Johnson credits his biology instructors with his success. “Jim Howard is somewhat responsible for the direction my life took. And Tom Clifford was a big influence; he took me on as an advisee, and I was very successful after that,” Johnson noted.

Initially, Johnson was enrolled in the radiography program but found he did not want to do that. “I knew I wanted to be in medicine, and a friend told me about the occupational therapy degree available from the University of North Dakota’s program at Casper College,” said Johnson.

Johnson realized that there were many different areas for an occupational therapist in health care and that OT would be a perfect fit for him. After earning his degree in pre-occupational therapy at Casper College, Johnson began working on his Bachelor of Science in occupational therapy.

Johnson successfully graduated from the OT program in 1999. He went to Creighton University for his Doctorate in occupational therapy. “When I graduated, I was one of 27 individuals in the U.S. with that same degree, and Creighton was one of only three doctoral programs available at that time,” Johnson recalled.

During his doctorate studies, Johnson interned at the University of Maryland Medical Center and the National Rehabilitation Hospital in Washington, D.C. After he graduated from Creighton, he went to work for NRH, which he called “… an exceptional experience.”

But Casper was calling him back. “I left Maryland to come back to Casper where I grew up because it has the amenities I like, including plenty of outdoor activities,” said Johnson.

Upon his return in 1999, Johnson began working at Casper College’s Centrum Clinic, which helped organizations become compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act; it also helped individuals by creating devices to help them with their occupational disability needs. He also began teaching at UND at Casper in the fall of 1999.

Five years later, the Centrum Clinic closed. Johnson continued to work at UND, where he became a coordinator recruiter as well as an instructor. He also taught a class or two for Casper College. “I had a futon in my office so I could rest. I was teaching 13 courses a year, so there was lots to do,” he said.

After two years, a full-time position opened in the Casper College Biology Department. He applied and was hired. “It was a better move for me, and I already had an office there,” he said. Johnson also gave credit to Clifford: “Tom was largely responsible for me applying for the position.”

Back in his mid-20s, Johnson wanted more for himself. “I am thankful for the encouragement I received at the time to go back to college. I was scared of academics but found that I was able to overcome that and succeed at Casper College. Every faculty member cared, then and now, about the students. We want to know what our students want to achieve and help them with their goals,” said Johnson.

“I really believe that if I could go back to school and succeed, then anybody can. Just like I did, nontraditionals who decide to go back to college will find a great atmosphere at Casper College.”