DePaul Provost Marten denBoer has named Misty Johanson dean of the Driehaus College of Business. Johanson, director of the School of Hospitality Leadership, had served as interim dean for eight months before her appointment as dean on March 1, and she previously served as an associate dean for six years. She is the first woman to serve as dean of DePaul’s business college.
College faculty, staff and industry stakeholders enthusiastically supported her appointment as interim dean last year. At that time, the provost noted that her nearly 20 years of experience in education combined with her out-standing leadership skills, welcoming character and financial acumen would serve the college well.
“That has proven to be the case,” says denBoer, who named Johanson dean following a national search.“Dr. Johanson has done a laudable job, and I’m pleased the college will continue to benefit from her leadership and expertise.”
Under her leadership, the college has focused on strategically growing enrollment, promoting student success, expanding alumni and industry engagement, and enhancing faculty and staff development. Fall graduate business enrollment increased 16 percent, staff roles have been reimagined to enhance the student experience, multidisciplinary collaborations are increasing to support graduate program success and the college is forging stronger connections in the business community. Johanson also launched a campaign with the Office of Advancement to raise $4 million for the college by the end of this academic year and exceeded the goal within the first six months.
“I look forward to continuing this work with the talented faculty and staff within the college as well as our stakeholders, especially as we embark on a new strategic plan,” she says.
Denis E. Springer, chair of the Driehaus College of Business Advisory Council, praises the choice: “Misty is an energetic and innovative leader who connects exceptionally well with the university and business communities and brings a fresh perspective to the role of dean.”
Johanson joined DePaul in 2009 to establish the School of Hospitality Leadership and became its director in 2014. Under her leadership, the school earned accolades for both its innovative teaching and its faculty research. The J. Willard and Alice S. Marriott Foundation awarded the school a $1.8 million grant in 2016 to create and endow a new Center for Student Development and Engagement.
In addition to receiving multiple excellence-in-teaching awards, Johanson, a graduate of Michigan State University’s hospitality business and tourism program, is recognized as one of the most prolific authors in her field. She started her hospitality career with Marriott International and later served as a faculty member in the hospitality programs of both the University of Hawaii and Georgia State University.
