Alexandria “Alex” Johnson joined the campus community 11 years ago and has been building community — and the campus spaces that strengthen them — ever since. As construction project manager, she’s done everything from redesigning student lounges to helping with the new South Campus residence halls. And for most of this time, she’s been an active member of Kenyon Staff Council, where she currently serves as senior cochair. In both roles, she’s worked to strengthen collaboration, preserve institutional knowledge and support colleagues across divisions.
Besides Gambier, where is your favorite place in the world to be?
I'm not the most well traveled person, but I would definitely say North Myrtle Beach. We had our first family vacation there this past summer, and I am officially a beach girl!
Why did you come to Kenyon?
I first came to Kenyon when my husband and I were ready to start a family, and my two-hour round-trip commute from Bladensburg to Columbus simply wasn’t sustainable. I knew I wanted to be closer to home, and I had already heard wonderful things about Kenyon as an employer. Although I’m not originally from this area, I saw an opportunity not only to build a career but also to make a difference on campus. So, I applied for the facility logistics coordinator position in the maintenance department and was fortunate enough to be chosen. And now here I am ... 11 years later!
Fill in the blank: My experience at Kenyon would not be the same without ______.
The people. It may sound cliché, but my time at Kenyon has been defined by the incredible individuals I’ve had the privilege to meet. The friendships and connections I’ve built here have shaped me in meaningful ways, both personally and professionally, and I truly wouldn’t be the same without them.
What is your favorite Kenyon tradition?
The Years of Service Ceremony is one of my favorite traditions. I love seeing the dedication my colleagues have given to Kenyon. It’s such a meaningful way to honor their time, commitment and the impact they’ve made on our campus.
What Kenyon class would you love to take — again or for the first time?
I think "Introduction to Cultural Anthropology" would be a really interesting class to take. I also recently attended the Great Lakes Colleges Association budgeting session and had the chance to meet PJ Glandon from the economics department. He shared such a thoughtful perspective in our small group, and I felt like I learned a ton from him in just 45 minutes. So, while it would definitely be a challenge, I think I’d put an economics class on my list as well!
If there was a soundtrack to your Kenyon experience, what song would be on repeat? Or is there a movie that represents your time on the Hill?
"A Million Dreams" from “The Greatest Showman.” It blends music, family, creativity and the idea of pursuing big dreams with dedication!
Where do you find satisfaction outside of your work?
We are definitely a sports household. My husband is a high school football coach at Mount Vernon, and I coach my daughter’s 8-and-under softball team. I also love being creative. I am currently teaching myself to sew and quilt. I have this crazy goal of being able to gift my closest friends and family with a quilt for Christmas this year! I also love to hand-embroider!
What is something interesting that you have read recently?
I’m currently diving back into the “Blood and Ash” / “Flesh and Fire” series by Jennifer L. Armentrout as I gear up for the next release! There’s something magical about revisiting these fantasy worlds — catching little details I missed the first time around and falling in love with the characters all over again. I’m drawn to books that sweep me away to places unknown, where adventure, romance and imagination collide.
What new skill would you like to learn?
I’d like to learn how to read music and sing harmony parts. I’m a soprano in my church choir, but right now I need to hear a song first before I can learn the melody. Until I know it well, I have to concentrate really hard to stay on my part when other voices are singing around me. Once I’ve learned the song, I’m fine, but I think it would be a wonderful skill to not only hold my part more confidently, but also to be able to sing harmony instead of always taking the lead.
What is the best piece of advice that you've ever been given?
It's not been given to me specifically, but I love the quote, "Perfection is not attainable. But if we chase perfection we can catch excellence." — Vince Lombardi
The Kenyon Ten is an occasional question-and-answer feature that highlights students, faculty and staff.