On the Summit’s Horizon: Dr. Kim Barnett-Johnson, Chancellor, Ivy Tech Community College, Fort Wayne/Warsaw
By Rev. Christopher W. Riley
FWIS Contributing Writer
Amid the dynamic world of higher education leadership, Dr. Kim Barnett-Johnson stands out not just for her distinguished role as chancellor of Ivy Tech Community College Fort Wayne and Warsaw, but also for her signature smile—a symbol of approachability and growth. “There’s a story behind the smile,” said Barnett-Johnson. “I taught myself to smile, but it is genuine. When a good friend once pointed out that I didn’t smile much, I decided to actively work on presenting myself in a welcoming way because that’s important to me.”
Dr. Barnett-Johnson’s dedication to creating a welcoming environment has served her well over the years on her pathway to becoming Chancellor of Ivy Tech Fort Wayne and Warsaw, a position she has held since August 2021. Barnett-Johnson began her career in higher education at Taylor University’s Fort Wayne campus. At Taylor she served as the Director of Ethnic Programs, Director of Minority Student Recruitment/Programs/Retention and Director of Financial Aid.
She began her career at Ivy Tech in 2001 as the I-ADAPT Coordinator, identifying students who were one or two courses away from a degree or certificate. At this point, Barnett-Johnson had earned a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Taylor University and a master’s degree in liberal arts from Indiana University, which enabled her to teach both business and sociology classes.
Dr. Barnett-Johnson's impact at Ivy Tech expanded as she took on the role of Dean of General Studies (known today as the School of Arts, Sciences and Education), which she held for approximately 12 years. Her career trajectory continued upward as she became the Vice Chancellor of Academic Affairs at Ivy Tech.
Throughout her journey, Dr. Barnett-Johnson was inspired by mentors like the late Dr. Daryl Yost, who encouraged her pursuit of a Doctorate in Higher Education Administration from Indiana State University.
“The advice that I give to anyone interested in executive leadership in higher education is the same advice that the late Dr. Daryl Yost, former Provost at Taylor, gave me: get a Doctorate. As an 18-year-old freshman who was a first-generation college student, I didn’t understand the campus’ landscape. I didn’t know I could change my major from Accounting after I realized that I wanted to do something else. These experiences led me to pursue a career in higher education and directly help our students navigate academia.”
In 2020, former Ivy Tech Fort Wayne and Warsaw Chancellor Jerrilee Mosier retired from her position and encouraged Barnett-Johnson to apply. “Chancellor Jerrilee Mosier began to encourage me to reach for higher heights,” said Barnett-Johnson, “She told me I could do it. She sent me to conferences and gave me additional opportunities to lead. Initially I wasn’t sure if that was what I wanted or what God wanted for me. However, I soon realized the need to be in a key position of leadership in order to affect change.”
Barnett-Johnson was asked about those who have had the greatest impact on her life. “Sadly, my husband Vince passed away in February 2021. However, my children spoke on his behalf and pushed me to apply for the Chancellor position at Ivy Tech. They told me “Dad would say go for it.” Vince also taught me an important leadership lesson, “Give people grace. You don’t know what they encountered before getting to you. You don’t know what is behind the negative interaction.” He/she may be having a bad day. He was very forgiving and taught me to love a person in the midst of their challenges.”
Barnett-Johnson accepted the role as chancellor of Ivy Tech Fort Wayne and Warsaw in August 2021. As Ivy Tech Fort Wayne and Warsaw’s first Black Chancellor, her appointment marked a historic moment for the college. She also has the distinction of being the first African-American Chancellor of any Fort Wayne area institution of higher learning.
“It means EVERYTHING to me in that not only am I the first Black Chancellor, but I am living my dream in my hometown of Fort Wayne, Indiana, said Barnett-Johnson. “What is most meaningful is that this history-making moment is yet another opportunity to show children who look like me that all things are possible!”
Chris Douse, Vice Chancellor of Student Affairs at Ivy Tech Community College South Bend/Elkhart, and former Director of Student Retention and Engagement in the Fort Wayne/Warsaw service area, speaks highly of Barnett-Johnson's leadership style. " When I think about servant leadership, I think about Dr. Kim Barnett-Johnson. She always greets you with her genuine smile and makes you feel like you are the only one she is talking to in a conversation. She seeks to understand and always has great advice for you that is honest. She is a person with a high level of integrity. When I think of words that describes Dr. KBJ, I would say fair, integrity, caring and servant leadership.”
The journey hasn’t been easy, especially when attempting to care for her 11-county service area. “It is hard for me to be in so many places at one time,” said Barnett-Johnson. “I want Ivy Tech to provide an A+ quality education to the communities we serve. Ultimately, we want the service area to be pleased with Ivy Tech as an institution.”
What’s next for Barnett-Johnson? “There is still a lot for me to do. I am open to what God has for me. Beyond higher education, I want my legacy to be that my children and grandchildren have great memories of me being the best Mother and YaYa (Grandmother).”