NewsLab

Among this year's newcomers to the St. Scholastica faculty is Emily Johnson, who will serve as the college's new director of Intercultural Services and Diversity.

In her new position, Johnson will work closely with students from diverse backgrounds, including students of different racial and ethnic backgrounds, sexual orientations, and physical disabilities. 

Asked about her first day of the new year, Johnson said it was full of "drama," even more than she had planned. The stressful first day did not seem to discourage Johnson, who appeared perfectly prepared for her new role.

Johnson's plans for the new year include increasing awareness and expanding diversity practices around the campus. She plans to organize, as well as head, a support system for the students and faculty of CSS.

Johnson's system includes a variety of online resources for CSS students and faculty, and she will also provide information about community services around the Northland.

Johnson's plan even goes beyond the St. Scholastica campus, as she plans to team with Lake Superior College and the University of Wisconsin-Superior to plan events aimed to enrich the diversity already present in the region.

On campus, Johnson plans to support the efforts and activities of the Kaleidoscope Multicultural Club. Additionally, Johnson will be starting a program that will provide students with multicultural experiences that many employers seek in potential employees.

Johnson will be working alongside St. Scholastica's Multicultural Recruitment Coordinator Jeremy Rupp. Rupp believes Johnson has a comprehensive understanding of diversity and has already learned to take value in her opinions.

"I am thrilled to work with her," Rupp said. "She will be a fantastic addition to the college."