By Michele Mitchum
McCeil Johnson, J.D., is one of four distinguished alumni to be recognized for outstanding contributions in the field
University of Phoenix is proud to share that McCeil Johnson, J.D., vice president of Accreditation and Regulatory Compliance, is the recipient of the 2024 Alumni Achievement Award from the University of Iowa College of Law. The College of Law’s alumni awards program recognizes alumni who have made significant achievements in their careers and in their service to the College of Law. The program features four award categories: Emerging Leader, Alumni Achievement, Alumni Service, and the Iowa Law Review Distinguished Alumni. Johnson is one of four distinguished alumni to receive recognition this year.
"McCeil Johnson has been a prominent voice in higher education compliance, leading universities nationwide through complex regulatory challenges with integrity and insight,” states Iowa College of Law Dean Kevin Washburn. “Her expertise and dedication have earned her a national reputation in diversity, ethics, and compliance. We celebrate her remarkable professional achievements and commitment to building our Alumni Diversity Council and strengthening the Iowa Law community."
The Alumni Achievement Awards were established in 2009 by the Iowa College of Law, and nominees must display significant contributions in their professional careers, communities, and dedication to the legal field. The 2024 awardees exemplify these qualities through their distinguished legal careers, leadership roles, and commitment to advancing their respective areas of practice. Their achievements span various sectors, including legal practice, judicial service and academic leadership, highlighting their broad impact and dedication to making meaningful contributions to society.
“I am deeply honored to be selected for the Alumni Achievement Award by the University of Iowa College of Law,” shares Johnson. “This recognition reflects the dedication and commitment I have invested in my career and in enhancing educational quality and rigor. Being among such distinguished alumni is truly inspiring, and I am grateful for the solid foundation provided by my alma mater and the opportunities that have enabled me to make a meaningful impact in higher education.”
In her role at University of Phoenix, Johnson provides leadership and management of the university’s college-specific accreditation and regulatory initiatives including institutional, programmatic, state boards and other regulatory functions. She brings a wealth of experience to the university, including leading diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives, fundraising activities related to the creation of a scholarship fund for women; security and crisis management; shared governance related to the development of operational transparency and collaborative communication models and mediation and conflict resolution as related to both the student body and university faculty members.
“McCeil is an exceptional and committed leader, and we celebrate this recognition in honor of her immense accomplishments,” states John Woods, Ph.D., provost and chief academic officer. “We feel fortunate to have McCeil leading our accreditation and regulatory compliance efforts, where her dedication and expertise continue to inspire our community and drive our mission forward.”
Johnson is active in diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging work, and is recognized as a leader and subject matter expert speaker. She was appointed in fall 2021 to the University of Iowa College of Law Alumni Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Council, and was elected to serve as Vice Chair of the Council. Johnson has been serving as a speaker on the Women in Automotive circuit since March 2021, giving presentations and guidance on how women can empower themselves and their voices in a male-dominated industry.
In 2022, Johnson was selected to participate in the Black Leadership Academy Management Accelerator offered by McKinsey & Company, a six-month program helping participants enhance functional organizational knowledge, develop a leadership mindset, expand their cross-industry peer network, and providing safe space and time to reflect and share perspectives on personal journeys as a Black leader in the world today.
Committed to professional integrity and growth, Johnson is a member of numerous professional associations in addition to UPCEA, including Association of Title IX Administrators (ATIXA); Council on Higher Education (CHEA); Society of Corporate Compliance and Ethics (SCCE); University Risk Management and Insurance Association (URMIA); Higher Learning Commission, Peer Review Corps (HLC Peer Reviewer and Team Chair); and the Online Learning Consortium (OLC).
Johnson holds a Bachelor of Arts, a Master of Arts and a Juris Doctorate from the University of Iowa College of Law.
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