Photo courtesy of Keshawn Johnson
New student trustee Keshawn Johnson is studying computer science.
A second-year computer science student became the newest member of AACC’s Board of Trustees in September.
Keshawn Johnson, whose role will be to bring the student perspective to board discussions about college policy, replaced Devin Keller, a cybersecurity student.
Johnson, 21, said when he learned about the opportunity to join the board, “I felt something that I had never felt before. I felt like it was a calling. I felt a sense of purpose and pride for my [fellow] students.”
AACC is one of three community colleges that allows its student trustees to vote.
“It [was] a very easy choice” to recommend Johnson, who was one of three finalists for the position, according to Amberdawn Cheatham, AACC’s director of student engagement.
“He had really great … past experience of speaking up on behalf of other students,” Cheatham said.
Johnson, who will serve as a trustee for one year, has been a member of the Black Male Institute, the student club Experience Campus Ministry, and the Student Achievement and Success Program.
In addition, Cheatham said Johnson served on a similar board in high school, working with the principal and other students to recommend policies.
“It’s essential to have that student perspective from the board that can kind of give insight on whether a policy is the best or not,” Johnson said.