ASU Commencement Spotlight: Vicki Marie Johnson, Bachelor of Science in Organizational Leadership

VICKI MARIE HALL JOHNSON, BACHELOR OF SCIENCE, ORGANIZATIONAL LEADERSHIP

FUTURE PLANS: PURSUING A MASTER’S DEGREE AT WILLIAM JAMES COLLEGE IN ORGANIZATIONAL PSYCHOLOGY WITH A CONCENTRATION IN GLOBAL MENTAL HEALTH AND TALENT MANAGEMENT

Vicki M. Hall Johnson, a Jacksonville, Florida native, who currently resides in Nashville, TN, will graduate on December 11 with a bachelor’s degree in organizational Leadership. Johnson is a returning student to Albany State University after 34 years. In 1987, she attended, Albany State College, as Vicki Hall, never completing her degree. With graduation approaching, her thirty-four-year delayed journey is finally coming to an end.

What motivated you to learn more about your field?
In 1987, my major was criminal justice. As life would have it, my abilities, gifts, and professional careers guided me to an operational and organizational leadership path where human resources was a constant theme. A bachelor’s in organizational leadership, coupled with the pursuit of my Master’s in organizational psychology, to then complete a terminal degree, will place me in the best position to achieve my ultimate dreams and goals of impacting the lives of youth and young adults in higher education.

 Why did you choose ASU?
When I attended in 1987, the school was named Albany State College (ASC). I selected Albany State because it was my family’s Alma Mata. My mother, Myrtis Joyce Thomas, at that time, now Hall, and biological father, Victor W. Evans, both of Sylvester, Georgia are graduates of the Class of 1969.

What do you love most about your chosen profession?
I love my ability to affect change and impact lives at various levels.

Who has made the biggest impact on you and who do you consider to be a role model at ASU?
I must give the highest esteem to Dr. Sarah Kuck, and Dr. Jason Armstrong. They were the strategic “Godsends” to me at the right time of my return. You can only imagine the nervousness and intimidation that I felt, returning to college after such a long time. Online learning was difficult, as my best comprehension skills are most effective with an in-person experience. Each of them, separately, and unknowingly, provided the assurance that I could accomplish this longtime dream and goal. Their guidance and encouragement at certain intervals were the pivots I needed to register for each term. I must give a shout out to my Academic Advisors, originally Director of Distance Learning, Dominique Hines, then Jennifer Stewart, whom I know I worried the “stew” out by asking 1,000 questions to ensure I was doing everything right.

What advice would you give to other ASU students?
COMPLETION is the GOAL! You must get and remain FOCUSED!! Whether you graduate now or not, the years will pass by, so make the best and most wise use of your days and times in your youthful years.

What would you say to a high school student about choosing ASU to further their education? Commit and DON’T look back. Albany State University had such a lasting impression on me that even after 34 years I STILL wanted it to be MY HBCU! Gold runs in my veins!! You can be proud to be a GOLDEN RAM!

I will forever treasure the amazing memories and lifetime friendships forged at ASU. The friendships I made at ASC, in 1987, have now lasted 34 years. Our friendship bonds then are now who we call, FAMILY!!

Albany State University is just right. It’s not too big, it’s not too small; intimate with caring professionals, yet provides space for personal growth and development. The foundation of its walls is inscribed with knowledge and truth. Albany State University remains a world-class institution that continues to innovate and integrate, while never losing sight of its mission. I am a living example of our slogan, “A Past To Cherish, A Future To Fulfill”.