“In some ways, it’s been a shock to the system,” Charlotte Johnson admits of her move from Dartmouth College to Scripps College this past summer. “Moving from one coast to the other is no joke!”
Johnson was keen to answer questions about the move, embracing her new home, her plans for the College, and more:
How long did it take for you to pack? Did you drive across country or fly with your things in tow?
We spent a couple of weeks sorting through our belongings, deciding what to give away, and getting organized. We didn’t dare drive. The secret to my 25-year marriage is no longer than five hours in a car together per trip.
You’ve been in Claremont for a few months; how has it been acclimating to your new environment and neighbors?
It’s been fantastic. We love living in Claremont. And our neighbors have been wonderful; we had a chance to meet many of them at the annual Labor Day block party.
What do you see yourself exploring during your first semester at Scripps?
I am going to spend some time getting to know students and my colleagues. I want to understand the culture and learn from members of the community before I propose any significant changes in policy.
What do you think is the most important aspect of Student Affairs in a college setting?
That’s difficult, because there are many important aspects to the work we do. Ultimately, it is about preparing students to go out and make a difference in their communities. College should be a time to identify one’s core values, increase confidence in one’s abilities, embrace different perspectives, and realize our interdependence.
Are you excited about the opportunities presented to you at Scripps? What do you feel will be the biggest challenge?
I am excited to be here! Scripps presents many opportunities for me to contribute to the holistic educational experience we seek to provide students. For now, my primary challenge during this first year will be to identify a set of strategic priorities and goals for both the short and long term.
You left the legal profession to work in higher education. What was it like making a transition like that? Does your experience as a lawyer inform your role in student affairs?
I never set out to have a career in higher education and only made the shift after being tapped for a position at the University of Michigan Law School, my alma mater. It was a good move for me, though the adjustment to the academy was difficult. (Things move a lot more quickly in a litigation practice.)
I made the adjustment and have brought a lot of the energy and orientation toward action to my work in higher ed. My education and training as a lawyer have been tremendous assets; I am analytical, a precise communicator, and a consensus builder. These have each proven to be useful skills in life and in the various leadership roles I’ve held as an educator.
Read any books on your way west?
I did! I finished the Girl with the Dragon Tattoo trilogy.
Was it any good?
I loved it.