Melissa Johnson

Melissa Johnson brings passion, dedication, and a deep love for education and community to the Haskell Board of Regents. A proud Haskell Indian Nations University Alumni, she graduated in 2001 with a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education before furthering her leadership in education with a Master’s in Educational Leadership from NSU in Tahlequah, Oklahoma. She also holds an endorsement in Superintendent Leadership from UAS, strengthening her 24-year career in education.

Representing Alaska, Melissa calls Ketchikan home, where she has served for nine years on the Ketchikan Indian Community Tribal Council. As a Tlingit, Tsimshian, and Haida woman from Southeast Alaska, she is committed to advocating for Native communities, ensuring strong educational opportunities, and fostering leadership for future generations.

Haskell is woven into every part of her journey—she met her husband of 28 years at Haskell, and together, they have raised three proud “Haskell Raskell” children. A former Haskell basketball and volleyball player, Melissa still cherishes the lifelong friendships formed on and off the court.

When she’s not championing education and tribal leadership, you’ll find her fishing the waters of Southeast Alaska—a passion that keeps her connected to her roots.

Melissa’s heart beats for Haskell, and she welcomes any questions or comments. Feel free to reach out—Haskell’s legacy thrives when we lift each other up!