UIT Leadership Spotlight: Holly K. Johnson, associate director, Digital Learning Innovation and Outreach, Digital Learning Technologies

Where are you from originally?

Minneapolis, Minnesota. I’ve also lived in Los Angeles; Portland, Oregon; Seattle; Madison, Wisconsin; and Logan, Utah.

What post-secondary degrees or certifications do you have, in what subjects, and from which schools?

My undergraduate degree is a Bachelor of Science in advertising and graphic design from Utah State University (USU). I also received a Master of Fine Arts with an emphasis in graphic and exhibition design from USU. My thesis explored packaging that leads to conspicuous consumption and planned obsolescence in our society.  My research led to an exhibition, “Single Serve Nation.”

What led you to the University of Utah?

After completing my MFA, I moved to Salt Lake City. I joined the American Institute of Graphic Arts (AIGA) and connected with SLC design creatives and U of U faculty. In 2010, I joined the U of U as adjunct faculty for the Graphic Design Program in the Department of Art & Art History. Along with teaching, I worked as an instructional consultant for the Center for Teaching and Learning Excellence (now the Martha Bradley Evans Center for Teaching Excellence), where I learned how to pronounce pedagogy and developed a passion for active learning, interdisciplinary academic experiences, and creative tools that empower faculty and students to bring their classrooms and research to life. I’m also an associate instructor in the College of Architecture and Planning.

Can you describe the path you took to IT leadership?

My 12 years of experience teaching, working at CTLE, and partnering with Teaching & Learning Technologies (now Digital Learning Technologies) all connected in 2022. I was promoted to associate director for Digital Learning Experience, Innovation and Outreach for Digital Learning Technologies (DLT). My role is leading a creative team that visualizes and creates dynamic digital learning experiences in higher education. We are building a creative community at Adobe Creative Commons at Kahlert Village. We connect all disciplines — STEM, arts, health and wellness, community engagement — through engaging programming and events.

What do you enjoy most about your role at the U?

There are so many innovative and passionate people, colleges, schools, and departments. I enjoy working in an ecosystem that supports the student and faculty experience. I get to learn something new every day. I love playing with new ideas and making new connections between information and people. Highlights include seeing new learning spaces come to life, especially Adobe Creative Commons, and in spring 2024, the digital learning center at the Herriman campus, a partnership between the U and Salt Lake Community College (SLCC). These spaces make room for creative collaboration and exploration of digital tools combined with basic design principles. I’m particularly interested in the pedagogy of play and how it transforms the learning experience in higher education. I am honored to be an Adobe Creative Campus Thought Leader and work closely with the Adobe Education team and other Adobe Creative Campuses.

What do you find most challenging about your job?

Reminding myself that it takes time to let ideas grow. I’m learning to have patience. There is a complex system below the visible growth. Remembering to pause and enjoy the journey.

What are some of your hobbies?

Riding my electric bike in City Creek, downtown, Sugar House and Parley’s Trail. Kayaking is another passion, paddling at Little Dell and other Utah lakes. I am also a maker and love fiber arts, especially needle felting and sewing. My favorite nights are spent with family and friends, especially enjoying Red Butte concerts and visiting art galleries and museums.

Is there a fun fact about yourself that you’d like to share?

Starting at age 7, I was a budding entrepreneur. I owned and managed an imaginary fabric store, travel agency, and school library. I loved inventing inventory systems, creating processes, and planning events. Visiting the American Automobile Association (AAA) office on Fifth South always led to planning great adventures. I am an auntie to two nephews and dear friends’ 14 kids. I am thrilled to be auntie for the next generation of my former students’ kids.

Is there anything else that you think our readers would like to know about you?

In 2014, my dear colleague Alison Regan, then an associate librarian and head of Scholarship and Education Services at J. Willard Marriott Library, presented a large bound book (as big as an old phonebook) that contained a mimeographed collection of documents, research, and photos on the history of computer science at the University of Utah, from 1960-1980. The book needed an infographic, including all the U’s computer scientists, inventors, and innovators. I introduced the project for my ART4645 Information Graphics class. Over a series of five weeks, 30 students individually designed information graphics, which they presented to Marriott librarians and other faculty, proposing a future mural installation.

Nine years later, the information graphic came to life! The poster by former student Marianne Hussey was on display in March 2023 during the IEEE Milestone dedication and 50th anniversary celebration of computing at the University of Utah. It was a once-in-a-lifetime experience to listen to legendary computer scientists and inventors, including John Warnock, the co-founder of Adobe. Sadly, Mr. Warnock died in August 2023. But his Adobe legacy lives on! I’m excited to announce that my team is designing a final information graphic that will be printed and installed this year at Adobe Creative Commons. My team is also working on an augmented reality experience where people can interact with Adobe applications, rotate the Utah teapot, and see their favorite Pixar character come to life.

 

Node 4 Search