Susan Whealler Johnston

Susan Whealler Johnston, executive vice president of AGB, joined the staff in July 2000 as director of private sector programs and soon became a vice president.  She has nearly 30 years’ experience in higher education, including 18 years as a faculty member and administrator, most recently serving as dean of academic development at Rockford College. She served as associate dean at Regent’s College in London, England, from 1995 to 1996.

Susan also has 15 years’ experience as a communications consultant in business and industry.  She has worked with governmental and non-profit agencies as well, and has served on boards of several local social service agencies.  She is a member of the board of directors of the Association for Consortia Leadership, the advisory board for the Policy Center for the First Year of College, and the board of National Institute for Learning Outcomes Assessment. She is also a member of the board of trustees of Rollins College.

Susan earned her Ph.D. and M.A. in 18th-century British literature from Purdue University.  Her undergraduate degree in English, summa cum laude, is from Rollins College. She received an honorary doctorate from Rockford College. Her research, publications, and presentations are in the areas of governance, higher education, and Jane Austen. Included among her publications is a chapter on governing boards and civic engagement in Higher Education for the Public Good: Emerging Voices from a National Movement and AGB’s Survey of Higher Education Governance.

sjohnston@agb.org