Dr. Lisa Johnson

Lisa Johnson, Ed.D. is a seasoned international educator with over 25 years of experience in global education, social justice leadership, and student support. She has lived and worked in Chile, served in various educational roles across the U.S., and currently serves as the Coordinator of Global Education at Keene State College. Prior to this role, she spent more than fifteen years at Smith College in Massachusetts, where she held positions such as Associate Dean for International Study and Interim Director of the Lewis Global Studies Center.

Lisa’s educational philosophy is rooted in equity, intercultural understanding, and transformative learning. She believes that global education is not only about crossing borders, but about deepening empathy, dismantling inequity, and cultivating the capacity for ethical leadership in an interconnected world. Whether supporting international students or preparing students to study away, she works to create inclusive, student-centered experiences that honor identity, voice, and belonging.

Lisa holds a B.A. in liberal arts from Oregon State University, an M.A. in International Education from the School for International Training (SIT), and an Ed.D. in Educational Practice with a concentration in Social Justice Leadership from Antioch University. Her doctoral research critically examined institutional DEI efforts at a predominantly white liberal arts college, exploring how structural inequities, White Supremacy Culture, and performative allyship influence student, staff, and faculty experiences. Through a participatory action research approach, her study amplified student voice and called for accountability, systemic change, and a deeper institutional commitment to racial equity.

Lisa is fluent in Spanish, holds extensive experience in global program management, and is recognized for her leadership, cultural fluency, and compassionate advising. She is committed to fostering collaborative, inclusive, and socially conscious learning environments—ones where all students are empowered to thrive as global citizens.

Publications: Ferro, A., Doughty, J. R., Johnson, L., & Gordon, A. (2025). Navigating the diversity, equity, and inclusion disconnect. Frontiers: The Interdisciplinary Journal of Study Abroad, 37(1), 1–31.

Johnson, L. (2025). Are We on The Same Page? A Look at Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at a Small Liberal Arts College. https://aura.antioch.edu/etds/1137

Johnson, L. D. (2021). I'm nonbinary and I use they/them pronouns. Case Studies in International Education, 2.

Johnson, L. D. (2020). Mexican night—Whose job is it to educate? Case Studies in International Education, 2.