Photo by Liz Kaye, Indiana University Kathy Johnson has been named the next president for the University of New Orleans. She will be stepping down as IUPUI ‘s executive vice chancellor and chief academic officer to become the University of New Orleans’ first female president.

Jay Gladden will serve as interim executive vice chancellor and chief academic officer. Gladden has spent nearly 15 years at IUPUI, holding various leadership roles that have included assistant vice chancellor for undergraduate education, dean of University College and dean of the School of Physical Education and Tourism Management. His work has focused on supporting student success, high-impact practices and honors education.

Additional details about the leadership transition will be shared at a later date.

“On behalf of the campus, I want to thank Kathy for all that she had done to transform IUPUI over many years,” Interim Chancellor Carol Anne Murdoch-Kinch said. “She has been a wonderful colleague who lives the values and carries the mission of our campus.”

Johnson joined IUPUI in 1993 as an assistant professor of psychology in the School of Science. Her specialty is cognitive development psychology.

From 2008 to 2011, she served as chair of the Department of Psychology. From 2011 to 2015, she served as dean of University College and associate vice chancellor for undergraduate education. Johnson began serving as interim executive vice chancellor and chief academic officer in August 2015 and, following a national search, was appointed to the position permanently in July 2016.

Some of Johnson’s administrative accomplishments include launching the Institute for Engaged Learning which, among other goals, provides opportunities for all undergraduate students to participate in at least four applied, integrative and engaged learning experiences; establishing the Strategic Information Council, which uses data to drive improvements in retention and success; and working with faculty leaders to redesign and better coordinate holistic professional development and support for faculty through the Forum Network.

Johnson has a bachelor’s degree and master’s degree in psychology from the University of Massachusetts, and a Ph.D. in psychology from Emory University.