Michelle Johnson, PhD, will serve as the new assistant dean and assistant professor for the UNMC College of Nursing Lincoln Division beginning Sept. 1.
Dr. Johnson has served as a professor at Bryan College of Health Sciences since 2008 and in 2018 was named the Helen Weber Endowed Professor at Bryan College. As a registered nurse, she worked for years on a unit caring for patients with chronic kidney disease. Her scientific interests are in understanding and fostering patient activation in people with chronic kidney disease.
"I am thrilled to begin a new chapter in my nursing career at the Lincoln Division," Dr. Johnson said. "I have current and previous experiences collaborating with the faculty in professional organizations across Nebraska. I am always impressed with the outstanding work I have observed and experienced when collaborating on projects with them. They are dedicated to the work they do and passionate about their areas of interest, be it teaching, scholarship, service and/or practice.
"As a UNMC graduate myself, I know firsthand the quality of instruction students, in all programs, receive at the CON. I credit the CON faculty and staff with providing me my foundational knowledge and mentoring me to achieve new levels of understanding."
Juliann Sebastian, PhD, dean of the UNMC College of Nursing, said the college is excited about Dr. Johnson joining the college and the division’s opportunities for continued growth in education, research and practice.
"She is highly respected by students and her peers. Being located on the University of Nebraska-Lincoln campus provides amazing access to interprofessional scholars, opportunities for students and a fantastic academic environment," Dr. Sebastian said. "She will provide stellar leadership for the Lincoln Division and I am excited about working with her in this capacity."
Dr. Sebastian lauded the work of Sue Barneson, PhD, a registered nurse who served as interim assistant dean for the Lincoln Division. "Sue has worked tirelessly to advance the goals of the college and the division during her interim leadership period," said Dr. Sebastian, also a registered nurse. "This is a special skill and the division and the college benefitted greatly from her superb work and thoughtful and forward-thinking approach. The future is truly bright with such a talented team of faculty and staff, and such wonderful students, clinical partners and alumni."
Welcome to UNMC!