COTC/OHIO State Newark appoint first Chief Diversity Officer

NEWARK, Ohio, January 10, 2022 – Central Ohio Technical College (COTC) and The Ohio State University at Newark announce the appointment of Brianna Davis Johnson, PHD, as the institutions' first chief diversity officer/diversity, equity and inclusion director. The new position is shared by the two institutions and will report directly to the COTC president and the Ohio State Newark dean and director. Johnson assumed her role on Jan. 3.

As chief diversity officer/ diversity, equity and inclusion director, Johnson will be responsible for developing and implementing proactive diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives in support of the institutions' strategic plans to create a learning and working environment where all have an opportunity to succeed.

“I am honored to join COTC and Ohio State Newark at this important time in the institutions’ histories,” said Johnson. “I look forward to partnering with students, faculty and staff to foster diverse, equitable and inclusive cultures at both institutions and in the surrounding communities.”

Most recently, Johnson was the program manager for the Ohio Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation, Office of Diversity and Inclusion at The Ohio State University. She has a significant history of work in higher education community engagement, diversity initiatives and residence life, including various roles at the University of Texas at Austin, the University of Illinois at Chicago, Syracuse University and Northwestern University. She has facilitated/presented at numerous diversity workshops and lectures across the country. Dr. Johnson holds a Doctorate in Educational Leadership and Policy from the University of Texas at Austin, a Master of Science in Higher Education Administration and Policy from Northwestern University and a Bachelor of Arts in Educational Studies and Urban Studies from Washington University in St. Louis.

After a comprehensive national search, a search committee composed of student body members, staff and faculty recommended Johnson for the appointment.

Central Ohio Technical College and The Ohio State University at Newark have forged an outstanding array of educational opportunities for the central Ohio region and beyond. This partnership is viewed as a model for higher education in the state of Ohio. At COTC, students gain hands-on, applicable experience to begin working in the field or to transfer those credits toward a bachelor's degree program. Ohio State Newark offers an academic environment that's inclusive of diversity, challenging but supportive with world-renowned professors and access to Ohio State's more than 200 majors.