Ann Johnson
VP, People & Culture | Joyce University of Nursing & Health Sciences
Ann Johnson’s comprehensive vision has strengthened Joyce University’s workforce and established the university as a nationally recognized employer of choice in the competitive higher education landscape.
One way employees distinctly feel Ann’s impact is through her pioneering approach to workplace flexibility. Recognizing the changing nature of work, she implemented progressive policies that enable many employees to operate in hybrid or fully remote capacities.
Another achievement, the Joyce Leadership Academy, exemplifies her commitment to professional growth and institutional alignment. This tailored development program ensures continued education for faculty and staff, strengthening the university’s academic mission through leadership excellence.
The effectiveness of Ann’s approach is reflected in Joyce University’s impressive collection of workplace recognitions, including Utah Business’ Best Companies to Work For, Salt Lake Tribune’s Top Workplaces, Monster Remote Work Top Workplaces and USA Today Top Workplace — all achieved in both 2023 and 2024.
Beyond program implementation, Ann has modernized the university’s entire human resources infrastructure. Her leadership in transitioning to Paylocity streamlined critical administrative functions while creating more sophisticated systems for tracking engagement and supporting employee development. Her refinement of self-directed PTO policies and engagement measurement tools has enabled leadership to proactively address employee needs before they become challenges.
With a master’s degree in human resources from Utah State University and active involvement in the SHRM Executive Network and Utah HR Executives, Ann brings both academic expertise and professional network connections to her role. By transforming Joyce University’s human resources function from an administrative necessity to a strategic driver of institutional success, she has created a workplace culture where employees truly thrive — positioning the university for continued excellence in nursing education and healthcare workforce development.
