johnson is responsible for overseeing a range of academic and student services. Departments that report to her include Academic Advising, Undergraduate Admissions, Enrollment Services, Faculty Support Services, Library, Prospective Student Services, Scholarships and Financial Aid, and Student Services, which includes Campus Life, Student Disability Services, Testing and Tutoring Services, Wellness and Career Services.

She also plays an active role in the administration of academic programs, supporting Fry and Vice Provost Sheryl Tucker, who is also dean of OSU’s Graduate College. Fry and Tucker will continue to lead academic program development and collaborate with faculty and academic leadership in Stillwater and Tulsa.

Johnson has extensive background in enrollment services, academic advising and academic budgets. She authored a case study on the transition of the University Center at Tulsa consortium to OSU-Tulsa and has served as a guest lecturer on higher education history and critical issues.

She earned a bachelor’s degree in business from Oklahoma Baptist University, a master’s degree in human relations from the University of Oklahoma and a doctorate in higher education from OSU.

Johnson said her top priority is to support initiatives by Fry and Tucker to diversify OSU-Tulsa’s course offerings. She named pre-medicine, arts, humanities and science as key program expansion areas that will meet growing demand in the Tulsa area. She also stressed the importance of understanding the unique needs of transfer students and working adults and finding innovative ways to support their success.

"It has been rewarding to see OSU-Tulsa evolve from its beginnings as part of the University Center at Tulsa to being the metropolitan branch campus of OSU,” Johnson said. "I am excited for this new opportunity to provide an exceptional experience for students earning an OSU degree in Tulsa."