MBA Student Mark Johnson Takes His Passion for Public Service to Capitol Hill Share this page
When Mark Johnson was younger, he was taught the importance of community service and advocacy; it was always about standing up for what was right. Now, as a University of West Georgia graduate student studying public administration, he’s continuing the drive to make his dream come true.
“The inspiration for me to pursue a career in government stems from my passion to help people and to be part of the process that creates real change in communities,” Johnson said. “I want to be in a position where I can help shape decisions that improve opportunities for others, especially in communities that are often overlooked.”
The drive for service work took long before Johnson ever set foot on UWG’s campus. Growing up with a strong sense of civic responsibility, he became aware of how policy decisions shape everyday life.
From there, Johnson wasted no time making his mark. During his undergraduate years, he served as president of the UWG College Democrats, where he spearheaded voter engagement efforts, organized political discussions and hosted campus events centered on civic participation. He also took on student leadership roles within Housing and Residence Life and became an active member of the Legacy League Program.
“These experiences allowed me to work with diverse groups of people, plan programs and advocate for student needs, which showed me firsthand how leadership and policy intersect,” Johnson said. “Being involved on campus confirmed for me that I want a career where I can continue serving others through government and public administration.”
Beyond his organizational involvement, Johnson also completed a fellowship with the Campus Vote Project under the direction of Dr. Kathleen Barrett, associate professor and associate MPA director in University College’s Department of Civic Engagement and Public Service, gaining hands-on experience in civic engagement and voter education. He expanded his knowledge of Georgia candidates and worked to help voters access accurate information ahead of elections. During the 2024 election cycle, he went even further and volunteered with political campaigns to gain experience in grassroots organizing and voter outreach.
Now, Johnson’s journey has taken him to the nation’s capital. He was selected to participate in the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation Emerging Leaders Internship Program, a competitive 16-week program in Washington, D.C., where he is serving in the office of Congresswoman Lucy McBath. In the role, Johnson works directly with congressional staff on legislative research, policy memos and constituent services – giving him a front-row seat to how the government functions at the federal level.
“This experience has allowed me to see how the government operates on a daily basis and how decisions made in Congress affect people across the country,” he said. “As a student, I hope to gain a better understanding of the policymaking process, and as a young professional, I want to develop the skills needed to work effectively in public service – including communication, research and leadership.”
Alongside his political science coursework and his Washington internship, Johnson credits the Legacy League Program as one of the most transformative parts of his college experience.
“My biggest takeaway from being part of the Legacy League Program is that leadership is not just about personal achievement, but about lifting others up as you grow,” he said. “The program has taught me the importance of accountability, brotherhood and service, and it has shaped the way I approach leadership in every space I am in.”
After completing his Master of Public Administration, Johnson hopes to work in the government – state or federal level – with a focus on policy development and public administration. He is particularly passionate about issues related to education, gun violence, prevention and community development.
“What excites me most about post-grad life is the opportunity to take everything I have learned through my education, internships and leadership experiences and apply it in a professional setting where I can make a real difference,” he said. “I am looking forward to continuing to grow as a leader and to building a career centered around service and impact.”