Arianna L Johnson

Arianna Johnson, better known as AJ, serves as a Program Coordinator with Advise NC at UNCW, where she supports Next Step Advisers and statewide partners in expanding access to higher education for students across North Carolina. She brings a background in college access, youth development, and partnership building to her role. Before joining Advise NC at UNCW, AJ worked at Cape Fear Community College as the Career Academy Program Coordinator, a program focused on introducing middle school students to career pathways and workforce skills. She also previously served as a College Adviser with the NC State College Advising Corps at Pender High School, where she began her professional journey in college access by working directly with students and families and building strong partnerships with community colleges and local partners. In a full-circle moment, AJ returns to Advise NC in a new capacity, shifting from direct student service to providing program support as well as support and training for advisers. She is passionate about creating meaningful opportunities for young people, and her professional journey has been shaped by the students she has served, who inspired her to continue working in higher education and college access.

AJ holds a B.S. in Parks, Recreation, and Tourism Management with a concentration in Program Management from NC State University, an M.S. in Youth Development Leadership from Clemson University, and an M.S. in Higher Education Administration from North Carolina Central University.

Education

B.S. in Parks, Recreation, & Tourism Management with a concentration in Program Management, NC State University
M.S. in Youth Development Leadership, Clemson University
M.S. in Higher Education Administration, North Carolina Central University