Tricia Johnson, EdD, joins FRCC to take on leadership role.
Front Range Community College’s campus in Westminster has a new vice president—Tricia Johnson, EdD. As a new member of the college’s leadership team, she brings with her 20 years of experience in education. She served most recently as the vice president for academic affairs at the Community College of Aurora (CCA).
Johnson’s Background and Experience
In order to help CCA best meet the needs of its students, the community and local employers, Johnson initiated new academic programs and collaborative partnerships with the city of Aurora, local schools, and other colleges and universities—as well as with area businesses and industries. These programs improved the economic viability of the area and put students on a path to success. During her time at CCA, she also spearheaded inclusive teaching initiatives that led to a reduction in equity gaps in student performance.
Special thanks to Marilee Menard for her significant contributions to this post.
Before that, Johnson was the director of adult education at the Colorado Department of Education where she oversaw two grants aimed at expanding educational opportunities for all Colorado adults. The programs focused on counteracting systemic inequalities and giving students the tools they need to achieve their dreams.
Johnson has also served as the chief academic officer at Emily Griffith Technical College where she led a number of career-technical education programs and several apprenticeship programs. In addition to her doctorate in education, she also has a master’s degree in secondary education with an emphasis in English—and has taught at the junior high school, community college and university levels. Earlier in her career she led the developmental studies department at Oklahoma State University.
“I was struck by Tricia’s diverse background,” said FRCC President Andy Dorsey. “She has been a courageous leader of CCA’s exemplary equity work, has overseen one of the largest concurrent enrollment programs in the state and has been closely involved in partnerships with the community. She also has a strong understanding of the Colorado Community College System and both post-secondary and secondary education in the state.”
Vision for FRCC-Westminster
Johnson describes FRCC as having two critical missions that contribute to the community:
- Workforce development
- Helping students prepare to transfer to four-year schools
“The college offers exceptional learning opportunities for students training as much-needed skilled workers and for those on a path to a four-year college degree,” she says.
Johnson credits FRCC’s small classes and exceptional instructors with giving students a unique and personal learning environment. She points out that the college offers internships, apprenticeships, scholarships and grants—as well as educational degrees and certificates that can lead students to better careers… and ultimately to better lives.
“Dr. Johnson clearly understands the important role that FRCC Foundation scholarships play in our students lives,” says Marilee Menard, a member of the foundation’s board of directors. “This is especially true in our current environment, in which many students have lost their jobs or their businesses to the pandemic.”
Johnson says she admires the grit and resilience of FRCC students. She describes herself as a person who believes in the importance of lifelong learning and development, desires a challenge and constantly looks for solutions.
“We are excited to work with Dr. Johnson to engage the Westminster community and enhance our scholarship program,” adds Menard. “As we have all witnessed firsthand through our involvement with FRCC, education transforms lives.”
About Front Range Community College
FRCC offers more than 100 degree and certificate programs from locations in Boulder County, Larimer County, Westminster, Brighton, and online. FRCC is a member of the Colorado Community College System.
About the Colorado Community College System
The Colorado Community College System (CCCS) is the state’s largest system of higher education, serving 138,000 students annually at 13 colleges and 39 locations across Colorado. Our open access mission ensures all Coloradans who aspire to enrich their lives have access to quality higher education opportunities.
