GREENEVILLE – Tusculum University has named Dr. Lisa Johnson-Neas, a longtime professor and administrator at the institution, associate vice president for student affairs and retention and selected her to serve as dean of students.
Dr. Lisa Johnson-Neas
She has served at Tusculum for 16 years in several leadership roles, most recently as associate vice president of academic affairs. Previously, Dr. Johnson-Neas has been director of what is now the College of Education as well as director of the current adult and online studies program. Throughout her time at Tusculum, she has served as an assistant professor of education.
“Dr. Johnson-Neas has a deep affection for the university and brings a detailed understanding of ensuring student success in the classroom and in the extracurricular realm,” said Dr. Tricia Hunsader, Tusculum’s provost and vice president of academic affairs. “Her knowledge and experience will prove extremely valuable to our students and her hard-working team.”
She will oversee the Office of Student Affairs, which is responsible for residential life, housing, multicultural affairs and student activities. She will also supervise the university’s behavioral education, counseling and disability services.
Among Dr. Johnson-Neas’ duties will be collaboration with Tusculum leadership team members on the comprehensive retention plan for all students. She will also partner with the core student success team to identify barriers to achievement, foster communication and enhance engagement at the university.
Part of Dr. Johnson-Neas’ leadership responsibilities will build off earlier success. Her achievements at Tusculum include creation of the Office of Student Persistence and Engagement, which connects with students at various levels of preparedness for college.
Other accomplishments are creating and implementing faculty and staff development opportunities, establishing curriculum for special education at the master’s level and exhibiting leadership as Tusculum transitioned to different academic calendars.
“Throughout my career at Tusculum, I have enjoyed extensive interaction with our students,” Dr. Johnson-Neas said. “We want to have the systems and processes in place to address the whole student. We are also active in ensuring our students become civically engaged so they are prepared to support the community after graduation. Our focus is on preparing our students to succeed in all aspects of their lives.”
Tusculum also recently welcomed two new staff members to the Office of Student Affairs – Jarred Cadwallader as coordinator of residence life and housing and Jessup Peterson as coordinator of residence life and programming. Cadwallader oversees all student housing placements on campus as well as supervising resident assistants. Peterson works with the Student Government and all other student clubs and organizations, and he builds student engagement through multiple initiatives.