Human Anatomy and Physiology instructor Dr. Joan Johnson was recognized as the 2026 recipient of the Tangeman Award for Teaching Excellence during the 61st Colby Community College commencement ceremony on May 15 at the Colby Event Center.

Established in 1988, the Tangeman Award honors outstanding teaching and is named after the College’s second president, Dr. James Tangeman, who served from 1972 to 1988. Recipients are nominated annually by current Colby students and selected by a committee of previous recipients.

Johnson joined the Colby Community College faculty in the fall of 2024 and has quickly earned praise from students for creating an engaging classroom where she makes complex concepts relatable, and students feel comfortable asking questions.

Originally from Lindsborg, Kansas, she earned a bachelor’s degree from Hood College and both a bachelor’s degree and a Doctor of Chiropractic from the National University of Health Sciences. Johnson is a licensed chiropractor in Illinois and Kansas who owned and operated both Antioch Family Chiropractic and Mission Chiro First Responders, managing the two practices simultaneously during the final five years of her 30-year private practice career in Illinois. Through Mission Chiro, she provided mobile chiropractic care and support to first responders across the state.

“Teaching college was never on my radar," said Johnson. "It was either teaching or retirement. I’m so glad I picked CCC. This job feeds my soul.”

She added that teaching has become “a surprising second act” in her life.

“I can’t believe how much I love it. Truly, it doesn’t even feel like work. I get to talk about something I love and get paid for it. CCC is a wonderful place to be. I am blessed to be surrounded by dedicated administration, supportive faculty, and, of course, the most amazing students.”

Johnson’s academic achievements include membership in Phi Kappa Phi and receiving the Sydney Silverman Award in Biology from Hood College.

Outside the classroom, she enjoys half-marathon running, canicross, western horseback riding, and walking throughout Colby. Her husband is Brian Pederson.