November 19, 1999

Johnson joins Office of News and Public Affairs

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Dana Johnson

Johnson joins Office of News and Public Affairs

Dana Johnson has joined the Office of News and Public Affairs as staff photographer.

She will be responsible for capturing the images that accompany the words in all the office's publications, including the Reporter, House Organ, VU Medicine, Crossroads and Peer Review.

Johnson brings an impressive portfolio and a wealth of experience in photojournalism to her new position. She comes to VUMC from the (Oklahoma) Edmond Sun, where she served as photo editor. Prior to that, she was a photographer for the Jackson Sun in Jackson, Tenn., and the Lexington Herald-Leader in Lexington, Ky.

"We are really happy that Dana has joined us," said Wayne Wood, director of publications for the Office of News and Public Affairs. "She has a good eye and will definitely help in the ongoing effort to produce the highest quality publications possible for the medical center."

A Bowling Green, Ky., native, Johnson developed an interest in photography at an early age thanks to her father, who always seemed to be taking pictures. She maintained that interest, but when she enrolled in Western Kentucky University she still wasn't sure what career path to take.

Call it fate or destiny, but Western Kentucky University is home to one of the nation's premiere photojournalism programs, so her career path quickly became clear.

When pressed by a professor for a reason why she wanted to be a photographer, Johnson gave an answer that still rings true to her today.

"I want to be a part of people's lives and share those lives with others," Johnson said.