Meet Rachel Johnson
What is your name?
Rachel Johnson
What’s your official job title?
Academic Advisor/Registration Coordinator at Tisch Drama
Years/Months at NYU:
3 Years
What’s your hometown?
Brooklyn, New York
What kind of projects do you work on?
Many of the projects I work on allow me to tap into my creativity and ability to innovate. I provide holistic advising, mentor, and partner with 250+ practicing artists as they navigate their academic and artistic journey at Tisch Drama. Administratively, this includes processing paperwork regarding registration, study away, permission to register off campus, leaves of absence, AWOL status and readmission. I review, troubleshoot, and approve degree progress reports for my students and collaborate with key stakeholders to support my students in overcoming many issues.
I manage the bi-annual registration process during Fall and spring semesters for 1500+ students enrolled. Within our advising team, equipped with seven experienced Student Affairs professionals, I lead projects and chair committees devoted to strategic planning and the creation of tools and resources to support our 1600+ students overall. I support the Tisch Drama Student Council as an Advising liaison. I also serve as an Advisor to long-standing student organization, The Collective, which is dedicated to empowering and highlighting rising Black multidisciplinary artists and creatives at Tisch primarily through equity-driven programming and community building initiatives.
Why NYU?
I’m an alum of both the NYU Tisch UG Film & TV program and the NYU MLK Scholars program. With my 10+ years of diverse and dynamic experiences in education and the arts, I saw the Academic Advisor position as a great opportunity to utilize my developed expertise in many areas and support emerging artists studying at Tisch.
Any advice for new administrators?
Learn as much as you can about your team, your department, and connect with professionals across NYU. It will help you understand the work that you do on a deeper level and build a network of solid relationships. Also, make time to join a project, group, committee, or initiative that speaks to your values, goals, and inherently celebrates you!
What does a normal day look like for you?
My days vary depending on the needs at the time within the semester. Each day includes a combination of meeting with students which can range from 3 – 15 meetings, devoted time to administrative work to support student needs, email and communication follow up, planning, completing projects, executing programming, meetings with the advising team, and meetings across the Drama department, Tisch or in conjunction with university-led initiatives.
Who do you know that you think we should know? Why?
Azena Louis, Budget Administrator is a humble gem within the Drama Department. Many years ago as a student, I recall seeing Azena in transition through the halls of Tisch and when I joined Tisch Drama as an Academic Advisor, she extended her reach and was an immediate encouraging spirit. While our work fulfills different goals within the department, I’ve always find her genuine disposition and words of wisdom so profound and uplifting. I am confident that she would have great insight into her position, overall field of higher ed budgeting, and wonderful advice for other administrators for years to come!
What is your fondest memory in your time here?
As an Academic Advisor, some of my fondest memories include attending the Tisch Salute and the graduation ceremony at Yankee Stadium. It was a wonderful experience to see the graduates who worked so hard to earn their degrees celebrate and be in community with each other.
Do you have a hidden talent?
I write and direct films. I’m currently working on a film production, Fast, for this summer. Fast is a narrative film that not only highlights the positive youth development that the double dutch sport brings to the Black American community, especially young girls, but also it sheds light on the concerning factors that young children have to face in times of play and interrogates labels often assigned to Black girls. I’m excited to say the least!
What are you currently reading?
I’m revisiting Directing Actors – Judith Weston and beginning The Color of Law – Richard Rothstein
Coke or Pepsi?
Neither! 🙂
Coffee or Tea?
Tea all the way!
Describe yourself in only three words
Innovative, Dynamic & Strategic
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