Ruth W. Johnson, director of SUNO's Educational Talent Search Program, was elected secretary for the Council for Opportunity in Education (COE) Board of Directors. The council, based in Washington, D.C., represents TRiO programs that are funded by the U.S. Department of Education.

The TRiO Programs include Upward Bound, Upward Bound Math/Science, Veterans Upward Bound, Student Support Services, Educational Talent Search, Educational Opportunity Centers, and the Ronald E. McNair Post-Baccalaureate Achievement program.The TRiO programs are funded via the Higher Education Act of 1965 to boost academic and economic competitiveness among students globally, especially for low-income and/or first-generation participants.

Johnson has worked with TRiO Programs over the past twelve years. She also served as president for Louisiana Association for Student Assistance Programs (2005), president of the Southwest Association for Student Assistance Programs (2007), and the National Conference Co-chairperson in 2009.As the regional chairperson for 2009 National Fair Share Campaign's Southwest Region, Johnson raised $434,000, which made up 124 percent of budgeted contributions.