Sharon Johnston

Director of Student Services
Undergraduate Advisor

Bio

Sharon Johnston grew up outside of Washington, D.C. , reading The Washington Post, visiting the Library of Congress where her father worked, and thinking every child’s father had his salary set by an act of Congress. She earned an undergraduate degree in education from Columbia Union College, and a master’s degree in education from Andrews University. A clarinetist, she participated in music performance ensembles at both schools, including the Concert Band, the Orchestra, and the Wind Ensemble.

Previously, Sharon worked in the education departments of Hanson Planetarium in Salt Lake City and the Children’s Museum in Pittsburgh. Currently, she is Director of Student Services in the School of Music, a position she has held since its creation in 1988. Her involvement in music performance has been lifelong, including playing the recorder in early music groups and singing alto in church choirs. 

Sharon lives in Squirrel Hill with her husband Paul and cockatiel Arban (who whistles Beethoven when he feels like it). They share the house with one subwoofer, two shofars, and three tubas.