In 1969, Sandra H. Johnson began her studies as a freshman at
Saint Louis University. She returned to her alma mater as assistant
professor of law at the school of law in 1978. Twenty years later,
Johnson was appointed interim provost, going on to be promoted to
University provost.

Now, Johnson leaves the role of provost and has again returned
to the faculty, doing what she most enjoys: teaching.

“I was impressed both as a student and as a new faculty member
that this was a very caring and collegial place,” Johnson says of
SLU. “It was a place where intellect and faith were appreciated as
compatible.”

After graduating summa cum laude from SLU in 1973, Johnson
continued her studies at New York University School of Law and Yale
Law School.

Johnson’s emphasis in teaching has been in health law, the basic
course in health law as well as bioethics and law. She teaches the
first-year courses in property law at the school of law, as well as
courses in genetics and law, legal problems and the elderly, and
not-for-profit organizations.

“I so enjoy teaching–learning new ideas, working with students
as they learn the basics and beyond, and assisting students as they
develop their own career and personal goals,” Johnson said.

“I like to learn new things and to wrestle with new ideas,”
Johnson continued. “I like to work with students as they do the
same and as they develop their own goals and values.”

Johnson believes that it is important for students to select
courses and opportunities to work with professors they admire.

“Select courses that stretch you,” Johnson advises. “It’s called
‘education’ for a reason – you can try out things, you can work on
developing skills where you are the weakest.”

Although Johnson played a full-time role in the administration
as provost, she never completely left teaching.

“I enjoyed teaching even more while I was in administration
because it was a special opportunity to be involved in the activity
that is the reason the University exists.” Johnson said.

Among her recent professional honors and awards, Johnson has
been named the 2002 Woman of the Year by the Women’s Justice
Awards; she was named the 1997 Woman of the Year by SLU; and
received the William J. Curran Distinguished Public Health Service
award in 2001.

During her time as provost, Johnson had the opportunity to work
with numerous different projects and populations.

Johnson especially enjoyed working on SLU2000 and the VOICES
project funded this spring by the Lilly Endowment.

“Because I had taught almost exclusively in the law school and
in courses offered in the other professional schools, I had not had
much contact with undergraduate students,” Johnson added. “I really
enjoyed that over the four years.”

Joseph Weixlmann, Ph.D., former Dean of the College of Arts and
Sciences, has been appointed interim provost.

Johnson will shift her focus to research. She is on a research
sabbatical for this year.

“I have a grant to research issues relating to pain management
in the emergency department,” Johnson said. “I also am editing a
special issue of the Journal of Law, Medicine & Ethics, as well
as preparing a supplement to one of my books.”