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ANNIE JOHNSTON

ASA PRESIDENT

Senior and Augustana Student Association President Annie Johnston reflects on her four years of involvement with ASA. Throughout her time as a student and leader, Johnston has multi-level experience spanning from her time as freshman senator and committee chair of the Housing and Dining Committee along with her present role. Johnston has served on numerous taskforces and contributed to initiatives throughout the years targeting student betterment–such as conflict resolution, navigating a national election, and providing increased access to reproductive health resources. Graduating later this year, Johnston hopes to leave an impact on students of normalizing involvement in politics, both local and national.

Bio written by Madisyn Stogsdill '27 and further edited by the ASA Media Team.

ABOUT

President Annie Johnston is an Augustana Senior graduating Spring of 2025. Johnston currently studies history, government and international affairs, along with a recent minor in English. Born and raised in Sioux Falls, Johnston is familiar with the surrounding community and attending Augustana was an unexpected but instinctive decision. After graduating, she plans to gain further experience within the legal field to ultimately prepare for law school to aid her pursuit of a career in government.

"MY WORK ON ASA HAS MAINLY BEEN FOCUSED ON OTHER PEOPLE. I ALSO HOPE THAT STUDENT BODY GOVERNMENT AND POLITICS ARE MORE FUN. YOU SHOULD GET INVOLVED BECAUSE IT IMPACTS YOU. HOPEFULLY, THAT TRANSLATES OVER INTO THE REAL WORLD, AND OFF-CAMPUS OR POSTGRADUATION. STAY UP TO DATE WITH YOUR LOCAL REPRESENTATIVES AND HOLD THEM ACCOUNTABLE."

-PRESIDENT ANNIE JOHNSTON

JOURNEY AT AU

During her time at Augustana, Johnston expanded her knowledge of self and others. Specifically, entering the university with an interest in business, then recognizing her long-term passion for history along with related studies. Initially, Johnston was wary of the impact her newfound field would have on communities – but after realizing she could positively guide others through politics, she was reassured. Law school is in the future for Johnston, but the first step was joining ASA.

Johnston was elected as a freshman senator and was promptly reelected the following three years – an uncommon and impressive feat. Johnston was then elected as senator her following sophomore and junior years.

Throughout her vast time spent with the organization, Johnston has worked on profound projects such as navigating tension on campus that followed an Elmen Center dress code being contested, and deemed unfair by the majority of the student body. The policy was condemned, and Johnston assisted with leading a task force aiming to rewrite the outdated rules. Further experience in conflict-resolution was gained after the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, causing panic among students, and decreasing access to reproductive health resources. While being unable to directly address the issue, Johnston helped to support and provide access to Plan-B and other contraceptives. Within regard to both administration and students, Johnston additionally acted as a liaison between the student body and university food service Sodexo, promptly addressing issues with dietary restrictions or unmarked ingredients of meals, resulting in a line of communication in which individuals can report experiences from the Morrison Commons.

THE PRESIDENCY

Called to the distinguished service of the Augustana student body, Johnston, alongside his running mate, (now) Vice President Prince Adhikari, led a successful 2024 presidential campaign. Specific to her current presidency, alongside ASA Vice President Prince Adhikari, was the creation of the 2024-2025 Executive Strategic Plan, listing the priorities of their administration for this academic year.

As President, Johnston oversees the administration, executive and senate relations, and internal affairs of ASA.

With graduation approaching, Johnston reflects on her time spent in ASA.

"I HAVE BEEN ON ASA FOR FOUR YEARS, SO I’VE HAD THE PRIVILEGE OF SEEING DIFFERENT LEADERSHIP STYLES. I HOPE THAT MY IMPACT ON AUGIE IS A REMINDER THAT YOU CAN DO GOOD IN LEADERSHIP POSITIONS. IT CAN BE STRESSFUL BUT IT IS MEANINGFUL WORK YOU’RE DOING – YOU SHOULDN’T BE FOCUSED ON YOURSELF BUT OTHER PEOPLE, AND YOU SHOULD LOOK OUT FOR THEM."

-PRESIDENT ANNIE JOHNSTON

AUGUSTANA INVOLVEMENT