Dr. Julie M. Johnson brings to the classroom at NSU a world of real-life experience using her communication degrees and skills. She served as secretary in the Governor’s Cabinet in Pierre, S.D., and later as secretary of the state departments of labor and revenue. Dr. Johnson also was president of the Industry and Commerce Association of South Dakota, where she was the chief lobbyist and spokesperson for the South Dakota business community before the state Legislature, administrative agencies and Congress. Later, she ran the S.D. Rural Development Council, where she gave voice to rural communities before federal agencies and in Congress.
She returned to Aberdeen to run a growth initiative known as Absolutely Aberdeen, and Prairie Vision, its regional development arm. She used her communication skills to advocate for the region, focusing on economic, community, and workforce development needs and issues of the area.
Dr. Johnson has written countless speeches and communication strategies, participated in many debates, led campaigns for or against ballot issues, and advocated on behalf of Aberdeen and northeast South Dakota.
She was a high school and college debater, and counts herself fortunate to be able to use these skills advocating for the region and helping NSU students develop expertise in speech communication.
