Dr. Kristen A. Johnson, Professor in the Department of Animal Sciences has had a sustained impact on the field of animal science for the past 32 years through her commitment to teaching and advising efforts to enhance student learning. Dr. Johnson teaches lower and upper division undergraduate and graduate classes and is a longtime advisor to student organizations. Graduates offer during exit interviews that experiences they had with Dr. Johnson their first semester at WSU caused them to recognize and value their role in the educational process. Upper division students characterize Dr. Johnson as fair, approachable and demanding of understanding beyond memorization. Dr. Johnson has served WSU as Associate Dean of the Graduate School (2002-2004) and interim Chair of the Department of Animal Science (2017-2020) where she prioritized teaching. Dr. Johnson provides important senior leadership within the department and maintains a successful research program in ruminant nutrition.