Derek Johnson appointed senior director of college’s Inclusion, Equity, and Diversity Student Center

Derek Johnson has been appointed senior director of the University of Wisconsin-Madison College of Engineering’s Inclusion, Equity, and Diversity in Engineering (IEDE) Student Center.

The IEDE Student Center is the home of flagship pre-college (Engineering Summer Program), undergraduate (Leaders in Engineering Excellence and Diversity Scholars Program), and graduate (Graduate Engineering Research Scholars) programs at the College of Engineering, offering a space and place for intercultural and cross-cultural engagement, rigorous academic exchanges, and opportunities for students to make meaningful connections with others.

In his role as senior director, Johnson will provide operational, strategic and creative oversight, advancing the IEDE Student Center’s goal to sustain existing programs and develop new ones to foster an inclusive college and campus community.

A native of Madison, Wisconsin, Johnson graduated from Madison East High School. He holds a bachelor’s degree in sociology and criminal justice, a master’s degree in education, and a doctorate in higher education leadership.

Prior to joining the UW-Madison College of Engineering, he served in a variety of executive-level leadership roles in higher education, including enrollment management and student affairs. He has been instrumental in the strategic development and implementation of programs and services that enhance the student experience and improve student engagement, retention and success.

As a first-generation college graduate, Johnson is both personally and professionally committed to advancing student success by providing the necessary academic and social support services that help students achieve their educational goals. He is actively involved in the Madison community, serving on several nonprofit boards and volunteering with local community-based organizations. He is also a mentor and foster parent. In his spare time, Johnson enjoys spending time with his family, traveling, gardening and writing spoken word poetry.

Johnson’s appointment began on May 22, 2022.