It is with great sadness that we inform you of the passing of BJ (Elizabeth) Johnson. She passed away on April 26, 2021 in the company of her family after a brief illness.
BJ Johnson was USF’s former vice provost of academic and enrollment services, the forerunner of SEM. She retired from USF in December 2013 after 38 years of outstanding service in various roles, including dean from 1993-2005.
Beloved by the USF community, she was the catalyst for unprecedented enrollment growth at USF, a respected administrator, a fierce advocate for students, and a dedicated mentor to many with whom she worked.
In the words of former USF President Stephen A. Privett, S.J. when announcing BJ's retirement:
"There is probably no one at USF who has held more positions or contributed to so many aspects of the university as BJ has during her 38-year career. BJ assumed responsibility for the regional campuses when it was decided that the university needed to offer multiple programs other than from the School of Education and the then-College of Professional Studies. Likewise, BJ oversaw the establishment of what was then an innovative ‘One Stop’ office that concentrated all enrollment-related services in one location to better serve students. She was the chief architect and guiding force behind moving USF into an enrollment management environment that saw traditional undergraduate applications increase. BJ was a charter member of the university’s Leadership Team, where she proved herself an effective advocate for her areas of responsibility while remaining a strong team player whose single focus was always the common good of the entire University.”
BJ's family is planning a virtual memorial in the coming weeks. More information will be shared with the USF community when it is available.
The university community extends its heartfelt sympathy to BJ's family, friends, and former colleagues.