Jill Johnson, DVM, MS, Dipl. ACVIM, ABVP, a long-time professor of veterinary medicine, retired from Louisiana State University (LSU) on Jan, 2. She joined the faculty on April 1, 1977, and played a role in training every LSU School of Veterinary Medicine (SVM) graduate since the first class graduated in May 1977.

Johnson received her BS, DVM, and MS from the University of Minnesota in 1970, 1972, and 1977, respectively. She was the first woman veterinarian to achieve the rank of full professor in the LSU SVM. She was a pioneer in equine immunology; her lab first described donkey-factor, a blood antigen of donkeys, which is the reason that mule foals were dying from immune-mediated hemolytic anemia(a disease in which the body's immune system attacks and kills the body's own red blood cells). She computerized the equine veterinary medical record systems and used Geographic Information Systems for studying diseases and exercise patterns in Thoroughbred training programs.

Johnson is also an avid adventurist. She is a scuba diver, skydiver, sailor, rock climber, swing dancer, and horseback rider.

"Jill is a pillar in equine medicine," said Dean Peter F. Haynes. "She is also an extraordinarily talented internist and was the first boarded equine internist in Louisiana. She has been an invaluable faculty member and will be missed by all