Having served since 2003, Steven L. Johnson is the president and chief executive officer over all of Sinclair Community College. Johnson was born and grew up as a self-professed “farmboy” in Northern Wisconsin, where he developed a career in agriculture.
As he grew older, he left the farm to study at the University of Wisconsin, where he studied marketing and public relations. During his college years, Johnson dabbled in many hobbies such as basketball, photography and even writing for his college paper. He even possesses an impressive collection of acoustic and electric guitars. In addition, he held down a job as a news director on a local radio station.
His appreciation for the University of Wisconsin and what it did for him and his friends, coupled with his own yearning to make a difference in the world drove him to pursue a career in the university business.
He later obtained his PHD in education administration from the University of Texas-Austin. Over the next few years, Johnson found himself working for several universities across the America.
Eventually, he found his way to Sinclair Community College in the early 2000s. During his first few years, he slowly progressed through the ranks of Sinclair. From professor, to public services director, to dean, to COO, to vice president, Steve Johnson truly has done it all.
In the year 2003, Sinclair found itself in need of a new president/CEO. Countless candidates from all over the country were interviewed by the Sinclair board of trustees.
In the end, the massive group of applicants were narrowed down to four people, one of which was Johnson. Ultimately, the board’s decision laid in favor of Johnson and he was elected as chief executive officer of Sinclair Community College.
Being CEO of a college as large as Sinclair isn’t a 9 to 5 job. As the president/CEO of one of the oldest and largest community colleges in the nation, Johnson has many responsibilities to attend to.
One minute, he may be meeting with many vice presidents for a status update. The next, he might be talking with a politician regarding a potential bill, all while sending and receiving countless emails. The CEO best summed up his job with a clever acronym that speaks for itself, “sleepes.” It stands for the following:
Stake holders
Legal issues
Educational issues
Economical issues
Political issues
Ethical issues
Sustainability
In addition to keeping Sinclair running like a well-oiled machine, Johnson is very mindful of the future. Despite serving as president/CEO for roughly 15 years, his resolve remains stronger than ever to lead Sinclair into the land of tomorrow.
One of the greatest challenges he faces is always being sure to keep Sinclair Community College ahead of the curve. However, challenges like this and helping people find proper education are what he enjoys the most about being president/CEO.
Johnson’s ultimate goal is to provide affordable, accessible and exceptional education for people of all kinds, and prepare them for the ever-advancing world we live in.
To any and all Sinclair students out there, Johnson advises you to get out there and volunteer. Find something you’re passionate about, and use that to benefit those around you.
“It’s one thing to strive to be successful, it’s another thing to be useful,” Johnson said.
Samuel Claude
Reporter