Impact Of A Scholarship: Michael Johnson

Johnson gave up his collegiate track and field career during his junior year to focus on academics. Although it was a tough decision, it proved to be the correct one. In 1976, Johnson became the first African American to graduate from the University of Maryland’s School of Architecture, Planning and Preservation. 

Johnson took several courses that inspired him. One of them was called the “Architect In The Community.” He learned about the role an architect can play in helping rebuild communities. 

“That really opened my eyes to wanting to be in real estate development,” Johnson said. “As an architect, you design buildings, but you generally have a client, and that client is a real estate developer. That real estate developer has the vision for what will be built, whether it’s multi-family housing, a commercial office or retail stores.”

Johnson earned a joint bachelor’s degree in architecture and urban planning from Maryland. He says attending Maryland opened up many opportunities for him. 

“I got a chance to go to a good architecture school in an area like College Park near Washington, D.C., where you got exposed to many things,” Johnson said. “Washington D.C. probably has more Black architects than any other city. So, I was able to meet some mentors that helped me start my career.”