Dr. Keith Johnson has been named the vice president for Student Success at East Tennessee State University. With more than 30 years of experience in higher education, Johnson will begin his new role at ETSU effective immediately. 

“At our core, we believe that the success of all of our students is one of the greatest measures of ETSU’s impact,” said ETSU President Dr. Brian Noland. “Dr. Johnson is committed to ensuring that every student has the support, resources and guidance needed to thrive from enrollment to graduation. This new role was created to bring together the people and programs that make that possible.”  

As the new vice president for Student Success within the Division of Student Life and Enrollment, Johnson will oversee existing and new student success initiatives on campus, including the newly envisioned Mary V. Jordan Center. 

“The new Mary V. Jordan Center envisions an empowering learning environment where every student is supported, inspired and equipped to achieve their academic, personal and professional goals,” said Johnson. “The student success center will strive to be a hub of connection, growth and resilience that fosters lifelong success for all students.” 

Johnson joined the university as an assistant professor in 1993 after earning his Ph.D. in industrial technology from The Ohio State University and has served as department chair since 2001.  

He has served in multiple leadership roles across the university and remains active in teaching, service and research. He also is a professor of engineering technology and chair of the Department of Engineering, Engineering Technology, Interior Architecture and Surveying. He has led the department through successful ABET, CIDA and NASAD accreditations. In addition, he was instrumental in the launch of ETSU’s new mechatronics engineering program, which began last fall.  

Johnson has received several national awards and recognitions for his work in engineering and higher education. In 2024, the American Society for Engineering Education presented Johnson with the James H. McGraw Award for his outstanding contributions to engineering technology education through teaching, publications, administration, and such activities as participation in engineering technology studies and surveys and leadership in local and national institute groups. 

“Dr. Johnson has consistently demonstrated a deep dedication to student success through the impactful programs and initiatives he has championed across our campus. I am confident he will carry that same passion and vision into this new role that will provide services to all ETSU students,” Noland said. 

East Tennessee State University was founded in 1911 with a singular mission: to improve the quality of life for people in the region and beyond. Through its world-class health sciences programs and interprofessional approach to health care education, ETSU is a highly respected leader in rural health research and practices. The university also boasts nationally ranked programs in the arts, technology, computing, and media studies. ETSU serves approximately 14,000 students each year and is ranked among the top 10 percent of colleges in the nation for students graduating with the least amount of debt.

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