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SLU-Madrid Executive Leadership

Saint Louis University-Madrid's leadership carries out its responsibilities guided by Saint Louis University's enduring Jesuit mission and Catholic values. With a focus on putting students first, SLU-Madrid's leaders are dedicated to the principles of shared governance and are committed to the careful and strategic stewardship of the University's resources.

Office of the Rector

Headshot of William Johnson in a suit and tie.

 

William Johnson, J.D., is Saint Louis University-Madrid's rector, vice president and chief academic officer. He reports to Saint Louis University's provost, and is responsible for extending SLU's Jesuit mission in Spain and ensuring the excellence of teaching, scholarship and research. The rector oversees all academic and administrative units at SLU-Madrid. 

About the Rector

Originally from Minnesota, Johnson holds a B.A. in German with a minor in Russian from the University of Minnesota (1995) and earned his J.D. from the University of Michigan Law School (2001).

Johnson served as the dean of SLU's School of Law for more than seven years. He also led the school's Center for International and Comparative Law and directed SLU's Summer Law Program in Madrid.

Before becoming a law professor at SLU in 2012, Johnson practiced corporate and commercial law for six years in the Milwaukee office of Foley & Lardner LLP, and held an appointment on the law faculty of the University of North Dakota. He is a recognized scholar in the field and has held visiting academic appointments in Lithuania, Germany and France, as well as guest lectureships in Hungary.

Johnson has remained engaged with the law practice community and the international bar through active involvement in the American Bar Association International Law Section (ABA ILS) and other international professional organizations. 

A long-time supporter of SLU‑Madrid, Johnson taught on campus for several summers and maintained strong ties through regular visits during his time as dean. Optimistic about the future of SLU-Madrid, he has a vision of advancing the campus's international mission by strengthening the university's global partnerships and expanding academic and internship opportunities across Europe and Latin America.

SLU-Madrid Executive Staff

  • Victoria Villarreal, MBA, vice rector of administration and chief financial officer
  • Francisco García-Serrano, Ph.D., vice rector for academics
  • Laurie Mazzuca, Ph.D., vice rector for academics
  • Heidi Buffington, director of admissions
  • Jessica Erwin, director of operational services
  • Ashley Jost, director of student life
  • Taieb Gasmi, Ph.D., associate dean for sciences and engineering
  • Laura Tedesco, Ph.D., associate dean for humanities and the social sciences
  • David Howden, Ph.D., associate dean for business and economics