Nicholls welcomes Rushton Johnson to the position of dean of Student Life from Jackson, Miss, where he worked at Millsaps College. Johnson received his education from the University of Alabama, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in Psychology-Sociology, a Masters degree in Counseling, and a Doctor of Education degree in Higher Education Administration.
Johnson will work with students to move the student life program forward, especially in the areas of student organizations and Greek life.
“My plans are to get to know lots of students – ask lots of questions,” he said. “I am very glad to be here,” Johnson said. “I see myself as one of the principle student advocates, and I will be actively representing your interests to my administrative colleagues.”
After leaving Millsaps, Johnson launched a national search for the type of job he was looking for, and Nicholls met his expectations. Johnson said what attracted him to Nicholls was the size of the institution and the organizational structure of it.
He said he feels Nicholls will give him an opportunity to contribute and grow professionally.
He also said he thinks that Nicholls has the momentum to grow both academically and in student life outside of the classroom. He said he is enthusiastic about his experiences so far.
“I have really enjoyed meeting students and acquainting myself with the University community and the larger Thibodaux community,” Johnson said. “I have found the University community to be very hospitable and welcoming, and I feel that I fit in well with the University community.”
Johnson said he is glad to have an exceptionally talented staff that cares deeply about students, and he looks forward to partnering with them to serve the students.
To get to know Nicholls better, Johnson said he intends to assemble a group of about ten students early in the semester to serve as his transition team. These students will work the entire semester with Johnson to help him “navigate the terrain of the Nicholls community.” They will also assist Johnson in connecting with the students.
“This group will function as a think tank of sorts and provide feedback to me that will help me work effectively in my new role,” he said.
Johnson said he feels work is especially needed in the area of Greek life, because there has not been a full-time Greek advisor for some time. He feels the program has suffered due to the lack of guidance, and plans to address these issues.
“When Greek organizations operate according to the protocols of their national organizations, then they contribute in significant and profound ways to campus life and student learning,” Johnson said.
He said he feels that failing to operate according to protocol causes problems, and the organization becomes a drain on the community rather than a benefit.
Johnson will also be working with student organizations, and collaborating with the Student Programming Association and the Student Government Association in order to improve student life programming for the community.
“Student organizations are an excellent way to become involved in campus life and to learn skills that are transferable into the real world of work,” he said. “I would like to see clearly articulated standards and accountability for student organizations as it relates to timeliness in planning and collaboration.”
In order to improve student life on campus, Johnson said he would like to enact several measures that would better encourage students to get involved at Nicholls.
One is a comprehensive leadership co-curriculum, another is a multicultural and diversity education program, and a third is an organized and comprehensive approach to incorporating community service, volunteerism, and service learning into the student experience.
Johnson said he plans to address these issues within his first year at Nicholls and devise concrete recommendations for how the University should move forward with adding programs that address the areas of student learning.
