Contact: Katryn Conlin, Director of Communications
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For Immediate Release

Mark Johnson joins administration of Minnesota State College Southeast as Vice President of Student Success 

 Winona and Red Wing, MN (October 25, 2023) - Minnesota State College Southeast is proud to announce today the appointment of Mark Johnson as Vice President of Student Success. In this role, Johnson will lead the college's academic enterprise and student support services,  effectively impacting all aspects of the student experience at Southeast.  

"Mark Johnson's leadership style and career path make him an exemplary choice for Minnesota State College Southeast," said President Marsha Danielson. "As a seasoned administrator who has held a wide variety of leadership roles, he is well prepared to meet the specific needs of our college and the communities we serve."

Johnson comes to Southeast with wide-ranging experience in higher education spanning more than two decades. Most recently he was Academic Dean from 2018-2023 at Hennepin Technical College, the largest public technical college in Minnesota, where he managed a broad academic division, developed recruitment and retention strategies, and led initiatives to align programs with industry needs.  

In 2022-2023, Johnson took a leave of absence to serve as Interim Vice President of Academic and Student Affairs at Central Lakes College, where he provided visionary leadership, oversaw budgeting, and led various academic and student support programs.  

At San Jacinto College in the Houston, Texas area, Mark Johnson served from 2010-2018 in both administrative and faculty roles, including Dean of Business and Technology and Chair of English, Humanities, and Modern Languages. As an instructor from 2010-2014, he was named a Distinguished Professor of English. 

Previously, he was an English professor at Winona State University and University of Wisconsin-River Falls, where he taught a range of courses, advised students, and contributed to department-wide assessment efforts.  

"Minnesota State College Southeast is such an important part of our communities and the economy, and I am so thrilled to be part of that," said Mark Johnson. "Southeast provides equal access for all students to obtain an excellent education through its many transfer pathways and some of the most state-of-the-art technical programs in the country."

Johnson holds an associate degree in English Language/Letters from University of Wisconsin-Baraboo/Sauk and a bachelor's degree in English from University of Wisconsin-La Crosse. He earned a master's degree in English at Winona State University, where he is currently working on a doctor of education (Ed.D) in Educational Leadership and Administration.  

In addition, he holds a Juris Doctor, Law (J.D.) degree from Mitchell Hamline School of Law, where he was awarded prestigious CALI awards in Persuasive Legal Writing and Alternative Dispute Resolution.

Johnson said that his goal at MSC Southeast is to help build a culture that supports all students, inside and outside of the classroom. "Every student should have access to equitable learning opportunities, high-impact academic support services, and basic needs support. I'm committed to expanding this kind of support at Southeast so that our students can achieve their career goals."

"Mark Johnson's commitment to advancing inclusion and closing equity gaps will be a great asset to the college," said President Danielson, adding, "His experience within the Minnesota State system and the Higher Learning Commission, and the variety of continuous improvement initiatives he's implemented, will greatly benefit Minnesota State College Southeast as we continue to grow and serve our communities." 

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About Minnesota State College Southeast

Located in the historic river towns of Red Wing and Winona, Minnesota State College Southeast is a two-year technical and community college offering small class sizes, state-of-the-art facilities, and a friendly and supportive environment. In 2023-2024, the college is celebrating its 50 & 75 Anniversary Year: 50 years of service in Red Wing and 75 years of service in Winona. Minnesota State College Southeast is a member of Minnesota State. For more information, visit www.southeastmn.one.