At other universities, nicknames for administrators may be considered an insult, but at Butler nicknames are a reflection of the close-knit community of students, staff and faculty.

Dr. Levester Johnson, typically known as “LJ” on campus, is the vice president of student affairs at Butler University. His most recent role has been to act as the co-chair with Dr. Bill Templeton for the provost selection committee. His personality and experience in student affairs helped drive the university’s mission to find a provost, a position that is seen as the second-in-command to university President Dr. Bobby Fong.

“I think what makes him tick is that he has a passion for his work,” Dean of student services Greg Sharer said. “ He enjoys working with students and wants them to feel good about their experience here.”

As the co-chair for the committee, Johnson said that there are specific qualities the committee will be looking for in a provost.

“The provost should be an excellent communicator, should convey a sense of openness and a willingness to collaborate,” Johnson said.

The interviews conducted the last week of January, allowed time for the candidates to meet with faculty and staff, but also students as well.

Co-chair and professor of finance Templeton said that some students feel that their opinions and suggestions might not make a difference in choosing a candidate, and therefore would not bother attending the student forums. There is a lot of input that goes into making such an important decision, so no one person dominates.

“I think it’s an awesome opportunity for Butler students to take part in this selection process,” senior and SGA President Laura Michel said.

Dean of student services Greg Sharer said that he believes Johnson is involved in helping find the right person that will move the university forward.

Johnson’s colleagues attribute his success with the provost committee to his extensive experience in nearly all levels of student affairs, including his leadership as vice president of a region of the National Association of Student Personnel Administrators.

“When we go to a conference, people will say, ‘You go to Butler? You work with Levester!’” director of residence life Karla Cunningham said. “His style of leadership extends beyond what I’ve seen at Butler.”

Still others have said his success on the committee is because of his extroverted personality.

“He’s so outgoing,” Johnson’s personal assistant Deb Barrick said. “Many people don’t realize how bright and effective he is.”

With a degree in broadcast communication from Marquette University, Johnson was equipped with the skills needed to communicate and delegate work in his future career in student affairs. Butler faculty, staff and students believe that these skills and his overall warm personality helped guide the provost selection process.

Some student affairs professionals [at schools elsewhere] feel that their programs are the most important in the university, Dean of Students Irene Stevens said. Johnson knows that the role of student affairs is to be a support system to the classroom. In that way, Stevens said, he’s focused on collaborating with faculty and other colleagues.

“I don’t think either one of us felt the need to be the leader,” Templeton said.

He represented the academic side of the university for the committee, while Johnson represented the student affairs side.

"I think he does a good job of setting the tone of the task without dictating any kind of results," said Templeton. "When it seemed a particular task was easier for him to get accomplished, he would do it and vice versa. He’s slow to give his own personal views until others have established their own.

"A group works well when they meet and there’s a set agenda. We try to make good process and not get caught up in a quagmire, but at the same time you don’t rush people through.

"I think in all those ways he strikes a nice balance and he’s not contentious. He’s been a good leader with respect to the provost search."

In January, the top three candidates for the provost position visited the campus to meet with students, faculty and staff.

Cunningham pointed out that while the candidates were on campus to be interviewed the provost hopefuls were also interviewing the Butler constituents. Cunningham said that Butler would be well served by having someone with Johnson’s personality. He could give a very positive, strong impression of the Butler community during the candidates’ visits.

Part of Johnson’s aura is due to his nickname, Cunningham said. As a youth people butchered Johnson’s first name. He even had a professor call him “Lavender” at one point. Though “LJ” may be easier to roll off the tongue it also has had some very positive benefits within the Butler community.

“Some campuses are driven by titles, and that’s just not the Butler way,” Cunningham said. She said that Johnson is a prime example of how nicknames can be used in a way that still shows respect.

Johnson said, “I don’t care if when I retire people are still calling me LJ, because then I will have achieved all that I want to achieve.”

“To a lot of students he is not just the VP, he’s the guy buying drinks for people at Starbucks,” Michel said. Michel was referring to the holiday season when Johnson plays “Santa” for a day and treats Starbucks patrons to warm coffee drinks.

Johnson’s blend of work and play transcends into his personal life as well. Personally, he sings in the church choir and coaches his childrens’ sports. He and his wife Jill met while working at Butler. They are raising three adopted children, who are involved in an array of activities and present their own challenges.

“There’s a lot of blending and understanding,” Johnson said. He said he manages to juggle family and work with high energy.

“I wouldn’t call anything in my world balanced,” Johnson said. “We call it organized chaos. It’s very fun that way. I see my life in terms of what I’m grounded in – my faith, family and friends. Those are my top priorities.”

At Butler though, what drives him is interacting with students because they remind him of his years at Marquette.

“It’s such a joy to see the development that takes place, to play a part in helping a person,” Johnson said. “I feel a sense of personal self-worth.”

Johnson’s interpersonal skills helped the week go smoothly, Greg Sharer said. Johnson knows how to build rapport with people of all backgrounds, so that he’s able to talk to parents, students or the community and find ways to connect with them.

Barrick, who schedules his calendar, is familiar with how quickly it fills up.

"His calendar is a challenge because so many people want a piece of him, and he’s so generous with his time," Barrick said. "He never likes to say no to students. He can’t walk anywhere without stopping and talking to someone.”

Cunningham noticed Johnson’s dedication when she first met him at a conference several years ago. Johnson had brought his daughter Lilly to the event.

“I think that really speaks to his ability and commitment to be involved as a family man and be a professional,” Cunningham said.