University of Phoenix leader selected as participant in AGB Institute for Leadership & Governance in Higher Education class of 2024
By Sharla Hooper
Vice President of Accreditation and Regulatory Compliance McCeil Johnson, J.D., brings rich experience in authentic leadership to new cohort
University of Phoenix is proud to share that McCeil Johnson, J.D., vice president of Accreditation and Regulatory Compliance, has been selected to participate in the AGB Institute for Leadership & Governance in Higher Education class of 2024. Johnson joins a cohort of 27 participants from higher education institutions across the country in a program designed to bolster the pipeline of qualified and diverse presidential candidates in preparation for higher education leadership. The program begins for this year’s cohorts in September at an in-person symposium in Washington, D.C.
“McCeil applies excellence and authenticity as a leader within the University of Phoenix community and within her profession,” states John Woods, Ph.D., provost and chief academic officer. “Being selected to participate in the Institute speaks to her experience and leadership that is a huge benefit to University of Phoenix and our students.”
The AGB Institute for Leadership & Governance in Higher Education is composed of two symposia, four online workshops, attendance at the AGB National Conference on Trusteeship, and features more than 30 higher education expert presenters including current and former presidents, trustees, search consultants and other sector professionals. The Institute fortifies participants’ experience with mentorship by a sitting university president.
“It is often the case that prospective presidents arrive at their new appointment eager to serve but inexperienced at the wide range of challenges they will encounter,” states AGB Institute co-founder and director Nancy Zimpher. “Our goal is nothing short of a job-ready cohort of tomorrow’s leaders, ready to lead today.”
In her current role as University of Phoenix’s vice president, Accreditation & Regulatory Compliance, Johnson provides leadership and management for the University’s institutional and college-specific accreditation and regulatory initiatives, including institutional, programmatic, state boards, and other regulatory functions. Johnson completed her education at the University of Iowa, where she earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees, and earned her Juris Doctorate at the University of Iowa College of Law.
“Over the last two decades, I have admired AGB's dedication to compliance and leadership governance demonstrated by preparing future leaders in higher education for leadership,” shares Johnson. “I am excited about my selection for the fall 2024 AGB cohort and I look forward to learning from some of the best and brightest minds in the field of higher education. The life-long learner in me can hardly wait for the cohort to begin.”
Active in diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging work, and recognized as a leader and subject matter expert speaker, Johnson is currently serving a one-year term on UPCEA® Board of Directors’ Diversity & Inclusive Excellence Committee. Additionally, she was appointed in fall 2021 to the University of Iowa College of Law Alumni Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Council, and in 2022 was elected to serve as Vice Chair of the Council.
In 2022, Johnson was selected to participate in the Black Leadership Academy Management Accelerator offered by McKinsey & Company, a six-month program helping participants enhance functional organizational knowledge, develop a leadership mindset, expand their cross-industry peer network, and providing safe space and time to reflect and share perspectives on personal journeys as a Black leader in the world today.
Johnson has been serving as a speaker on the Women in Automotive circuit since March 2021, giving presentations and guidance on how women can empower themselves and their voices in a male-dominated industry.
Committed to professional integrity and growth, Johnson is a member of numerous professional associations including: UPCEA, Association of Title IX Administrators (ATIXA); Council on Higher Education (CHEA); Society of Corporate Compliance and Ethics (SCCE); University Risk Management and Insurance Association (URMIA); Higher Learning Commission, Peer Review Corps (HLC Peer Reviewer); and the Online Learning Consortium (OLC).
Learn more about the Institute here.
About University of Phoenix
University of Phoenix is continually innovating to help working adults enhance their careers in a rapidly changing world. Flexible schedules, relevant courses, interactive learning, and Career Services for Life® help students more effectively pursue career and personal aspirations while balancing their busy lives. For more information, visit phoenix.edu.
