Dr. Steven Johnson appointed dean of the Faculty of Health Disciplines
Respected academic, leader, and health researcher takes on role effective Jan. 31
Dr. Steven Johnson has been appointed dean of the Faculty of Health Disciplines at Athabasca University (AU).
Johnson, who resides on Treaty 6 Territory, has been at AU and the Faculty of Health Disciplines for over 14 years. He served as a tenured faculty member, program director, and associate dean of research and graduate programs.
He also served as interim dean of the faculty for the past year.
“I'm optimistic for the future of the university, especially with an emerging strategic plan that will guide and support our vision and mission as an open university.”
– Dr. Steven Johnson, dean of the Faculty of Health Disciplines
A clear vision for the Faculty of Health Disciplines
As dean, Johnson said he sees opportunities to help the faculty grow enrolment, but also expand its program offerings.
One area he hopes to focus on is creating more pathways for learners in rural and remote communities, and Indigenous communities specifically.
Johnson described himself as a collaborative leader.
“I don’t like to do things on my own as dean, I want everyone involved,” he said
“I don't like to do things on my own as dean, I want everyone involved.”
Research focus on healthy living
Johnson has spent much of his academic career at AU. Since 2005, he has contributed to over 100 research publications.
He earned a bachelor and master of science degree from the University of Saskatchewan. He also earned a doctorate in nutrition and human metabolism from the University of Alberta, where his research focused on managing chronic diseases, specifically Type 2 diabetes.
Type 2 diabetes prevention and management continues to be a strong research focus. His research interests also include health promotion, health system improvement, and men’s health in the workplace.
Recent academic work includes being the principal investigator for POWERPLAY, a program designed specifically to promote men’s health and address challenges men face.
His research supports United Nations Sustainable Development Goal No. 3: good health and wellbeing.
Being dean might have been in his DNA
Prior to joining AU, Johnson worked as a researcher at the University of Alberta.
He said he always dreamed of landing an academic position. He’s also very proud that he’s been able to move into leadership positions.
“It laid the foundation for me to be where I am today. However, I feel like being dean was also in my DNA,” he said.
“My dad was an academic leader, my brother is an academic leader, another brother was an industry leader, and my sister is still involved in research at the University of Saskatchewan as a nurse, and of course my mom supports all of us, so it’s kind of in my blood.”
Johnson said he’s very family oriented and loves to spend time with his loved ones. That includes cooking or listening to all genres of music, coaching both of his daughter’s ringette teams, or playing and watching hockey.
Learn more about Dr. Steven Johnson and the Faculty of Health Disciplines at AU.
