LCC Board of Education member Susie Johnston sits outside Vero Espresso in Eugene. Johnston is the representive for District 4, which includes Eastern Lane County. (Photo by Leah Averett)
LCC Board of Education member Susie Johnston started her very first college term as a student at the age of 59. She enrolled in 2006, after serving the board for less than a year — 40 years after she graduated high school.
“I was incredibly reluctant to let anyone know I was on the board,” she said.
“Susie would not have wanted anyone to give her special treatment,” said Johnston’s friend Donna Zmolek, who is an LCC employee.
Although going to college was a daunting prospect for her, Johnston’s son, Nicholas Johnston, said she regretted not attending college sooner.
Johnston said she remembered being “a dismal high school student” who thought she wasn’t very bright, and that she needed much encouragement to begin.
She began attending LCC through the Women in Transitions program, and the tight-knit group of students supported each other in their self-discovery.
“I’m so grateful for that, for a variety of reasons, there was such a spectrum of ages. … It was a validation of who we were — who we could be, what we could do,” Johnston said.
The dual role of LCC student and LCC Board of Education member lent Johnston a unique perspective to the monthly board meetings.
She could see from a personal level the influence policy decisions had on the classroom experience and student life.
“Being a student gave me a voice. I am there. I’m doing it. I had the opportunity to really see who the students are,” Johnston said.
Although she was initially reluctant to run for LCC Board of Education because she did not have a college degree, she ran anyway. After “a most sensational loss,” she vacillated back and forth on her decision to make a second attempt.
For two years, she went to the LCC board meetings to watch and think. At some meetings she told herself that she could do what the board members were doing, but other meetings left her thinking she still had a lot to learn.
With a strong desire to serve, and propelled by the positive effects of education on the lives of the children and families in her work at Jasper Mountain, a center for abused children and families, she decided she had to run again.
She won the election in 2005, representing District 4, which includes Eastern Lane County, and is currently serving a second term as chairperson because she likes to steer the meetings “to move them along and herd the cats.”
“Her sense of humor and ability to think outside the box has really benefited her with the difficult decisions the board has had to make in the past few years,” said her longtime friend, Ellen Hyman.
“She is personable, friendly and easygoing, but dives into the serious issues when necessary,” said Zmolek, who attends each meeting to transcribe the minutes.
Johnston said she believes it is important to use bond money to improve and refurbish LCC, create comfortable student areas, improve technology and enhance the beauty of the campus.
Having seven board members that are so diverse in their backgrounds, professions and personalities is wonderful, she said.
“Rather than one person being brilliant at a particular thing, each of us add amazing value to the group,” Johnston said.
Approximately a year after her divorce, she is currently taking a break from school. Although she has an eventual goal of getting an associate’s degree, she was taking classes primarily to enrich her life.
Her three children are now adults, but she was active in their schools when they were children, serving as a room mother and on the Pleasant Hill School Board. In addition to currently serving on the LCC Board of Education, she has also served on the Oregon Community College Association executive committee for three years.
“She likes being integrated into the community, and is always excited to learn about other people — who they are, and what they are doing. She will help out where no one else will, as in her work at Jasper Mountain for over a decade,” Nicholas said.
