Biography
Dr. Dennis Johnson was appointed to the role of Interim President and Vice-Chancellor of Vancouver Island University on June 16, 2025, bringing with him more than three decades of experience in post-secondary education and a reputation for steady, collaborative leadership. Tasked with guiding VIU through a time of transition and renewal, he will serve in this role for up to two years.
A long-time champion of access to education and student success, Dr. Johnson most recently served as president of the College of New Caledonia (CNC) from 2019 to 2023. Since then, he has continued to contribute to the sector through consulting work focused on financial strategy and organizational effectiveness. He previously held senior leadership roles at Saskatchewan Polytechnic, including provost and vice-president academic, and vice-president strategy and business development – roles in which he led major institutional planning and academic innovation initiatives.
Dr. Johnson began his career in the classroom, teaching at Mohawk College, and Thompson Rivers University, where he also took on administrative responsibilities. This foundation as an educator continues to shape his belief in the transformative power of teaching and learning.
Originally from British Columbia, Dr. Johnson is known for his grounded leadership, commitment to community and thoughtful engagement with student, faculty and staff.
Dr. Johnson holds a PhD in Educational Administration from the University of Saskatchewan, a Master of Education in Post-Secondary Studies from Memorial University of Newfoundland, a Bachelor of Education in Adult Education from Brock University and a Carpentry Certificate of Qualification and Certificate of Apprenticeship from British Columbia.
Dr. Johnson is the third president in VIU’s history since becoming a a special-purpose teaching university in 2008.