A Q&A With Dr. Barbara Johnson, New Perimeter College Dean

It’s been just over a month since we’ve welcomed our new dean, Dr. Barbara Johnson, to the college. As she settles into her role, we asked a few questions to get to know her a little better. The following are her responses.

What interested you in coming to Perimeter College?

As a first-generation college graduate, I found the significant percentage of Pell-eligible and first-generation students, the student-to-faculty ratio and diversity of the student body appealing. The breadth of pathways, academic reputation of the institution, quality of the faculty and commitment to student success were also attractive variables. In addition, the mission and values of GSU resonated with me as an educator and administrator who continually strives to transform the lives of students and believes in lifelong learning.

What do you hope to accomplish in your first 100 days?

As I engage with the campus community, I am eager to hear ideas about how we will continue to drive Perimeter forward and move the needle toward a shared vision that we all will uplift and use as a conduit to bring transformative initiatives to students and stakeholders. With a clear vision, we can champion our innovative ideas combined with best practices and data to advance our strategic goals.

I also want to express my deep gratitude for the opportunity to work alongside Perimeter’s faculty, staff and students – the backbone of our campuses – to tell Perimeter’s unique story and remarkable history of student success to the greater community.

In my first 100 days, I plan to:

• Convene listening sessions to provide stakeholders an opportunity to share their insights on the strategic direction of the College in alignment with Georgia State's “Blueprint to 2033.”
• Connect with industry and community partners.
• Create a steering committee for the 60th anniversary of Perimeter College to celebrate its evolution.
• Collaborate with the Advisory Board for the success of Perimeter College.
• Engage with students in formal and informal settings.
• Understand and advocate for the resources needed for faculty and staff to facilitate an engaging student experience.
• Attend as many of the year-end events as feasible.

What is it that you're looking forward to most during your tenure at Perimeter?

I am excited about connecting with the members of the Perimeter community to implement initiatives and programs to ensure the success of students not only while they are at Perimeter but beyond the classroom.

What is your biggest strength as an administrator?

My StrengthsQuest results indicate 3 of my top 5 strengths are: Relator, Analytical and Responsibility. Additionally, 3 of my top 5 strengths fall into the strategic thinker domain. However, without active listening and great organizational skills, I am not sure I could be effective as a leader. Other strengths I have include my integrity, consistency, sense of fairness, positive demeanor, ability to be reflective and practical, and being able to laugh at myself.

What strategies do you think the college should take to help ensure student success?

I wouldn’t want to be presumptuous without reviewing the data and hearing the voices of the community but ensuring we are engaging in high-impact practices (HIPs) whenever possible and supporting students so they can accomplish their personal and educational goals. It will be important to strengthen our partnerships with community and industry partners to ensure we are preparing students for careers and educational opportunities beyond Perimeter. As you can imagine, I have some preliminary ideas about what that might look like, but I really want to hear the voices of the campus community as it is important that we have a shared vision for accomplishing strategic goals.

What do you enjoy doing when you’re not working?

I especially like to read biographies, spend time with family and friends, and travel domestically and abroad.