Amid the uncertainty of the pandemic, Jocelynn Poppy Johnson made a life-changing decision: to pursue her master’s degree at Prairie View A&M University—the school she had long felt “called” to.
Prairie View had always felt like home. It was her older sister’s alma mater and the campus she visited often as a child. Still, life initially took her to Oklahoma State University, where she earned a B.S. in business administration and economics. But during one of the most challenging periods of her life, Johnson found herself drawn back to the place that had always been in her heart.
“I’ve always felt like I was meant to attend Prairie View,” Johnson said. “My older sister is a proud PVAMU alumna, and I visited campus often as a child. It always felt like home.”
This spring, Johnson will officially join the Panther alumni family, earning her master’s in business administration from PVAMU. Her time at the University has been transformative—professionally, personally, and emotionally.
While at Prairie View, Johnson emerged as a dynamic leader and passionate representative of the student body. She earned national recognition as a 2022 AT&T Dream in Black Rising Future Maker, was elected president of the Graduate Student Association for 2024–2025, and received a Distinguished Leadership Award for her service and impact.
Her experiences took her beyond the classroom: traveling the country to represent PVAMU, interviewing celebrities, attending red carpet events, and even earning credits in television productions.
“They helped me grow as a communicator, a leader, and someone committed to building meaningful connections across campus,” she said. “PVAMU gave me the space to rediscover myself after a challenging period during the pandemic, and I’m grateful for every moment.”
Johnson currently serves as a coordinator in the College of Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources, where she has accepted a full-time position to continue supporting the College’s mission and its students.
For Johnson, Prairie View A&M is more than a University—it’s a symbol of culture, history, and legacy. She and her two older sisters are first-generation college graduates, a milestone made possible by their parents’ steadfast belief in the power of education.
Now, she’s raising the next generation on campus. Her young son has accompanied her on her educational journey, growing up surrounded by the energy and opportunity of university life.
“For me, being a first-generation student is about legacy,” Johnson said. “It’s about opening doors for both your family and future generations. He’s had the opportunity to witness college life up close, and that kind of exposure has the power to shape a child’s future.”
As she graduates this spring and steps into her next chapter at PVAMU, Johnson carries forward a legacy of resilience, pride, and purpose—one that began with her family and continues with every step she takes.
Click here to view a complete listing of this semester’s notable graduates.
By Christine Won
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