PRESS RELEASES

Academic Career & Executive Search (ACES) Places Vice President for Academic Services at Imperial Valley College

(January 29, 2026, WEST HARTFORD, CT) Following a national search, Academic Career & Executive Search (ACES), a leading higher education focused executive search firm, is pleased to announce the successful placement of Dr. Julia Johnson, securing the role as the next Vice President for Academic Services at Imperial Valley College.

With more than two decades of experience across community colleges, private institutions, and research-intensive universities, Dr. Julia “Jules” Johnson brings a depth of knowledge and a broad perspective shaped by service as a Senior Vice Provost, Dean, Associate Dean, Department Chair, and faculty member. Dr. Johnson received their PhD in Communication and Culture, Rhetoric & Cultural Studies from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst. They recently consulted with Lawrence Technological University, developing online graduate programs and prior to that, served as Senior Vice Provost for Academic Affairs at Central Michigan University. Dr. Johnson’s journey in higher education is rooted in personal experience: after leaving high school, they found a transformative path at Long Beach City College. This experience continues to guide their commitment to expanding opportunities, supporting student success, and driving meaningful instructional innovation. This mission-driven outlook is what drew Jules to Imperial Valley College and aligns deeply with the college’s focus on increasing access, equity, and community impact.

Imperial Valley College (IVC) is a public community college located in Imperial, California, serving approximately 7,500 full-time equivalent students annually. Since opening in 1962, IVC has been dedicated to transforming lives through education and opportunity as part of the California Community Colleges system, the largest system of higher education in the United States. IVC is nationally recognized for its strong transfer pathways, robust career technical education programs, and innovative approaches to advance student success and equity. With nearly 90% of students identifying as Hispanic/Latino, IVC serves as a federally designated Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI), embracing its role in opening doors for diverse communities in the region.

Affordable Excellence

Academic Career & Executive Search, a higher education focused search firm, specializes in affordable excellence, providing perfectly matched candidates to institutions quickly and accurately. Their methodologies, based on frequent touchpoints, pinpoint ideal candidates with speed and meticulous care resulting in highly successful placements.

They offer flexible service/pricing levels for all positions, ensuring affordability. Contact Jennifer Muller, Managing Partner, at 860-740-2600 or Jennifer@ACESrch.com, or visit https://acesrch.com/.