Drew Johnson

Dr. Drew Johnson is a dedicated scholar and administrator focused on enhancing student success in higher education. He currently serves as Director of the Ronald E. McNair Scholars Program at North Carolina Central University (NCCU) and as Industry and Community Outreach Coordinator for the Institute for Artificial Intelligence and Emerging Research at NCCU.

In these roles, he leads cross-campus partnerships, strengthens pathways for underrepresented students, and advances programs that prepare students for rigorous graduate study and careers in evolving fields. As Director of the McNair Scholars Program, he oversees strategic planning, implementation, and assessment in alignment with federal regulations and program objectives, driving recruitment, student support, staff development, and grant management, including detailed budget planning and federal reporting. In his Institute role, he leads industry and community engagement to connect NCCU with AI and emerging research opportunities, develops experiential learning and internship pathways for students, and builds strategic collaborations that support workforce development and translational research aligned with the Institute’s mission.

Prior to his current role, Dr. Johnson served as Assistant Director for TRIO Student Accessibility Services at NCCU, where he led the operations of the Student AcceSSS Program, focusing on first-generation and limited-income students, as well as at-risk students and those with documented accommodations or medical conditions. His work significantly improved graduation and retention rates of participating students, demonstrating effectiveness in program assessment, strategic planning, and university-wide collaboration.

In addition to his administrative accomplishments, Dr. Johnson has made scholarly contributions through his adjunct faculty work, employing evidence-based approaches to address complex issues in student success and retention. He is recognized for his strategic thinking, grant writing acumen, and critical insight into addressing some of the most challenging problems facing higher education today. His work is complemented by a distinguished record of honors, including North Carolina Central University’s 40 Under 40 Award (2023); NCCU Eagle Influence Award (2021); and recognitions from national leadership programs including the Higher Education Leadership Foundation (H.E.L.F., 2023); Emerging Leaders Program, Institute for Management and Leadership at Harvard Graduate School of Education (MLE, 2025); and the American Association of State Colleges and Universities’ Emerging Leaders Program (2025). 

Dr. Johnson earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from North Carolina Central University. He holds a Master’s degree in Higher Education from Lincoln University and a Ph.D. in Urban Higher Education from Jackson State University.