Shawna Patterson-Stephens, vice president of University Engagement and Student Affairs, today announced the selection of Erica Johnson as Central Michigan University’s new associate vice president of student affairs.

Johnson, who has been serving as interim assistant vice president of student affairs since October 2022, brings nearly twenty years of higher education experience to the position. In her most recent role at CMU, Johnson led a team of more than 60 full-time and 150 student staff members across multiple departments and managed a budget of over $32 million. She also represented the former division of student affairs on numerous university committees and working groups, including those focused on student engagement, emergency management, campus voting initiatives, strategic planning, and preparation for the 2026 Higher Learning Commission comprehensive review. 

“Our ideal candidate was someone with extensive experience in student and community engagement, staff training and development, as well as a commitment to cultivating an environment of care and concern for all,” Patterson-Stephens said. “We need someone who is invested in supporting the development of our burgeoning division in a way that centers people. Erica brings those vital skills and experience to this role, along with a deep knowledge of Central Michigan University, including its opportunities and challenges.”

Johnson previously held leadership positions at CMU within the Mary Ellen Brandell Volunteer Center and Student Activities and Involvement. Her previous higher education experience included roles in career services at Miami University and student organization services at the University of Maryland. She has also published scholarly articles and presented at several professional conferences for student affairs professionals.

Johnson was selected following a national search that began in June. In the AVP position, Johnson will oversee numerous units within the Division of University Engagement and Student Affairs, including the Mary Ellen Brandell Volunteer Center, Office of Multicultural Academic Student Services, the Sarah R. Opperman Leadership Institute, Office of Student Conduct, Office of Student Activities and Involvement, and more. She will also work closely with the associate vice president of university engagement, the executive director of Residence Life, and with several other units on campus that contribute to CMU’s exciting campus life experience and that promote student success initiatives. 

“I am thrilled to continue serving students and the CMU community in the AVP role,” Johnson said. “It’s an honor to work with such a dedicated team and campus and community partners to bolster student engagement, well-being, learning, and success every day. It’s an exciting time to be at CMU, and I look forward to working with Dr. Patterson-Stephens and the entire UESA team.”

Johnson’s service as associate vice president of student affairs began September 1, 2025. 

Johnson earned a doctorate in Higher Education Leadership from CMU in 2023 and also holds a master’s degree in College Student Personnel from Miami University. She earned a bachelor’s degree in professional accountancy with a dual major in management from Saginaw Valley State University.