Bret Gustafson served 31 years on staff at Johnson County as the college’s photographer, before retiring in May of 2012. Over his 31-year career, Gustafson had a major impact on the JCCC Athletics Program with his sports photography. His athletic photographs have been showcased in over 200 award-winning publications, and his work has been featured on 24 covers judged “Best in the Nation” in College Sports Information Directors of America publication contests. 

Over his career, Gustafson was also cited numerous times for excellence in his field. He received many Medallion Awards from The National Council for Marketing and Public Relations (NCMPR), and in 1999, he received the prestigious Paragon Award that recognizes outstanding achievement in communications at community and technical colleges. The University Photographer’s of America has also recognized Gustafson’s work in several monthly contests. 

On campus, Gustafson was selected as the 2001 AMS Spotlight Award Winner, and three years later was named the Foundation’s Colleague of the Year.