President
Steven Johnson Jr., Ed.D.
Associate Vice Chancellor for Student Engagement
Division of Student Affairs, University of Illinois Springfield
Dr. Johnson provides leadership within the division of student affairs and the chief student engagement officer. In this role, he provides leadership for units dedicated to fostering campus involvement and integration, cultivating meaningful connections, ensuring awareness of campus resources, and promoting learning beyond the classroom. Through thoughtful leadership opportunities, intentional programming, and individualized and group support, his work helps students discover their place on campus and create lasting memories that extend well beyond their time as students. With more than a decade of experience in higher education, he has focused his career on advancing student success, cultivating leadership, and creating inclusive campus environments.
An active member of ACPA since 2014, Dr. Johnson has held numerous leadership positions within the association, including Chair of the Pan African Network, Chair of the Coalition for Multicultural Affairs Workgroup, and Equity & Inclusion Director for the Coalition for Sexuality and Gender Identities. In 2023, he was recognized as an ACPA Diamond Honoree for his sustained contributions to the field and commitment to equity and inclusion.
As President of ICPA, Dr. Johnson is excited to foster community among student affairs professionals across Illinois, strengthen opportunities for learning and knowledge sharing, and advance the association’s mission of professional development and social justice advocacy. He is particularly passionate about cultivating spaces that support professionals at all stages of their careers and ensuring that the work of student affairs reflects both innovation and human dignity.
Outside of his professional roles, Dr. Johnson enjoys exercising, traveling, trying new foods, listening to music, and spending time with friends and loved ones. He also appreciates exploring new surroundings, as well as relaxing with a good book, movie, or live performance.
Executive Board Member
Isaac Barber, M.Div.
Associate Dean of Student Engagement
Huntington University
Isaac Barber is a higher education leader dedicated to holistic student development, diversity, and inclusive learning. Currently serving as Associate Dean of Student Engagement at Huntington University, Isaac focuses on strategic initiatives to promote student equity, retention, and engagement. He has led signature programs including pre-orientation bridge classes, chaired campus behavior and student success teams, and supervised over 50 mentors and faculty in the First Year Seminar Program. Isaac’s commitment extends to faculty roles in African American History and Public Policy courses.
Prior to Huntington University, Isaac held student affairs and residential life leadership positions at Park University, Mississippi College, and Judson University. His cross-institutional experience includes building residential curriculums for first-year students, directing judicial hearing processes, and writing policy for university communities. Isaac is active in professional development, presenting nationally on student care, recruiting diverse staff, and curricular approaches to engagement, including at ACSD and CSLC conferences. He is published on equity and trauma-informed practices in faith-based higher education environments.
Isaac holds a Master of Divinity with a specialization in Leadership from Liberty University and a Bachelor of Arts in History and Political Science from Greenville College. He is civically engaged, serving on multiple boards, including as Vice President for Junior Achievement of Huntington, and contributing to leadership initiatives in northern Indiana. Isaac’s strengths—adaptability, strategic planning, and advocacy—have shaped his reputation as a collaborative and thoughtful campus leader. His background as a student-athlete, mentor, and volunteer further reflect his commitment to leadership and service.