La Crosse, Wis. - University of Wisconsin-La Crosse Assistant Athletic Director for Media Relations David Johnson was named UWL Student Employee Supervisor of the Year announced the university on Wednesday morning. 

"I have never had a supervisor be so enjoyable to work with and make me feel important when I work," commented Bryce Pelky, one of Johnson's student employees who nominated him. "His ability to make everyone around him feel just as important as him is one of his greatest strengths. He greatly values our team and wants everyone to succeed around him. His leadership and work does not go unnoticed."

Johnson is in his 25th year at UW-La Crosse in 2024-25, including his 12th as Assistant Athletic Director for Media Relations. Prior to being named Assistant Athletic Director for Media Relations, he served as Sports Information Director for 13 years. In his role, Johnson is responsible for every aspect of the athletic program's media relations strategy.  He handles all media requests and hosts media members at UWL's home events.  Johnson produces all of the athletic program's publications, including media guides and game programs.  He maintains team statistics and records and is responsible for forwarding relevant information to the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) and Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (WIAC), and other governing organizations. 

"Student employees play an integral part in the success of our media relations department and David does a wonderful job providing an experience that enhances the educational journey of UWL," commented assistant media relations director Eric Kunick. "David challenges the students to grow both professionally and in life by providing them with real world opportunities. He is constantly teaching and helping students gain the confidence they need to leave UWL prepared for whatever the next step is in their journey."

Annually Johnson hires a staff of 4-5 students who assist the athletic media relations department tell the story of our teams and student-athletes. He has also hired multiple interns during his time at UWL. Multiple individuals who have worked under Johnson as a student employee, practicum student and intern have gone on to work in college athletics and professional sports. Many of these students will tell you today that their experience under Johnson has gotten them to where they are professionally because of the experience he gave them during their time as a student at UWL. 

"David truly cares about every one of his student employees and he does everything in his power to help them with whatever they need," said Zach Zsido, one of Johnson's student employees who nominated him. "He is special in the way that he can combine his love for the work he does and his hope to make the world a better place through his actions. I can confidently say that I would not be where I am as a student, employee, and a person if it weren't for him."