As the first African-American woman to be a tenured full professor at the Johns Hopkins University, Fannie Gaston-Johansson’s, PhD, RN, FAAN, contributions to the SON have been anything but ordinary.  Extending her teaching, practice, and research across divisions, organizations, communities, and the world, she has impacted countless lives through scientific publications that increased understanding of pain, symptom management, breast cancer, cardiovascular diseases, quality of life, and health disparities. She was the first chair of the school’s Department of Acute and Chronic Care, Director of the now retired Center on Health Disparities Research, and named a University Distinguished Professor for her extraordinary accomplishments.

An advocate for students, Gaston-Johansson was leader of the Minority Global Health Disparities Research Training (MHIRT) Program that led 160 students in researching and finding solutions to health disparities and economic disadvantages across the world. She is also well-known for her passion and commitment to diversity and was recognized in 2005 and again this year as a recipient of the Johns Hopkins Diversity Recognition Award. During her tenure, she served on the Maryland Governor’s Task Force on Healthcare Access and Reimbursement and received many awards including the Links INC International Trends and Service Award, the National Black Nurses Association’s Trailblazer Award, Excellence in Nursing awards, and citations from the U.S. Congress for her research efforts. Gaston-Johansson was also inducted into the Sigma Theta Tau Honor Society International Nurse Researcher Hall of Fame and was an elected member in the Royal Academy of Letters, History and Antiquities in Sweden.

“It’s been fun, as well as an exciting life-learning experience and privilege being on the faculty at the School of Nursing,” says Gaston-Johansson as she looks back on two decades. “And the friendships I’ve made will last forever. I’m truly grateful for the chance I’ve had here to spread my wings and grow.”

Gaston-Johansson will officially retire from the SON on June 30, and a reception will be held on May 19 in the SON Courtyard Garden. RSVP to [email protected] by May 9 to attend.