Dr. Shequite Wilson-Johnson is a dynamic public policy professional and educator with over a decade of experience in nonprofit management, community advocacy, and civic engagement. As an Assistant Professor of Rural Public Policy and Planning at Mississippi Valley University, Dr. Johnson teaches undergraduate and graduate courses on civic leadership, policy advocacy, and strategies for social justice. She is dedicated to mentoring students, fostering the next generation of policy leaders and advocates committed to equity, community engagement, and systemic change.
Dr. Johnson's career spans various roles in the nonprofit sector, where she has spearheaded initiatives focused on empowering marginalized communities, particularly Black women and youth. Her work includes leading programs in civic engagement, voter mobilization, and youth empowerment, with a proven ability to develop and implement policies that drive measurable impact. Dr. Johnson has successfully managed multi-million-dollar budgets, cultivated partnerships with community organizations, and advocated for policies that promote equity and social justice across Mississippi.
She holds a Ph.D. in Public Policy and Administration with a concentration in Nonprofit Management from Jackson State University and a Master’s in Rural Public Policy and Planning from Mississippi Valley State University. Dr. Johnson's academic work has garnered recognition, with her paper The Power of Integrated Capital: Leveraging Social, Financial, and Physical Capital Across Mississippi being accepted for publication in 2024. In 2025, her paper The Power of Presence: Exploring the Impact of Tech and Parental Engagement on Educational Outcomes was also accepted for publication. These papers highlight her commitment to advancing knowledge in public policy and the role of integrated capital and technology in fostering equitable educational outcomes.
In addition to her academic achievements, Dr. Johnson has received several prestigious awards, including:
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The Masha Meeks Kelly Award for Lifetime Achievement in Volunteer Service (2024)
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Mississippi Black Leadership Institute – Dedication and Commitment Award (2023)
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Women on the Rise Award from Women for Progress (2023)
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Mississippi Parent of the Year – Congressional District 2 Finalist (2022)
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Community Partner of the Year from Sunflower County Consolidated School District (2018)
Dr. Johnson is an active community leader, serving on multiple boards, including as the Executive Director of Education for Women for Progress, Chair of the Board of Operations for the Sunflower County Freedom Project, and President of We Together Creating Change. Her passion for community empowerment is also reflected in her professional affiliations with organizations like the Sunflower County NAACP.
Her research interests include rural public policy, nonprofit management, and the intersection of civic engagement and social justice in marginalized communities. Dr. Johnson is committed to using her experiences and expertise to advance equity and provide transformative educational experiences to her students.