Suzanne Johnson

2020-21 Aspen New Presidents Fellow
2016-17 Aspen Rising Presidents Fellow
Dr. Suzanne Johnson began her career in higher education as a full-time psychology faculty member at Dowling College, New York. In 2012, after many years as a faculty member, Dr. Johnson moved into administrative roles and became dean of the college at Dowling College. She intentionally made the move to community colleges in 2014 when she had the opportunity to serve as interim campus president at Sylvania Campus of Portland Community College in Oregon. Her move to community colleges was driven by her commitment to the community college mission and the essential role community colleges play in providing educational pathways to opportunity.

Prior to becoming president at Green River College, located in south King County, Dr. Johnson served as vice president for academic affairs at Suffolk County Community College in New York. She has been serving as president of Green River College since July 2017. Her time at Green River College thus far has focused on facilitating and supporting the collaborative efforts of the college’s outstanding faculty and staff as they work to ensure equitable student outcomes and deepen a culture of caring and belonging for all students. Of equal importance is her work to position the college as an invaluable partner with businesses and industries to contribute to the economic growth, vitality, and stability of the cities it serves.

Dr. Johnson holds a B.A. in psychology from Ithaca College, New York, and a master’s degree in psychology and Ph.D. in developmental psychology from Stony Brook University, New York.