Tonya Johnson, MS RD LD CNSC
Market Director, Nutrition and Food Services
Tonya Johnson is a highly accomplished Registered Dietitian with a diverse background in clinical nutrition, research, higher education, and public health leadership. She holds a Master’s in Food and Nutrition from the University of Central Arkansas and has pursued doctoral studies in Organizational Leadership. Tonya also earned a Certificate of Culinary Arts from the Culinary Institute of America, blending her expertise in nutrition with the art of cooking. Throughout her career, Tonya has led innovative programs that promote wellness and food security, including the development of Culinary Medicine initiatives and the establishment of campus farmers markets and seven food pantries across Arkansas. During the COVID-19 crisis, she organized statewide doorstep delivery services for those in quarantine. Tonya has collaborated with legislators to support maternal and infant health through the creation of Arkansas’s first Human Donor Milk Bank. Recognized nationally for her impactful work she has been featured in publications and media for her contributions in nutrition and wellness. She is a passionate advocate for using food as medicine and improving access to nutritious foods for all.
Her outstanding achievements have been celebrated through several prestigious awards:
2013: Preceptor of the Year
2018: Arkansas Dietitian of the Year
2019: Arkansas Business Outstanding Allied Healthcare Professional
2020: Arkansas Business Healthcare Hero
2024: CommonSpirit National Humankindness Award Winner
2025: CommonSpirit Advancing Leader
