Today we’d like to introduce you to Tanisha Johnson
Hi Tanisha, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
Well, I must admit, much of my story is rooted in the debt of the church. From a young child, my great-grandmother coached me to serve, speak, and work within the church. As a child, I didn’t realize that she was cultivating a leader with a servants heart which is now displayed in the church, local community, and higher education industry throughout the state of Georgia.
My name is Tanisha Shavez Johnson. I’m from the small town of Enigma, Georgia. I received an Associates of Science in General Studies in 2017 and a Bachelor of Science in Business in 2018 from Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College. In July 2021, I earned a Masters Degree in Higher Education Administration from Georgia Southern University. When graduating from ABAC in 2019, I was awarded the Stafford School of Business Deans Leadership. A few days after receiving the award, I began my career in higher education at ABAC as an Enrollment Counselor recruiting Middle Georgia and state of South Carolina. Later in my tenure at ABAC, I transitioned into an Academic Support Counselor helping students through their graduation and registration processes and academic struggles. While just doing what I love, (inspiring students) I was awarded the ABAC Pacesetter Award in Spring 2021. During the award presentation the students stated, “Ms. Tanisha always has the students best interest in mind.”
I currently serve as the Director of Recruitment at Wesleyan College where in 2023 I was awarded the Presidential Staff Award. Since serving in higher education, I’ve realized I truly enjoy working with students and making an impact on their live. I truly imagine students as if they were myself a few year ago just needing guidance in getting to and through the next step for my future. That gives me energy to wake up everyday and serve every student as if its my last day to do so because the people who invested in me did that exact thing.
With a root in the church and a hand in higher education, Transforming Students Joyfully was naturally formed. As a child who was raised by her grandmother with two parents serving time in state prison, I consistently watched the lives of others transform. I realized that age did not categorized you as a student because as humans we are always learning. My grandmother also always said, “Bubba, if you can’t do anything else in life, you can find joy.” Joy is a state in which you live in not something that comes and goes. When this hit me, I decided for the rest of my life, I would Transform Students Joyfully. My organization currently helps students from rural areas through the college admissions process, host virtual and in-person events to bring mindset growth awareness, and host community give back events.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I defines struggles as speedbumps. You see the thing about a speedbump is that it slows you down, but it does not stop you. One of the first speedbumps I encountered in life was being raised by a grandmother due to my maternal parents both being in prison throughout most of my childhood. Growing up, we did not have a lot of means financially, nor was I around many family members who could help me with my studies. There was a lot of trial and error to just figuring out how to navigate life- college, financial budgeting, dating, etc. This is when I discovered the power of mentorship. There were women and men who poured into me and helped me discover life past what I was existing in. This is why I believe in the importance of giving back. My mentors truly poured their all into me. A few mentors I will mention are Lacey Rice, Angie Lovein, Elnora Hill, and Bobby Rowan. Man were they influential to who I am today. They all spoke life into me and told me I could be anything I wanted to be. I just so happened to be crazy enough to believe them.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I serve as the Director of Recruitment for Wesleyan College. I think a better question is what is there that I don’t do. I truly have one of the best jobs in the world. My primary job is to recruit a incoming class of students through creating sales strategies, managing the recruitment staff, and creating partnerships to build relationships in expectation to cultivate a pipeline of students for interest in the institution. But, to take the fancy terminology away, I help students make one of the biggest decisions in their lives and sometimes that is truly helping a students dream come true. I believe my specialties are public speaking and relationship building and I honestly believe I am best known for that. I love to grace a crowd of people and stay connected afterwards. Most families will tell you I’m in it for the long-run. This summer I’ve enjoyed getting text-mail from former recruitment families with graduation pictures. It truly made my days. I am so proud of the young adults that I had such a tiny impact on. In addition to my job duties, serve on statewide boards such as GACRAO which represents higher education industry throughout the state of Georgia.
I am set apart by others in my field, because I take the grace of God with me wherever I go. I truly believe the work that I do is a battlefield for him. This work is not about me, it is about the students a serve. All Glory goes to the one true King. I am grateful for the skill he has gifted me. I am more grateful that I love the skill he has gifted me with.
Where do you see things going in the next 5-10 years?
In the next 5-10 years, I will be walking in the will of the Lord wherever I’m at and in whatever I’m doing. I do see myself on international platforms “Transforming Students Joyfully!”
Contact Info:
- Instagram: Tanisha S. Johnson
- Facebook: Tanisha S. Johnson
