President
Steven Johnson Jr., Ed.D.
Interim Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs
Division of Student Affairs, University of Illinois Springfield
Dr. Johnson currently serves as the Interim Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs at the University of Illinois Springfield. In this role, he provides executive leadership for the Division of Student Affairs, advancing initiatives that support student success, engagement, belonging, well-being, and holistic development. He works collaboratively with campus and community partners to foster a student-centered environment that promotes learning both inside and outside the classroom while ensuring students have access to the resources, experiences, and support systems necessary to thrive. Prior to assuming the interim vice chancellor role, Dr. Johnson served as Associate Vice Chancellor for Student Engagement and Chief Student Engagement Officer, providing leadership for campus involvement, leadership development, civic engagement, and diversity and inclusion initiatives. 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 communities.
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
Lori Vozari-Rafaj, Ed.D.
Assistant Dean for Student Activities
Midwestern University
Lori is the Assistant Dean for Student Activities at Midwestern University. Located in the west suburbs of Chicago, Midwestern University educates future health professionals in medicine, pharmacy, dentistry, optometry, and other fields.
A veteran in the Student Affairs field, Lori is passionate about creating positive and inclusive student experiences while supporting the professionals in the field. A recent graduate from Northern Illinois University’s graduate program, Lori is excited for advancing and showcasing research that will benefit both students and professional staff in academic and practical settings. Dedicated to fostering leadership in students and staff, Lori recognizes the importance of connecting as professionals and continuing to expand and develop professional knowledge base.
Lori is excited to join the executive board of ICPA and be part of the rebuilding an organization to serve and support the student affairs professionals in Illinois.
Executive Board Member
Jenny Guzman-Vieyra, M.S.Ed.
Program Assistant for Student Development and Training
Northern Illinois University
Jenny is a recent graduate of Northern Illinois University, where she earned her Master of Science in Education in Higher Education and Student Affairs. She currently serves as the Program Assistant for Student Development and Training in the Office of Orientation and First Year Programs at NIU, where she supports the recruitment, training, and development of Orientation Leaders while helping create meaningful transition experiences for new students. As a first-generation professional, Jenny is passionate about student leadership, belonging, and supporting students as they navigate their college journey. She is excited to collaborate with colleagues across the state, contribute fresh perspectives, and professional growth within the ICPA community. Outside of work, Jenny enjoys getting lost in a good book, building puzzles, spending quality time with family and friends, and the occasional doom scroll.
