MCAN congratulates John Johnson on National College Attainment Network recognition

LANSING, Mich. — Michigan College Access Network congratulates John Johnson, director of post-secondary for Detroit’s University Prep Schools, for receiving the Dr. David B. Swedlow Professional of the Year Award of Excellence from the National College Attainment Network. Johnson received the award Sept. 17 as part of NCAN’s annual conference in Anaheim, Calif.

“I have the pleasure of working in Detroit with one of the greatest education institutions in this city, University Prep Schools. I get the pleasure of working with some amazing educators and some amazing students to make some amazing things happen,” Johnson said at the award ceremony. “I think we have two of the best college access networks in the country, both with our MCAN partners as well as our [Detroit College Access Network] partners […] thank you again for all the programming and resources that you have brought to the state of Michigan.”

According to NCAN, the award “recognizes the dedication, hard work, and innovation of an individual working at an NCAN member organization. This award is named in honor of Dr. David B. Swedlow, a practitioner who dedicated his life’s work to helping students gain access to college.” NCAN goes on to describe Johnson as "a pioneering college attainment leader and a champion for Detroit area students," noting in particular his partnerships with Bowling Green State University, Lawrence Tech University, and Wayne State University to prepare his students for college and improve the educational pipeline for aspiring teachers.

Johnson has worked closely with MCAN to improve postsecondary outcomes at his schools, and he was a member of the inaugural cohort of MCAN’s School Counselor Fellows. He also participates in MCAN’s policy advocacy efforts and supports the AmeriCorps members placed at his schools through MCAN’s AdviseMI program. He was also a member of the inaugural College and Career Readiness Fellowship facilitated by NCAN. Johnson is currently serving as president of the Michigan Association for College Admission Counseling where he encourages collaboration and best practices among our state’s school counselors, college advisers, and higher education professionals.

“John Johnson is a dynamic and thoughtful leader who cares deeply about building a better future for students in Detroit and across the state,” said MCAN Executive Director Ryan Fewins-Bliss. “As we push toward Sixty by 30, we need more people like John who invest their time and energy into improving outcomes for Michigan students, especially first-generation college-going students, low-income students, and students of color.”