Knowledgeable. Compassionate. Fair. Honest. Visionary. 

A person described using any one of these words would be flattered.  Colleagues of Carla Johnson, however, used all of these descriptors when asked about a leader who has made the Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences her home for nearly 28 years. 

“Carla is a true advocate for students,” commented one colleague. “She is wholly invested in the success and well-being of students, but is equally supportive of faculty and staff.” Another added, “Carla is the resident historian whose knowledge teaches not only about our past, but informs about how the GSBS has moved forward.” 

Joining the GSBS team in 1993 to lead Admissions and Services, Carla’s roles have changed in scope and focus but have never moved away from direct contact with the students.  Today, she serves as Executive Director of GSBS Student & Academic Services, where she continues to address about any question about the why, where, when, how, or who of GSBS history.  

GSBS Dean Michael Mathis perhaps summed it up best, saying that “Carla is welcoming to those she encounters, is extremely knowledgeable about HSC and GSBS and exemplifies the HSC Values.”   

Always eager to help, and never at a loss for ideas and solutions, Carla Johnson continues to touch the lives of GSBS students and faculty in ways large and small.  “She serves selflessly in support of the greater good of not just GSBS, but of HSC as a whole,” said Dr. Meharvan (Sonny) Singh, former GSBS dean upon learning of Carla’s selection as one of the institutions 50 heroes. “I saw her demonstrate these characteristics daily, and couldn’t be more proud to see them recognized and honored.”   

We couldn’t agree more. Congratulations, Carla!

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Contribute Honor your HSC hero today! Please make a tribute gift, submit a photo or share a story that you value. Join us throughout 2020 as we celebrate the people, events and innovations that made UNTHSC all it is today — and look ahead to the next 50 years. For the 50th anniversary, team members nominated people whose contributions make them HSC Heroes. Each week, a new Hero will be revealed. View the list of all our Hero profiles published so far this year. There is a new one each week.