Career development is my life’s work. For over 25 years, I’ve dedicated myself to helping individuals navigate their professional paths—whether they’re college students exploring options, alumni making career changes, or mid-life professionals pursuing encore careers.
I’ve served in a variety of roles, from direct service as a career counselor to leadership positions managing teams of career educators. Currently, I am an adjunct faculty member in the community college system and at a private university, where I teach graduate students in a mental health counseling program.
Previously, I was Director of Career Education at UC Irvine, leading a team of seven career educators, and served as Senior Counseling Manager for Pre-Professional Services at the UCLA Career Center, with a focus on graduate and professional school advising—especially for pre-med students and those pursuing the health professions.
My academic background includes a B.A. in English from UC Irvine, an M.A. in Counseling from Loyola Marymount University (with a focus on multicultural education), and a doctorate in Higher Education from Morehead State University. My dissertation research explored Servant Leadership behaviors in higher education and was later published in the Servant Leadership Training Guide.
Before transitioning to academia, I worked in the private sector in financial services and advertising, gaining valuable industry insight that still informs my approach today. My work in career services has been featured in outlets including Time Magazine and the Los Angeles Times.
I created the Servant Leadership in Higher Education website as
a dedicated space where I share insights and resources drawn from my research and leadership experience. Explore practical tools, thoughtful guidance, and training materials designed to cultivate servant leadership in academic settings.
Visit servantleadershiphighered.com to learn more about my dedication to servant leadership.
Mentoring individuals at all stages of their careers — from college students and alumni exploring options to seasoned professionals seeking to upskill, advance, or pivot — continues to be one of the most rewarding parts of my work.
Outside of work, I’m an arts enthusiast who loves live music, ballet/dance performances, visiting museums, and spending time with my family—and our three beloved pets (one dog, two cats).
Two quotes guide my work and life:
“Be true to yourself and useful to the journey.” – Sidney Poitier
“It’s never too late to be what you might have been.” – George Eliot
Karol Johansen, EdD
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