Whit Johnson Departs From the CSC

by Sierra Romero

After three and a half years with the Center for Social Concern (CSC), Whit Johnson is embarking on a new adventure outside of Johns Hopkins University. Whit joined the office as Associate Director in January 2020. “I’ve always been interested in elements of education, community engagement, and some version of putting yourself out there in experiential learning. I think that’s what attracted me to the CSC in general – this combination of all those things coming together into one space,” said Whit, who was focused on working with staff members running CSC programming and overall program quality assurance. However, Whit played a much more integral role at the CSC and Hopkins at large – one that shaped the past three years of his life and career.

Whit’s physical time on campus at first was short-lived, beginning on the cusp of the COVID-19 pandemic. Thrown into the realm of virtual programming and supporting staff during this time was a whirlwind of unpredictable change. But even among this, Whit noted the opportunity that came from this and recent leadership transitions. “It provided a space to be very reflective over the work that we’re doing and the work that we aren’t doing,” said Whit. Both Whit and former Associate Director Kelly Milo took leadership in the office, co-creating a space for staff to share ideas and strategize the ways the CSC could be more intentional in their work. “Above and beyond prioritizing relationship building in his daily work, Whit’s a visionary, strategist, and problem solver,” said Kelly. “Through his work, he truly embodies a sense of humility and integrity within in his team (all while having a great sense of humor!), which I appreciated as his fellow associate director.”

The Center for Social Concern currently runs seven community-based programs, all focused on student development through community engagement. From the Community Impact Internships Program to Baltimore First, Whit worked with staff who took the lead in each program, problem-solving, and serving as he would often call himself “a thought partner.”

Being deep in the weeds of the office – with the staff and student leaders – was some of his favorite moments at the CSC. “We’re creating experiences for students and Community Partners that both benefit the partners and provide students with a quality experience that they can point back to as they progress through their time here at Hopkins and beyond,” said Whit. These thoughts are reflected in the CSC’s built-out approach of Education, Action, and Reflection to becoming active citizens wherever one may be.

But as for now, the focus was Baltimore. Whit moved to the city when he began working at JHU. Getting to know Baltimore and the intricate networks of communities was difficult already while navigating the lockdown. But over the past three years, Whit appreciated the opportunities he had exploring new parts of the city, meeting leaders already doing great work, and talking about potential collaboration efforts between themselves and the office. “I learned a lot of really cool people,” said Whit.

Whit took on Hopkins Votes, a nonpartisan university-wide initiative that provides voter assistance and education to JHU faculty, staff, students, and the wider community. Despite it being during the midst of the pandemic, Whit noted that a fond memory he’s had during his time here was the 2020 election cycle with Hopkins Votes. Working with student ambassadors, the group learned about what it means to register to vote in Maryland, the unique challenges that come from registration in each state, and most importantly – demystifying the voting process for students at JHU. “It wasn’t just me working with all the students, probably more so the student leaders who at the end of the day are doing the bulk of the work,” said Whit. “I think that was the pilot of just absorbing everything and trying my best.” Through his leadership with Hopkins Votes, JHU has been recognized as a Voter Friendly Campus and having a highly established voter engagement action plan.

“Over the course of 3+ years of working with Whit, I quickly gained respect for him as a colleague and leader within the CSC and student affairs. He’s built and strengthened relationships with students, staff, faculty, alumni, campus colleagues, and community partners, all in support of Baltimore and the CSC’s mission,” noted Kelly. “I’ll miss his 6’5” self, sitting in my tiny office chairs which are made for people 5’5” or shorter, thinking through an idea or just taking time out of his busy day to ask me how I am doing.”

“It’s been a good wild three and a half years, but it’s time for me to keep moving,” reflected Whit. “I’m excited about my next steps and hopefully the CSC is excited about its next steps too. I think we’re all going to be alright.”

Whit’s cadence, positive attitude, and collaborative nature will be missed deeply, but the office is excited for him to start on something new. Whit will be joining the Greater Baltimore Committee(GBC), an organization working towards economic and civic leadership growth. GBC is made up of more than 500 businesses, nonprofits and educational and civic institutions located around Baltimore City and Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Carroll, Harford, and Howard Counties.