Carolyn Johnson named associate vice provost for diversity and inclusion

Carolyn Johnson, director of Purdue’s Diversity Resource Office and special advisor to the provost, has been named associate vice provost for diversity and inclusion, effective immediately.

“Carolyn is a huge asset to the University and our diversity efforts,” says John Gates, vice provost for diversity and inclusion. “Not only does she bring experience and scholarship to the position, but she possesses a passion for the work that is contagious. I have no doubt that she will play a key role as we seek to be the epicenter of diversity innovation in higher education.”

In the new role, Johnson will report to Gates and focus on major institutional issues regarding diversity and inclusion and university climate. She will continue to work closely with the provost and vice provost to support the multicultural and minority program directors and help identify opportunities for institutional improvement in recruiting and success of students, staff and faculty. She also will continue to serve as liaison to the University Senate Equity and Diversity Committee. 

"I look forward to working with Dr. Gates and others as we refine and refresh our definition and approach to diversity and inclusion at Purdue," Johnson says. “Our many existing strengths combined with the renewed energy around our work make it an exciting time to be a Boilermaker.”

Johnson has helped academic institutions throughout the United States and in Europe, Asia and Africa address critical issues of diversity and inclusion. She has served as a trustee of three institutions of higher learning; has had on-the-ground field experience working with educators in underserved, refugee and minority communities, both nationally and internationally; and has lent her expertise to academic and business diversity assessment. 

She earned her bachelor's and master's degrees in elementary education from Indiana University and her doctorate in education administration from Purdue. She joined Purdue in 1985 in the African American Studies and Research Center.