Michelle Johnson of the Nevada Board of Nursing Appointed to WICHE Commission

BOULDER, Colorado – Michelle Johnson, Director of Nursing Education for the Nevada Board of Nursing, has been appointed to the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education (WICHE) by Gov. Joe Lombardo. 

In her role with the board, Johnson leverages 28 years of experience as an educator, 30 years as a pediatric nurse practitioner, and 34 years as a registered nurse to oversee all registered nurse, licensed practical nurse, and certified nursing assistant programs. Johnson earned her bachelor’s degree in nursing from the University of Michigan, her master’s degree in child health nursing from Georgia State University, a post-master’s certificate in nursing education from Wayne State University, and a doctorate in educational leadership from the University of Phoenix. 

“Both higher education and workforce development are integral to WICHE’s mission,” said President Demarée Michelau. “Commissioner Johnson’s extensive background and education in nursing, as well as her experience shaping educational standards and how they influence the Nevada nursing workforce, will be invaluable in driving important conversations around the healthcare needs of the West.”  

The WICHE Commission is comprised of 48 Commissioners appointed by governors of 15 Western states and, in the case of the U.S. Pacific Territories and Freely Associated States, the presidents of three sovereign nations. WICHE Commissioners are leaders in higher education and include state higher education executive officers, college and university presidents, legislators, business and community leaders, and other key partners. Together, they guide WICHE’s strategic direction and assure that the Western Regional Education Compact adopted by the Western states in 1953 is carried out for the benefit of the region. 

Prior to joining the nursing board, Johnson was the chief nurse administrator for Hawai’i Pacific University, as well as the chair of graduate and post-baccalaureate programs there, assistant program director of the online Master of Science in nursing education track at Sacred Heart University, and an assistant professor at Nevada State University. Most recently, she served on the board of directors for the Down Syndrome Organization of Southern Nevada.  

“I am honored to have the opportunity to serve as a WICHE Commissioner,” Johnson said. “I hope to be an advocate for students in the west by championing WICHE’s mission of expanding educational opportunities, making families’ lives better, one student at a time.” 

Johnson joins Patricia Charlton, Vice President Emeritus of the College of Southern Nevada, and Fred Lokken, Professor at Truckee Meadows Community College, representing Nevada on the WICHE Commission.