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W. Garry Johnson, who has served as vice president of student services at Western Illinois University since 1997, will retire June 30, 2011, after 31 years of service.
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Johnson Announces Retirement

October 20, 2010

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MACOMB, IL – W. Garry Johnson, who has served as vice president of student services at Western Illinois University since 1997, will retire June 30, 2011, after 31 years of service. A reception will be announced at a later date.

Johnson, who was named vice president of student services at Western in May 1998, also serves as an associate professor of counselor education and college student personnel. Johnson served as the University's interim vice president for student services from 1997 to 1998, and prior to this appointment, he served as associate vice president for student services from January 1997 to September 1997, and as assistant vice president for student services-student life from 1983 to 1996. He was Western's director of residence life from 1980 to 1983. Prior to joining the student services division at WIU, Johnson was the assistant director of housing and residence hall director at the University of Missouri-Columbia.

"Throughout the years, Garry has been a leader and a visionary in the division of student services at Western. His knowledge and experience has made him an integral member of the University's administrative team, and he has significantly contributed to the Division of Student Services accomplishments," noted WIU President Al Goldfarb.

As vice president for student services, Johnson is responsible for the areas of Admissions, Athletics, Beu Health Center/Student Health Services, Career Services, Casa Latina Cultural Center, University Child Care, Counseling Services, Disability Resource Center, Electronic Student Services, Financial Aid, GoWest Transit System, Greek Affairs, Harry Mussatto Golf Course, Gwendolyn Brooks Cultural Center, Learning to Lead, Student Activities, Student Assistance and Parent Service Center, Student Development and Orientation, Student Judicial Programs, Student Legal Services, Student Publications, Women's Center, as well as the Auxiliary Facilities System comprised of the University Union, University Bookstore, University Housing and Dining Services, University Food Service and Campus Recreation.

Under his leadership, numerous projects have been completed, including the former Grote Hall was razed and a new Grote Hall was built; residence hall dining centers were renovated; a new dining center for Thompson and Higgins halls was constructed; several residence halls were renovated and Wetzel Hall was decommissioned. In addition, the University Union food court was developed along with a major renovation of the University Bookstore, and the new entrance to the Union will be completed by Spring 2011. During his tenure, the University Golf Course was expanded to 18 holes; GoWest Transit was developed and expanded; and the Women's Center and Disability Support Center were integrated into the Division of Student Services. The student side of Hanson Field was renovated and the new Multicultural Center was constructed, along with the Donald S. Spencer Campus Recreation Center and its most recent expansion. Numerous athletic facilities were enhanced, including the new women's basketball office complex and a major renovation of baseball's Alfred D. Boyer Stadium. During his time as vice president, WIU saw the development of the Student Assistance and Parent Service Center and the new Veterans Resource Center in the Wright House. Numerous programs such as Convocation, First Night Fun and Camp Leatherneck were also developed during Johnson's tenure.

Johnson received his doctorate and master's degrees from the University of Missouri-Columbia and his bachelor's degree from Southern Colorado State University. He has held regional, national and international offices in several professional associations, including serving as president of ACUHO-I (Association of College and University Housing Officers-International) and two terms as president of the Upper Midwest Region Association of College and University Housing Officers (UMR-ACUHO). Johnson is a member of the National Association of Student Personnel Administrators (NASPA) and the American College Personnel Association (ACPA). On the WIU campus, Johnson is a member of the Community-University Partnership Program (CUPP), Auxiliary Facilities Committee (chair), the Western Athletic Club, the Council on the Quality of Campus Life Committee (co-chair), and has served on numerous campus committees throughout his tenure at Western.

"I want to thank Presidents Al Goldfarb and Don Spencer for their support during their tenures, along with Dr. Ronald Gierhan, vice president for student services, who was a great role model for me and others in the division. I have been blessed to work side-by-side with some of the most dedicated and talented student affairs professionals anywhere in the country," Johnson said. "They have given so much on behalf of our students over the years. WIU students are the true benefactors of the hard work staff do to help them be successful. I have enjoyed working with a group of amazing student-leaders who have worked hand-in-hand to make Western the wonderful place that it is today. I will always be grateful for the many opportunities afforded me during my time at Western. I can't imagine being at a better place for all this time."

In the community, Johnson has served on the Board of Directors of the Macomb Downtown Development and Chamber of Commerce and is involved in the Rotary Club of Macomb, of which he is a past-president. Johnson currently serves on the Rotary District Ambassadorial Scholarship Committee. He has served on the Performing Arts Society Board, was a member of the Salvation Army Board of Directors and was co-chair of the 2003 United Way Campaign.

Johnson received the ACUHO-I Parthenon Award (2009) and the ACPA Diamond Honoree Award (2008); and he was inducted into Phi Kappa Phi, Blue Key Honor Society and the National Residence Hall Honorary. He also received the Distinguished Service Award from the Upper Midwest Region Association of College and University Housing Officers, as well as the Great Lakes Association of College and University Housing Officers.

Posted By: Darcie Shinberger (U-Communications@wiu.edu)
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