By Staff Writer Bridget Maddux
Eastern New Mexico University announced the five candidates for the next chancellor for the University on Oct. 30.
The Chase had the opportunity to meet with each of those five candidates. The first of which is Dr. James Johnston, who touched on what Eastern New Mexico University means to him.
As a first-generation college student from N.M., Johnston said that he wants to work in a university where he can connect with a student body that can relate to his roots.
“I would love to give back to those students that I think are starting where I began,” Johnston said. “The student-centered approach is meeting a student where they are and helping them achieve their goals of earning that credential, that degree, whatever they’re pursuing.”
Johnston served for more than a decade at Midwestern State University in Wichita Falls, Texas in many professional positions including but not limited to Dean of the Robert D. & Carol Gunn College of Health Sciences and Human Services, Interim Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, for five years, and Interim President transitioning the University into the Texas Tech University System. Johnston also served as the inaugural Director of Interdisciplinary Education while at MSU.
Johnston began his career in healthcare, and worked at M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, Texas as a Staff and Interventional Radiographer.
“It really connects to my personal values, particularly compassion and service,” Johnston said.
While he was at M.D Anderson Cancer Center he recalled finding his love of teaching while working in such a renowned teaching and research institution.
Support of faculty and staff and their pursuits are important to Johnston because, “the more you provide a happy, rich working environment for the faculty and staff, the more that carries to the classroom or those student facing parts of the university. What I see myself doing and what I’ve done in the past is really stepping into the culture, the work that is being done.”
What he most enjoys in his work is recognizing the opportunities and possible points of innovation, analyzing the current resources in place, helping to connect them, to guide and direct that work forward. “It’s not going in and making some massive, sweeping changes in what we do. The reason I’ve applied, the reason I want to serve is because of the mission, and vision of the University, and the system. It reflects the work I enjoy most and stepping into that and enhancing that direction,” Johnston explained.
Johnston says he and his wife, “Love being active on campus and being involved and being supportive in whatever activities are happening on or around campus and in the community. Another enjoyable part of that work is being that public face, being that champion for the work of the University.”
The committee continues their deliberation on this important and difficult choice. Should all go according to schedule ENMU’s next chancellor should be announced in time for the new year.
(Dr. James Johnston has been announced as the new chancellor of ENMU, he will take over the position on January 3, 2023.)