Levester Johnson

Levester ‘LJ’ Johnson has dedicated his career to enriching the student experience and fostering campus communities where students can thrive. Currently serving as the Vice President for Student Affairs at Illinois State University, LJ brings decades of experience and a deep passion for connecting with students.

In this interview with Jack Eagle, Co-host of The Interview, LJ shares his journey into student affairs, the innovative approaches his team has implemented to support student wellbeing, and his thoughts on leadership and innovation in Higher Education (HE). From holistic student development to leveraging technology for engagement, LJ offers valuable insights into what it takes to create a truly impactful student experience.

LJ’s Journey

Jack: Can we start with a brief introduction to yourself and your institution?‍

I currently serve as the Vice President for Student Affairs at Illinois State University, a role I’ve held for about eight years – and I absolutely love it here. Before this, I was at Butler University for 24 years, spending 20 of those years as their VP for Student Affairs. Throughout my career, I’ve always sought environments where I can directly engage and interact with students, and I’ve been fortunate to find that at both institutions. Illinois State is a large public institution with more than 18,000 undergraduates and around 3,000–4,000 graduate students.

Jack: How did you get into the sector?

‍My path to Student Affairs was pretty traditional. During my undergraduate years at Marquette University, I was heavily involved on campus. I was an intercollegiate track and field athlete, president of my fraternity, active in the Black Student Union, part of student orientation, and even worked as a building supervisor. I had amazing mentors who recognized my passion for campus life and planted the idea of pursuing this field professionally. They encouraged me to consider graduate school, and I thought, “Tell me more!” That’s how it all began.

Jack: How do you take a holistic approach to the student experience and their development outside the classroom?‍

We focus on creating opportunities for students to gain hands-on and leadership experiences. Our programs and organizations are designed to truly engage students – not just to fill a role but to nurture, guide, and support them as leaders.

One of our standout initiatives is the Student Leader Council. This group meets monthly and includes the presidents of various student organizations. It’s like a think tank for student life. We listen to their insights and ideas on everything from residential environments and campus safety to mental health and wellbeing. It’s an incredible way to involve students in shaping their own experience while also providing an additional layer of leadership development.

Jack: Mental wellbeing is a huge focus in universities right now. How do you engage with students on this?

‍Mental wellbeing is absolutely critical for us. One of the things we’re most proud of is our added layer of care for students. Beyond traditional counseling services, we’ve implemented a case management program. We have case managers embedded within our residential environments, the Dean of Students Office, and health and counseling services. These case managers proactively reach out to students who might need extra support, ensuring they feel heard and know what resources are available to help them succeed. This approach has been incredibly effective, not just for student wellbeing but also for improving retention.

Jack: How do you tackle the challenge of engaging students in these resources?‍

We’ve partnered with a third-party provider to offer online counseling, available 24/7. This has been a game-changer, especially for reaching students when they need support the most – no matter the time of day. What’s especially encouraging is that we’ve seen underrepresented students utilizing this service more than other groups. Historically, these students may have been underserved, so it’s incredibly rewarding to see this initiative making a real impact. Meeting students where they are – both figuratively and literally – is central to our approach.

Jack: What is your mindset toward innovation in your role?

‍Innovation is a passion of mine. I was one of the first in my circle of colleagues to embrace social media as a way to connect with students, and I’ve continued to challenge others to do the same. Students live online, so if we want to communicate effectively, we have to meet them there. One unique aspect of our approach is utilizing student content creators who help us deliver messages in their own language, making the communication more authentic and relatable.

We’ve also moved away from a departmental approach to platforms. For instance, rather than Health Services or the Dean of Students having their own handles, we’ve created a more integrated, student-focused approach. Our goal is to make it easy for students to find the information they need without being bogged down by bureaucracy. This also helps us foster a stronger sense of community and belonging on campus.

Jack: What is the best piece of advice you’ve received in your career?‍

The best advice I’ve ever received is simple but powerful: nothing can replace direct connections with students. As administrators and student affairs professionals, it’s essential to be present and engaged with them.

Students want to know that we care about them and that they matter. When we take the time to meet with them face-to-face and truly listen to their voices, we create an environment where they feel valued. That sense of connection is what encourages students to persist, thrive, and ultimately graduate.