Greg Johnson, PhD

Greg Johnson, PhD

Vice President for Strategy & Chief of Staff Adjunct Instructor

PhD, Grand Canyon University
MOL, University of Northwestern- St. Paul
BA, University of Northwestern- St. Paul

CONTACT INFORMATION

Greg Johnson is a visionary executive leader and strategist with more than two decades of experience spanning higher education, media, nonprofit, consulting, and athletics. As Vice President for Strategy and Chief of Staff at the University of Northwestern – St. Paul and Northwestern Media, Greg serves as a trusted deputy to the President and a central architect of the organization’s strategic vision and plan.

Since stepping into his current role in 2022, Greg has led high-impact strategic planning initiatives that have driven measurable growth across multiple dimensions, including year-over-year giving, student enrollment and retention, and media audience expansion. He is a key liaison to the Board of Trustees, leads executive communications and legal affairs, and oversees government and community relations, helping to position Northwestern for long-term mission advancement and organizational health.

With a Ph.D. in Industrial/Organizational Psychology and a reputation for leading through complexity with clarity and purpose, Greg brings a unique blend of analytical insight, people-first leadership, and mission fidelity to every aspect of his work.