Missouri Western names Dr. Jay Johnson as provost

Nov. 20, 2024-Missouri Western State University has named Dr. Jay Johnson as provost and vice president of academic affairs. Dr. Johnson, currently associate provost for academic operations and undergraduate studies at Northwest Missouri State University, will begin his duties Jan.13, 2025.

"I'm excited to welcome Dr. Jay Johnson to the Griffon family," said Dr. Elizabeth Kennedy, Missouri Western's president. "Dr. Johnson has had a distinguished career in higher education, serving a variety of institutions with diverse missions. He is committed to aligning academic programs with regional workforce needs and has a strong track record of transforming visions into reality. I know that he will be an outstanding leader for our Division of Academic Affairs and will provide excellent service to our students and our community."

"It is an honor to be chosen to serve Missouri Western as its next Provost," Dr. Johnson said. "Missouri Western is an important driver of economic and social mobility in St. Joseph, Missouri, and the surrounding areas. I am truly excited to have the opportunity to become a Griffon and work alongside the students, faculty, and staff to further address the needs of the region, advance the open access and applied learning mission, and create opportunities for innovation and growth that will ensure our students are prepared to face the challenges and opportunities of the future."

The provost and vice president of academic affairs is Missouri Western's chief academic officer, overseeing the College of Business and Professional Studies, College of Liberal Arts, College of Science and Health, Graduate School, and a number of academic support units.

Dr. Johnson has been at Northwest since 2018, overseeing undergraduate studies, outreach and dual credit and academic operations among other duties. He served as liaison to the Higher Learning Commission for university accreditation purposes and to the Missouri Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development in academic program approval and review processes.

Previously, Dr. Johnson held faculty and/or administrative positions at Fontbonne University, Friends University, Benedictine College and North Central Missouri College. He is also vice president of Johnson Land and Development Company, a privately held family farm corporation in Gallatin, Missouri.

Dr. Johnson received a Bachelor of Arts in Business from Truman State University, a Master of Business Administration from William Woods University and a Doctor of Educational Leadership from the University of Missouri-Columbia.

Missouri Western State University is a student-centered learning community preparing individuals for lives of excellence through applied learning. Missouri Western is located in St. Joseph, Mo., and is committed to the educational, economic, cultural and social development of the region it serves. Visit missouriwestern.edu.