Ulysses Johnson Jr.

Superintendent of Utilities
Facilities Management

First UTSW job: I started in 1988 as a Maintenance Worker.

Best part of my job: The work is not redundant, and it’s challenging every day. I am motivated by a story my dad told me about two boys running a race. Both were fast, but one had a desire to win and the other complained all the time. You know which one wins. It’s a reminder every day to acknowledge emotions but refuse to get stuck in negativity.

How co-workers describe me: A good problem-solver, trainer, and coach.

Surprising fact: I was a firefighter for five years and rescued a family from a burning building. The homeowner had been smoking in bed.

Unusual memory: I enjoyed it when the department employees would dress up for various holidays, sing, and play games.