[1] As the system president, his priorities included a systemwide Title IX compliance effort,[6] remedying UA's historic land grant deficit, restructuring of academic programs and administrative services of the university to increase student success and reduce cost,[7][8] aligning with Alaska's primary and secondary education sectors,[9] and a systemwide push to achieve the State of Alaska's goal for 65 percent of Alaska's working age population to have a post-secondary degree or certificate of value by 2025.

[10] Johnsen assumed the role of president during a period of budget cuts following the state of Alaska’s loss of income from collapsed oil revenues.

[15][16] The cuts were widely condemned, including by Johnsen, University of Alaska trustees, and public officials from across the political spectrum.

[19] The following month the Faculty Senate of the University of Alaska-Fairbanks also passed a resolution of no-confidence related to the “Strategic Pathways” plan, by a vote of 26-12.

In this role, he develops strong partnerships with GA&A and its clients, leveraging his extensive experience and passion for leadership in higher education, business, and government.

Following his time at NASH, he was appointed as Affiliate Faculty at the Center for Studies in Higher Education at the University of California, Berkeley.

[29] Additionally, Johnsen co-authored the article “Leveraging the Power of Systemness to Improve the Success of Students and Society” with Martin, Zimpher, and Lane, published in Change: The Magazine of Higher Learning.

[30] Furthermore, he contributed the chapter “Opportunities for Collective Bargaining to Advance Higher Education through Clarity of Role and Process” Unions on Campus: Managing Labor-Management Relationships Proactively, Fairly and Efficiently, edited by Daniel J.