Karen Johnson Receives MLK Community Volunteer Award

On Jan. 15, 2009, Karen Johnson, admissions program coordinator in the School of Social Work, received a Martin Luther King Jr. Community Volunteer Recognition Award at the University's annual celebration of Dr. King’s extraordinary life of service. Every year one recipient is selected from each of the UW Health Sciences schools. Johnson has worked at the SSW for nearly 20 years.

Karen Johnson

Among the letters of nomination for Johnson one colleague wrote:

“As admissions program coordinator, Karen has played a key role in outreach on behalf of our school to communities of color throughout the Seattle area. Her extensive outreach is one reason we successfully draw a diverse group of students of exceptional caliber and talent to our rigorous and nationally ranked program of study.

“Karen manifests a student-centered perspective that goes beyond the admissions process,” he added. “She is invested in each student’s success and promotes diversity within our school and the social work profession. Karen embodies a passionate commitment to ensure just access to higher education for students of color and low-income individuals. A listening ear, a compassionate heart and an empowering woman of color, Karen sacrifices her time beyond assigned responsibilities to advocate and empower students to be agents of change and transformation.”

Another colleague wrote, “Karen has taken great pains to focus on the needs of disadvantaged students who haven’t had the privilege of an extensive support system to smooth their way into the University. Once students are accepted, Karen goes beyond the call of her duties to connect with them. She’s been a strong supporter of Bridges of Color, giving up weekends to support this student group at its annual retreat.”

Johnson has also twice co-chaired the SSW Staff and Faculty of Color Committee. At community fairs during Seattle’s Seafair, she has taken the message of opportunity at the school to the International District Street Fair, the Seafair Pow Wow, and to Hispanic, Filipino and other communities of color.  

“Through her exceptional leadership in many facets of our school and community, Karen steadfastly addresses inequities and promotes the legacy of Dr. King,” a colleague concluded.