The Watertown Unified School District has announced that Karla Mullen, a graduate of the Watertown High School Class of 1960, has been named the WUSD Distinguished Alumni Award Recipient for 2024.
Education has been central to Karla (Johnsen) Mullen’s career, with her contributions evident through her family and the Watertown community. Mullen holds both a Bachelor of Arts degree and a Master of Education degree from Carroll University. She taught at her alma mater, Watertown High School (WHS), for nearly 20 years, earning numerous awards such as the Darcey Foundation Excellence in Teaching Award, the Lawrence University Outstanding Teaching in Wisconsin Award, the 2000 Governor’s Humanities Award, and the WCTELA Lucile Pooley Award. Additionally, she was recognized as a Kohl Foundation Fellow and earned certification from the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards in 1999.
At WHS, Mullen inspired many students with her innovative teaching style and mentored young teachers. She played a significant role in establishing the International Peace Garden at WHS. After retiring in 2002, Mullen designed and piloted the WUSD teacher mentoring program, served on the Board of Governance for Endeavor Charter School, and continued to volunteer within the district.
Mullen also provided consulting services to other school districts by supporting new teachers and developing high-quality curricula. Despite many peers leaving Watertown for opportunities elsewhere, Mullen chose to stay. She ran Mullen’s Dairy Bar with her husband Bill for 20 years. The former ice cream shop continues to thrive in downtown Watertown.
Beyond teaching and business ownership, Mullen has served on various boards promoting education and wellness statewide. These include organizations like the Wisconsin Humanities Council and more recently, the Greater Watertown Community Health Foundation. She also volunteers for the Watertown Area Cares Clinic.
Mullen’s lifetime contributions reflect “the very best of what it means to be a WHS Gosling.”
