Biden Nominates Kean University Admin For Federal Position

UNION COUNTY, NJ — President Biden nominated Kean University's vice president of external affairs and urban policy and research for a federal position.

Barbara George Johnson is now a member of the Board of Trustees of the Barry Goldwater Scholarship and Excellence in Education Foundation.

“I am excited and honored to be named to this prestigious national board in higher education,” Johnson said in a statement.

Established by Congress in 1986 to honor the late U.S. Senator and statesman Barry Goldwater, the foundation provides scholarships to college sophomores and juniors to pursue research careers in the natural sciences, mathematics and engineering.

“Particularly within the STEM fields, it’s important to ensure that we are supporting young scholars from all walks of life and offering opportunities that expand innovation in our country through their experiences, vision and research," Johnson also said.

She has more than 30 years of experience as a public policy professional in New Jersey. At the University she oversees the work and mission of the New Jersey Urban Mayors Association, an organization of 32 urban mayors engaged in collective policymaking.

Johnson also has experience in health care. Early in her career, she spearheaded the development of the Newark Kids Initiative for the Newark Health Department, which focused on healthcare and social services for children impacted by domestic violence.

She served on the CDC-funded Newark Prevention Marketing Initiative and other task forces on HIV/AIDS and as a public health advisor for the Maternal Child Health Division of the New York City Department of Health and later as the director for the Family Life Institute of Planned Parenthood of Metropolitan New Jersey.

"Johnson’s breadth of experience in public policy, research and higher education brings a unique perspective to the Goldwater Foundation’s work,” said Joseph Youngblood, Kean senior vice president for external affairs. “She has a keen understanding of issues facing people who live in the nation’s urban communities and ways to address inequities through policy and action.”

Johnson's new position will strengthen the University's goals.

"[It] puts Kean on the national stage as the University works toward its goal of becoming a Carnegie R2 research institution,” said Kean President Lamont O. Repollet. “The foundation’s board will benefit from Barbara’s experience and expertise and her focus on bringing equity into the STEM fields so that the U.S. can continue to bring innovation to the world.”