Dr. Raishell Johnson hails from Miami, Florida, where she was born and raised in the inner city of Miami Dade County. She graduated from Miami Jackson Senior High School in the top of her class. As a first-time generation college student, she started her college career at The Florida State University (FSU), where she earned her bachelor’s degree in English with a concentration in Writing as well as two minors in African American Studies and Sociology. She graduated magna cum laude and continued at FSU to pursue her master’s degree in Higher Education, with a concentration in School Counseling. After two years of an incredible master’s education experience, Dr. Johnson graduated summa cum laude in 2001.
Dr. Johnson began her higher education career journey in 2002 as an academic advisor at Georgia Perimeter College (GPC), Dunwoody Campus and over the past 20 years has continued to have a successful career in Higher Education. Dr. Johnson has served in many different capacities at several different types of higher education institutions across the Southern USA. After two years serving as an advisor at GPC, Dr. Johnson relocated to Palm Beach Gardens, FL, where she was a professor at Palm Beach State College (PBSC) for seven years. Later in her tenure at PBSC, Dr. Johnson returned to higher education as a student and earned her doctorate degree in Conflict Analysis and Resolution with emphasis in school and organizational conflict management from NOVA Southeastern University.
Dr. Johnson has an intense desire to serve in higher education and has been grateful for the recognition and opportunities she has received for her hard work. She was named Professor of the Year twice during her tenure at PBSC, has served on over 100 hiring committees for faculty and administration across institutions, has been a director at three different institutions, and has published her first fictional book to assist freshman students in their acclimation to the college life. She has written countless articles on the topics of freshmen experience, first generation college students, and retention of women in higher education, to name a few. She is a proud parent to an amazing young lady, dedicated daughter to a phenomenal mother, lifetime partner to her mate, an inspiring loyal leader to an advising team at Georgia State, and a committed servant to the institution of higher education and all students bold enough to make the decision to pursue a post-secondary degree.
Her latest tenure of service has been with GSU Staff Council, where she has served for the past two years as Representative and Chair Elect 2020-2021 and Chair 2021-2022. She has been re-elected as a representative for 2022-2024, so she is dedicated to the staff and staff development here at Georgia State University. Dr. Johnson is a knowledgeable lifetime higher education professional who is committed to helping every professional on her team, every colleague within her institution, and every person she interacts with in this world. She lives by the mantra: “Things are always working out for me,” and believes that for all people. Therefore, she does not tire in her quest to help all that she can in her career. It is her duty and honor.