Welcome to the Dragon Community: Brian Johnson

Brian Johnson is Minnesota State's newest Office and Administrative Specialist Intermediate, in Graduate & Extended Learning. 

Q: What drew you to Minnesota State Moorhead?
A: I grew up in Moorhead and attended Moorhead High School. Losing my mom shortly before returning to school gave me a renewed sense of purpose and a reason to stay rooted here. So, last November, while immersed in 18 credits to finally complete my undergraduate degree in University Studies, and applying to the MBA program here, I responded to a campus-wide email inviting Moorhead High alumni to share why we chose Minnesota State Moorhead for college.

This event launched the Moorhead Scholars Program. While listening to President Downs explain his vision behind that program, and for the university and the greater Fargo-Moorhead region, I knew that I needed to remain an ‘active’ Dragon, not only as an alum, but also as an employee. His vision—our vision—resonates deeply with me, and I’m proud to share my story and champion MSUM as a place that makes education accessible, meaningful, and life changing. 

Q: What is your favorite part about working on campus?
A: I’ve always been passionate about education, and I’m really excited to have a role that supports our students. As someone who may have, at times, fallen through the cracks, I know how important support is to ensure our biggest customers—students—get all that they need to succeed. I’m thrilled to be joining the staff, while bringing my experience to the table for a fresh perspective.

I’m excited to build meaningful relationships with students, faculty, and staff across the Dragon community, many of whom I’ve already connected with in different roles. I’m looking forward to further exploring how their work and mine can help boost enrollment, retention, and degree completion.

 Q: What is something happening in your role that you are excited to work on?
A: I’m excited to lead our graduate assistants and pass along nuggets of information to them about the qualities employers look for in applicants. I’m also excited to dive deeper into the software, Workday. After these first few days of reconciling our budget with Workday, and learning how it’s set up, it should make for some exciting times.

Q: If you could create your own national holiday, what would it be and why?
A: National Lego Day, because I never had Legos as a kid. After my mother passed away, Legos were my “therapy.” Now they’ve become an expensive hobby, but they’re still very therapeutic.

Q: What is a piece of advice you’ve been given that you still think about?
A: “Practice makes permanent," take that as you see fit.

Welcome to the Dragon Community, Brian!