LJWorld.com / KU names new dean of students

Archive for Thursday, January 11, 2001

Missouri administrator will cross state line to take job in March

J-W Staff Reports

January 11, 2001

University of Missouri-Columbia administrator Richard Johnson on Wednesday was named the new dean of students at Kansas University.

Johnson, assistant to the vice chancellor for student affairs at Missouri since 1998, will start his new job in March. His salary will be $92,500 per year, according to KU officials.

Johnson came to Missouri as dean of student life in 1995. He will succeed James Kitchen at KU, who left in May to be vice president of student affairs at San Diego State University.

David Ambler, KU vice chancellor for student affairs, said Johnson "is a creative and caring student affairs professional who will greatly enhance the quality of student life on this campus."

KU's dean of students is responsible for campus social, cultural and educational life.

The dean oversees the department of student life, which promotes student development, participation in university organizations and racial, ethnic and cultural appreciation.

"I anticipate that Richard will initiate many new and creative programs to help us improve student retention, facilitate student development and enhance diversity on Mount Oread," Ambler said.

"At the same time, I expect he will have some new ideas on tackling problems related to alcohol use, crime and safety on campus," Ambler said.

"It is with great excitement and anticipation that I look forward to working at the University of Kansas," Johnson said.

Before going to Missouri, Johnson was an assistant to the vice president for student affairs at the University of Vermont.

He also was director of multicultural affairs and a residence hall director at Vermont.

Johnson earned his doctorate in educational leadership and policy study and his master's degree in higher education and student affairs administration from the University of Vermont.

He earned his bachelor's degree in social studies education at Oregon State University.