Education runs deep in Michelle Johnson’s family. Her father, Dr. Wayman Johnson, earned two doctorates and taught computer and information science at San Diego Mesa College before retiring as Dean of Learning Resources and Instructional Support Services. Her daughter earned a bachelor’s degree from UC San Diego. And Johnson has spent 30 years in higher education as an adjunct professor, counselor, and administrator – including nearly a decade with the San Diego Community College District – before moving to City College in December as its acting Basic Needs Coordinator.
“I have a very strong belief that it’s our responsibility to give back, and working at a college like City is a great way of giving back,” Johnson said.
She’s been doing more than her share. As Basic Needs Coordinator, Johnson’s responsibilities include overseeing the Knights’ Table Emergency Food Pantry; Knights Threads & Things, which provides free, gently used clothing suitable for interviews, work, or school, as well as household items; the Fresh Kutz Barbershop; and campus events ranging from a CalFresh Enrollment Party to a Financial Literacy Workshop.
“I’m really having a great time being in this position,” she said. “City is where I belong.”
Born and raised in San Diego, Johnson graduated from Crawford High School and earned a bachelor’s degree in sociology – with a minor in health care and social issues – from UC San Diego and a master’s degree in counseling from the University of Phoenix. Since 1996, she’s served as an academic counselor and Learning Center manager at the University of Phoenix; an adjunct counselor at Mesa, Miramar, Cuyamaca, and MiraCosta colleges; an adjunct faculty at City College, Southwestern College, Cuyamaca College, and Ashford University; the Student Support and Disability Services Coordinator at the Art Institute of San Diego; Executive Assistant to the Vice President of Instruction at the San Diego Community College District; and an administrative technician in Outreach and Student Affairs for the district.
Since she arrived at City, Johnson has been spending much of her time at City familiarizing herself with the campus Basic Needs program while prioritizing working with students. It’s been busy; students made 1,529 visits to Knight’s Table Emergency Food Pantry in February, and up to 40 students visit Threads & Things on a busy week.
Her North Star: a commitment to removing barriers to student success. Which is why she’s finding her job so rewarding.
City’s Basic Needs program is making it possible for more students to stay in school and focus on learning, rather than on where their next meal or safe place to sleep will come from. Through the Basic Needs Center, food pantry, clothing closet, emergency aid, and connections to community services, the program is intentionally removing nonacademic roadblocks getting in the way of enrollment and retention. The program aligns with City’s equity and student‑centered mission.
“It’s okay to lean on others if you need assistance,” Johnson said. “It’s the duty of everyone to help wherever they can. My family, and my father in particular, was always giving back and always volunteering. I’m committed to carrying on that legacy.”