“Pull up!” 

That’s what Jordan Johnson says when he emphasizes his open-door policy for Kalamazoo College students, especially those who aren’t quite sure where they fit in yet. As the College’s new assistant director for intercultural student life, he is looking forward to meeting students as first-year orientation begins Wednesday, September 9.  

“We are cool and down-to-earth people in the Intercultural Center,” Johnson said. “Our main goal is to make sure you’re comfortable. Research says that students who feel like they belong succeed. Comfort, engagement and being able to have trust in someone is a part of that belonging, so pull up. That’s what we’re about.” 

Johnson previously worked in higher education at Western Michigan University. Although he valued that experience, he was drawn to K for an opportunity to work with a smaller student population. More than anything, he wants to hear from students. 

“At a larger institution, your work can get drowned out, and I wanted to come here and be effective with a smaller population,” Johnson said. “I want to use my higher education experience to make a greater impact.” 

His approach to his work is informed by his own experience as a college student. Johnson was a first-generation student from Detroit. When he arrived on campus, he said he had to learn the language of higher education, understand college classroom dynamics, and adjust to expectations that differed from those he encountered in high school. 

Eventually, Johnson found support from a staff member he trusted enough to ask questions and seek advice. That experience has stayed with him. Now, he wants to be that kind of person for K students, especially those who might not immediately feel that they know how to navigate college. 

One of his primary responsibilities at the Intercultural Center will be supporting the success of first-generation students, partly by setting up a First-Generation Day celebration. Johnson said first-generation students are often balancing family dynamics, cultural backgrounds, and an educational environment unfamiliar to them. He wants to honor the resilience it takes to make that journey.  

“We don’t just want them in the institution just for the sake of being here,” he said. “We want to celebrate and acknowledge them. Belonging doesn’t just mean that I am here and I’m just existing. I want them to say, ‘I find purpose in being here. I’m comfortable being here.’” 

Johnson knows from experience that getting involved can be difficult, particularly for students who are naturally more reserved. He said he was reclusive as a college student and not especially socially engaged. But when he pushed himself beyond his comfort zone, he found friendships, relationships and opportunities that extended into his education and professional life. His advice to K students: Take the chance. 

“One little step out of your comfort zone here and there can probably yield great results,” he said. 

For new students, that might mean striking up a conversation at orientation or walking into the Intercultural Center for the first time. Johnson wants the center to be a place where students can build connections, find a sense of belonging, and discover opportunities to become more involved in the K community.  

Student participation, he said, will be essential. He plans to continue programs that make everyone feel welcome such as Food for the Soul while also establishing a Black Male Summit and exploring partnerships with other institutions and organizations to expand programming available to K students. 

The invitation to participate extends to everyone, and especially to students who might feel as though they are the only person on campus with their specific background. Getting involved is a part of the college experience. 

“We pay to be here,” Johnson said. “We pay to be in college. It’s an investment. Make the most out of it.” 

Johnson believes every person has a unique story, and he wants the Intercultural Center to be a place where students can show up as themselves, find people who will listen and discover opportunities to build community.  Johnson also appreciates conversations across cultures. And rather than expecting people to become experts on someone else’s culture, he encourages students to practice cultural humility. In other words, he wants students to approach each other as learners. 

With first-year orientation just days away, Johnson is ready to start listening. 

“When you talk about Jordan Johnson—or JoJo, as a lot of people like to call me—I am a fan of originality,” he said. “I love authenticity. I encourage people to be themselves at all times. Be yourself, man. As long as you are being true to yourself, I’m here for it. Pull up!”