Welcome to "Your Redbird Life!"
The staff in the Division of Student Affairs is dedicated to helping students, like you, be successful during their time at Illinois State and beyond. We are committed to providing you with an extraordinary Redbird Life by providing a student experience second to none.
There are innumerable programs in which you can engage. Whether it is becoming a member of one of the more than 400 registered student organizations, participating in a service project, serving as a Wellness Ambassador, living in a Themed Living-Learning Community (TLLC) within the residence halls, raising your cultural awareness through diversity and inclusion programming, or planning a concert through the University Program Board, you will establish life-long friendships and learn more about yourself.
We pride ourselves on providing a small, caring atmosphere to the students, families, faculty, staff, alumni and guests we serve and are committed to respect, empathy, knowledge, and pride in all we do. Our culture of care underscores the student experience within myriad wellness, leadership development, diversity and inclusion programming, and an overall commitment to individualized attention, a hallmark of Illinois State University.
Regardless of how you interact with the Division of Student Affairs, I want you to know that we care about you as an individual and want you to be successful. Make the most of Your Redbird Life and remember, it's a great day to be a Redbird!
Levester Johnson, Ed.D.
Vice President for Student Affairs
Getting to know your VP for Student Affairs, Dr. Levester "LJ" Johnson
Dr. Levester Johnson became the Vice President for Student Affairs in July of 2016. Johnson has over 30 years of experience within student affairs including over 20 years at the Vice President level. He has held numerous leadership positions within professional organizations including NASPA-Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education where he served as the first Chair of the Board of Directors and was recognized as a Pillar of the Profession. A native of Milwaukee, WI, Johnson holds a B.A. degree in broadcast communications from Marquette University, a M.S. degree in college student personnel from Southern Illinois University, and an Ed.D. degree in higher education administration from Indiana University.
Johnson has also been recognized throughout Higher Education for his innovative and effective use of social media in engaging campus communities. He is often asked to speak on the topic of social media within the U.S. and abroad.