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91Ӱ�� 50 Notable Alumni

50th Anniversary Notable Alumni Feature Carol Johnson, M.A., M.F.A.: Carol never thought she would be able to be a successful college student. However, after strong encouragement and support from faculty at Tulsa Junior College, now 91Ӱ��, she completed her associate degree. In 1992, she was the first TJC student to be named an Academic All-American Scholar, a recognition awarded by Phi Theta Kappa and USA Today. Three years later she was recognized as one of 91Ӱ��’s most distinguished scholars on the College’s 25th Anniversary.

“91Ӱ�� made me who I am,” she said. “Everyone I came in contact with encouraged me toward success.”

She went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in English, a master’s degree in Language and Literature, and a master’s in Creative Writing and Fiction. Carol helped start the Mounds Public Library in 1993 and went on to serve on the Library’s Board of Trustees. She later returned to 91Ӱ�� as a faculty member and has spent 20 years teaching English. In 2007, she was recognized with a 91Ӱ�� Faculty Award for Teaching Excellence. She also served as Co-editor and then Editor of the Faculty Forum and as Secretary of the Faculty Association.

Writing would become a central part of her work and life. She published a book, “Autism: From Tragedy to Triumph,” in 1993 and a novel, “Everlasting,” in 2006. She has also published several non-fiction articles in magazines such as Entrepreneur and Weight Watchers Journal, and short stories in journals such as Red Earth Review, Red Truck Review, Foliate, and others.

Carol served on the Margaret Hudson Program Board for two years. She also served as a Fiction Editor at Nimrod International Journal for almost 20 years, where she still volunteers at their yearly conference. A member of Oklahoma Writers' Federation, Inc. for nearly 30 years, she has also served as President, Vice-President, and Newsletter Editor of Tulsa NightWriters Club.