Brianna Johnson joins COTC as diversity officer
NEWARK — Central Ohio Technical College (COTC) and Ohio State University at Newark have named Brianna Davis Johnson as the first chief diversity officer/diversity, equity and inclusion director.
In her role, Johnson will be responsible for developing and implementing proactive diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives in support of the institutions' strategic plans to create a learning and working environment where all have an opportunity to succeed.
“I am honored to join COTC and Ohio State Newark at this important time in the institutions’ histories,” Johnson said in a press release. “I look forward to partnering with students, faculty and staff to foster diverse, equitable and inclusive cultures at both institutions and in the surrounding communities.”
COTC also has campuses in Coshocton, Mount Vernon and Pataskala.
Johnson was the program manager for the Ohio Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation, Office of Diversity and Inclusion at Ohio State University. She has a significant history of work in higher education community engagement, diversity initiatives and residence life, including various roles at the University of Texas at Austin, University of Illinois at Chicago, Syracuse University and Northwestern University.
She has facilitated and presented at numerous diversity workshops and lectures across the country. Johnson holds a doctorate in educational leadership and policy from the University of Texas at Austin, a master of science in higher education administration and policy from Northwestern University and a bachelor of arts in educational studies and urban studies from Washington University in St. Louis.
Johnson was selected after a comprehensive national search by a committee that included student body members, staff and faculty.
This article originally appeared on Coshocton Tribune: Brianna Johnson joins COTC as diversity officer
