COOKEVILLE – Brandon Johnson is quickly becoming acquainted with his new job and new title.
Johnson, who served as vice president for enrollment management at Avila University in Kansas City, Missouri, is Tennessee Tech’s new vice president for enrollment management and career placement.
“Dr. Johnson possesses the breadth and depth of knowledge to enhance Tennessee Tech’s enrollment management strategy,” said Tennessee Tech President Phil Oldham. “He is data driven and has a passion for students, which is an important combination for enrollment management. Dr. Johnson’s progressive work history at Avila University indicates that he is well respected and delivers results.”
At the small private Avila University, Johnson was responsible for all undergraduate, graduate, international and adult recruitment, financial aid and career services. It was the title of enrollment management and career placement at a bigger university that caught his eye.
“Enrollment management is my background, but career placement is unique. In today’s world, it’s intriguing and I felt strongly in pursuing the opportunity,” said Johnson. “As I began to learn more about Tennessee Tech and its location and all the experiences you can have as a family and grow as a professional, I thought it was an incredible opportunity to pursue and I’m glad I’m here.”
The vice president for enrollment management and career placement is a new position created in the August 2017 university reorganization, in part to emphasize the importance of student recruitment and retention.
“Higher ed is being challenged to be more intentional about this experience and the value proposition of what students and families are looking for,” said Johnson. “Career placement is to allow students to be prepared to do whatever they desire from a career standpoint. It’s to ensure that after four years, they are ready and to move on to the next level.”
Johnson began his professional career as the admissions counselor at Buena Vista University before taking a job as the senior assistant director of admissions at Iowa Wesleyan College. He then became the director of enrollment management at the University of Saint Mary.
At Avila University, Johnson served as the director of undergraduate admission, associate vice president for enrollment management, associate vice president for enrollment management and athletics, and vice president for enrollment management before coming to Tech.
Johnson officially started his new position on Monday. He says he is already implementing his goals.
“The short-term goal is to get to know the community and be a part of the community. In the long term, it will be implementing the strategic plan and making sure I do my part in leading the enrollment management and career placement area to reach university goals and be part of the solution and taking initiative to do our part to lead us to where Tech needs to be in the future.”
Johnson’s educational background includes a bachelor’s degree from Buena Vista University; a master’s from the University of Saint Mary; and a doctorate from Baker University.
He is married and has two children.
